PSG started their 2025 FIFA Club World Cup campaign with a resounding 4-0 victory over Atletico Madrid. However, a surprising 0-1 defeat to Botafogo on 19/6 has thrown Group B wide open.

Botafogo, initially considered underdogs against PSG and Atletico, now lead the group with two wins. PSG sits in second place with three points, ahead of Atletico on goal difference. Seattle Sounders are yet to earn a point.

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (right) during PSG's loss to Botafogo on 19/6 in the FIFA Club World Cup. Photo: AFP

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (right) during PSG's loss to Botafogo on 19/6 in the FIFA Club World Cup. Photo: AFP

PSG's hopes of winning the group are slim. Their most realistic goal is to secure second place and a spot in the round of 16. To achieve this, they must defeat Seattle Sounders today.

A draw against the American side, coupled with an Atletico Madrid win over Botafogo, would eliminate PSG from the tournament. However, if Atletico draws or loses, the reigning European champions will advance. In the event of a tie in points, PSG holds the advantage over the Spanish team due to their head-to-head result.

A loss to the lowest-ranked team in the group, Seattle Sounders, combined with any result where Atletico Madrid earns a point against Botafogo, would guarantee PSG's elimination.

If both PSG and Atletico Madrid lose their final group matches, a three-way tie on three points would occur between the second, third, and fourth-placed teams. In this scenario, the teams' positions would be determined by their head-to-head records.

According to Club World Cup regulations, if two or more teams are tied on points, their head-to-head record is the first tiebreaker. The criteria are: points in direct matches, goal difference in direct matches, and goals scored in direct matches.

In a scenario where all three teams finish with six points, PSG could reclaim the top spot based on having the highest goal difference in head-to-head matches (4-1).

Thanh Quy (according to LP)