Paris Saint-Germain face the Seattle Sounders in a decisive group-stage match at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, with both sides holding slim hopes of advancing to the knockout rounds. PSG control their own destiny—win, and they’re through. For the Sounders, it’s a long-shot scenario that requires a win and favorable results elsewhere. With so much on the line, both teams will rely on their top players, but among PSG fans, one key question looms large: Why is Ousmane Dembele not available?
The Parisians arrive at Matchday 3 under pressure, having stumbled in their last outing with a 1–0 loss to Botafogo. Despite dominating possession throughout the match, PSG failed to find the back of the net—a frustrating setback after their impressive 4–0 rout of Atlético Madrid in the previous game. That inconsistency now puts them in a precarious position heading into the final day of group play.
Seattle, meanwhile, finds itself at the bottom of the group after back-to-back defeats. It opened the tournament with a 2–1 loss to Botafogo and followed it up with a 3–1 defeat to Atlético Madrid. With zero points from two matches, the Sounders will need to pull off a near-miracle and hope for favorable results elsewhere to keep their tournament dreams alive.
Why is Ousmane Dembele not available for PSG vs Seattle?
Dembele has officially been ruled out of Paris Saint-Germain’s decisive FIFA Club World Cup clash against the Seattle Sounders. The French winger is not included in the starting lineup or on the bench, as confirmed by the official team sheets released ahead of kickoff. Still recovering from a hamstring injury sustained on international duty, Dembele will miss his third consecutive match.
Ousmane Dembele of Paris Saint-Germain during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Semi Final First Leg match between Arsenal FC and Paris Saint-Germain at Emirates Stadium on April 29, 2025 in London, England.
Manager Luis Enrique had hinted at a cautious approach, and with so much at stake, PSG will now have to secure qualification without one of their most dynamic attacking threats.
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What has Luis Enrique said?
Enrique addressed the situation in his pre-match press conference, making it clear that no unnecessary risks will be taken with players recovering from injury—especially in tournament conditions.
“He participated in training with the team this week, and this Monday we’ll see how he feels,” Enrique said. “I don’t like to take risks with players. Tomorrow we’ll see, but nothing is guaranteed.” The coach’s comments suggest that unless Dembélé feels 100% ready, PSG may opt to keep him sidelined.
Elimination still possible for PSG
This match carries major implications for PSG. Even with a win, their fate could be influenced by the result of Atlético Madrid vs. Botafogo, which kicks off later in the day. With the group hanging in the balance and three teams still in contention, Matchday 3 promises drama, unpredictability, and possibly a few surprises.
PSG are one of the tournament favorites, but a group-stage exit would be a massive disappointment. The Sounders, meanwhile, have nothing to lose and everything to gain—a dangerous combination in knockout-style soccer.
