Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) secured their spot in the FIFA Club World Cup last 16 with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Seattle Sounders on Monday, June 23, 2025. The match, played at Lumen Field in Seattle in front of 50,628 fans, saw Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Achraf Hakimi score on either side of halftime to seal the win for the reigning European champions.
PSG's victory sees them advance as Group B winners on goal difference, bouncing back from their previous 1-0 defeat against Botafogo. The French side demonstrated their superior quality throughout the match, although they didn't always play to their full potential. Seattle Sounders, despite a spirited performance, were unable to match the Parisians' firepower.
The opening goal came in the 35th minute when a shot from Vitinha deflected off Kvaratskhelia and into the net. While there was an element of luck involved, PSG had been building pressure and creating chances prior to the goal. In the 66th minute, Achraf Hakimi doubled PSG's lead, calmly slotting home after a cut-back from Bradley Barcola. Hakimi's goal effectively ended any hopes of a Seattle comeback.
Seattle had a chance to take a surprise lead earlier in the match when a mistake by PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma presented Jesus Ferreira with an opportunity, but he fired his shot over the crossbar. Ultimately, the Sounders struggled to create clear-cut chances and failed to register a single shot on target throughout the match.
Despite the loss, Seattle Sounders can hold their heads high. Playing in a challenging group against top-quality opposition, including the UEFA Champions League winners, they remained competitive in all their matches. Their participation in the Club World Cup will have provided valuable experience for the players and raised the profile of the club on the global stage. Jordan Morris also made his return to the pitch for the Sounders in the match for the first time since April.
PSG, meanwhile, will now turn their attention to the knockout stages, where they will face the runner-up from Group A. Potential opponents include Palmeiras or Inter Miami. PSG coach Luis Enrique made several changes to his starting lineup following the defeat to Botafogo, bringing in captain Marquinhos, Nuno Mendes, Fabian Ruiz, and Joao Neves. The win against Seattle ensures PSG's progression in the tournament and keeps them on track for a potential Club World Cup title.
