Match preview for Paris Saint-Germain v Botafogo
Two of the Club World Cup’s early pace-setters go head-to-head at the iconic Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Thursday, as European champions Paris Saint-Germain face off against South American kings Botafogo in a top-of-the-table clash in Group B.
PSG arrived in the United States riding a wave of momentum and made a statement in their tournament opener by dismantling Atletico Madrid 4-0.
Botafogo, meanwhile, edged past Seattle Sounders to secure three vital points, setting up a crucial encounter between the group’s frontrunners.
With both sides already off the mark, victory for either team could all but confirm their place in the knockout stages of the competition.
Eyes fixed on the next match: Botafogo ⚔️#FIFACWC pic.twitter.com/Es0hwH5LY4
— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) June 16, 2025
Team news for Paris Saint-Germain v Botafogo
PSG are set to be boosted by the return of Bradley Barcola, who is recovering from a minor knee injury. The French winger will be in contention to start, potentially rotating with teenage sensation Desire Doue.
Ousmane Dembele remains sidelined as he continues individual recovery work for a muscle issue, making it unlikely the Ballon d’Or nominee will feature.
In attack, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Goncalo Ramos are expected to keep their places after impressive showings, with Kvaratskhelia involved in two of PSG’s four goals last time out.
Botafogo, who might adopt a more conservative tactical approach against PSG’s firepower, could make changes from the win over Seattle.
Gonzalo Mastriani may drop to the bench, especially if Cuiabano is passed fit following a back injury.
Arthur Cabral and Joaquin Correa, both signed just before the tournament, are in contention but Correa is still working toward full fitness and may not be risked.
Injuries have ruled out Jeffinho and Matheus Martins, limiting Renato Paiva’s options in attack.
Dia de treinamento na costa oeste dos Estados Unidos. Vamos nessa, Fogão!💪⚽️ #VamosBOTAFOGO #FIFACWC #TakeltToTheWorld
Todos os jogos do Glorioso no app DAZN, grátis. Cadastre-se em: https://t.co/oXCYJqDpOc
📸 Vítor Silva / BFR pic.twitter.com/Wppylq02UY
— Botafogo F.R. (@Botafogo) June 18, 2025
Expected line-ups for Paris Saint-Germain v Botafogo
Paris Saint-Germain: Donnarumma; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, Mendes; Neves, Vitinha, Ruiz; Kvaratskhelia, Ramos, Doue
Botafogo John; Vitinho, Cunha, Barboza, Telles; Gregore, Freitas; Artur, Savarino, Cuiabano; Jesus
How to watch Paris Saint-Germain v Botafogo: TV channel, online stream
Paris Saint-Germain v Botafogo will kick-off at 2am on Friday morning in the UK. The game will be free to stream online through DAZN.
The stats for Paris Saint-Germain v Botafogo
- PSG are undefeated in their last 12 matches
- Won their last 3 matches with a combined scoreline of 12-0
- Kept 5 consecutive clean sheets in all competitions
- Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has 5 goal contributions in his last 3 appearances
- First French club to play a competitive fixture against a non-European team
- Botafogo have won 4 consecutive matches coming into this game
- Won 9 of their last 12 matches in all competitions
- Igor Jesus has scored his last 3 goals with headers
- Jefferson Savarino was the club’s top scorer in the 2024 league season with 8 goals
Prediction
While Botafogo have done well so far they’ll need a near-flawless performance to take anything from a Paris Saint-Germain side in red-hot form.
The Brazilian club showed some vulnerabilities in their narrow win over Seattle, and if those resurface, PSG are likely to punish them.
Prediction: PSG 4-0 Botafogo
