The Rose Bowl Stadium will take center stage on Friday as Paris Saint-Germain squares off with Brazil’s Botafogo in a pivotal Group B encounter at the FIFA Club World Cup.
PSG arrive in California riding a wave of confidence after dismantling Atletico Madrid 4-0 in their tournament opener, a performance brimming with clinical finishing and creative flair. Meanwhile, Botafogo kicked off their campaign with a hard-fought victory, narrowly overcoming MLS side Seattle Sounders to claim an important three points.
One of four Brazilian clubs participating in this expanded edition of the Club World Cup, Botafogo earned their spot by lifting the 2024 Copa Libertadores crown, defeating fellow Brazilian outfit Atletico Mineiro 3-1 in the final. However, their follow-up appearance at the Intercontinental Cup proved disappointing, as they were brushed aside 3-0 by Pachuca. Now, the Rio-based club seeks redemption on U.S. soil.
The Sporting News looks at the key details ahead of this game, including how to watch the match, kickoff times and the latest lineup news.
PSG vs. Botafogo live stream, TV channel
Here's how to watch this FIFA Club World Cup match in the U.K.:
TV channel: N/A
Live stream: DAZN
This game is not available for live TV broadcast in the UK. Streaming options are available on DAZN.
What time does PSG vs. Botafogo kick off?
This FIFA Club World Cup clash takes place at the Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, California, and kicks off on Thursday, June 19 at 9:00 p.m. local time, which translates to Friday, June 20, 2:00 a.m. BST in the UK.
PSG vs. Botafogo predicted lineups, team news
PSG, already demonstrating their firepower against one of La Liga’s best, are expected to be further strengthened by the return of Bradley Barcola, who looks ready to shake off a minor knee issue.
Although Ousmane Dembélé continues to train separately due to a lingering muscular problem, Barcola’s recovery sets up a fresh selection duel with Desire Doué.
Up front, Gonçalo Ramos and the in-form Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who was instrumental in setting up two goals in the previous outing and has contributed to five in his last three matches, are both primed to feature.
In midfield, PSG’s trusted trio are expected to retain their spots, anchoring a side that’s firing on all cylinders. Veteran defender and club icon Marquinhos will also mark a personal milestone, as this will be his first competitive appearance against a Brazilian club since his days at Corinthians, nearly 13 years ago.
PSG predicted XI (4-3-3, right to left): Donnarumma (GK) — Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, Nuno Mendes — Joao Neves, Vitinha, Fabian Ruiz — Doue, Goncalo Ramos, Kvaratskhelia.
Injured: None.
Suspended: None.
Botafogo, by contrast, may be tempted to adopt a more conservative setup than the one used against Seattle. Gonzalo Mastriani could be the one to make way, especially with reports suggesting that winger Cuiabano might be fit in time following a back injury.
New signings Arthur Cabral and Joaquin Correa are in contention, though Correa is still managing fitness issues and may only be ready for a role off the bench. With Matheus Martins and former Lyon winger Jeffinho sidelined, Botafogo head coach Renato Paiva will likely lean on Brazil international Igor Jesus, who’s developed a knack for scoring with his head; his last three goals have all come via headers.
He’ll likely be partnered by Jefferson Savarino, the Venezuelan forward who topped Botafogo’s scoring charts in the last Brazilian league season with eight goals.
Botafogo predicted XI (4-4-2, right to left): John (GK) — Vitinho, Cunha, Barboza, Telles — Gregore, Freitas — Artur, Savarino, Cuiabano — Jesus.
Injured: Matheus Martins (hamstring), Jeffinho (knee).
Suspended: None.
Club World Cup fixture schedule for this week
All times BST
Thursday, June 19
- Palmeiras vs. Al Ahly (5:00 p.m.)
- Inter Miami vs. Porto (8:00 p.m.)
- Seattle Sounders vs. Atletico Madrid (11:00 p.m.)
Friday, June 20
- PSG vs. Botafogo (2:00 a.m.)
- Benfica vs. Auckland City (5:00 p.m.)
- Flamengo vs. Chelseao (8:00 p.m.)
- LAFC vs. ES Tunis (11:00 p.m.)
Saturday, June 21
- Bayern Munich vs. Boca Juniors (2:00 a.m.)
- Mamelodi Sundowns vs. Bor. Dortmund (5:00 p.m.)
- Inter Milan vs. Urawa Red Diamonds (8:00 p.m.)
- Fluminense vs. Ulsan HD (11:00 p.m.)
Sunday, June 22
- River Plate vs. Monterrey (2:00 a.m.)
- Juventus vs. Wydad (5:00 p.m.)
- Real Madrid vs. Pachuca (8:00 p.m.)
- Salzburg vs. Al Hilal (11:00 p.m.)
Monday, June 23
- Man City vs. Al Ain (2:00 a.m.)
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