Seattle vs. the Superstars: Club World Cup Spotlight on PSG Showdown
Danny Jefferson | June 23, 2025
SEATTLE — In front of over 50,000 fans at Lumen Field, Seattle Sounders FC wrapped up their Club World Cup debut with a 2–0 loss to Paris Saint-Germain. The result ended the Sounders’ tournament run in the group stage, while PSG advanced to the knockout round as Group B leaders.
Seattle came out of the gate with energy and purpose. Their press caused some early discomfort for PSG, and they enjoyed solid spells of possession in the opening 10 minutes. The crowd came alive when midfielder Paul Rothrock forced a poor clearance from Gianluigi Donnarumma, and Jesús Ferreira nearly capitalized but misfired just wide. Those missed chances would loom large.
Despite Seattle’s strong start, PSG’s quality began to surface. Stefan Frei was tested multiple times in the first half, including key saves on Désiré Doué. The breakthrough came in the 35th minute when a shot from Vitinha took a deflection off Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and beat Frei at his far post. The goal was unlucky for Seattle, as the original shot seemed to be heading wide.
After taking the lead, PSG slowed the game down and controlled the tempo. By halftime, the visitors had racked up nearly 75% possession, and Seattle had yet to register a shot on target. The Sounders found it difficult to break PSG’s midfield shape, with Marco Asensio and Fabian Ruiz dictating the pace from the center.
The second half continued much the same. In the 66th minute, PSG doubled their advantage when Bradley Barcola broke forward on the counterattack and found an unmarked Achraf Hakimi at the far post. Hakimi calmly finished past Frei, leaving Seattle in a 2–0 hole with little time to respond.
Seattle coach Brian Schmetzer made late substitutions to spark a comeback, including the return of Jordan Morris, who received a loud ovation after recovering from injury. Cristian Roldan and Morris both had efforts near the end, but neither could find the target. Defender Nouhou made a last-ditch clearance off the line in the 86th to prevent a third PSG goal.
Despite being shut out in all three group stage matches, Seattle’s effort throughout the tournament earned respect. Facing the reigning UEFA Champions League winners and other international giants gave the squad a taste of the global stage. The experience, though humbling, will likely fuel motivation heading back into MLS competition.
PSG, meanwhile, finished with six points and topped Group B on goal difference over Atlético Madrid. Botafogo advanced as well, rounding out the top three. The Sounders now return to domestic play, with a quick turnaround as they host Austin FC at home on June 28.
The match closed a historic week for Seattle, who became the first MLS team to ever compete in a Club World Cup on home soil. While the results didn’t go their way, the atmosphere, attendance, and global exposure showcased the club’s growth and ambition on the international stage.
