Flamengo meets Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday (17) in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup final at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar. After advancing past Cruz Azul and Pyramids FC, the Brazilian club eyes its first world title since 1981. Coach Filipe Luís emphasizes the need for flawlessness against the Champions League winners.
The final kicks off at 2 p.m. Brasília time, airing on Globo, SporTV, ge.tv, CazéTV, and Fifa+. Flamengo enters unbeaten in the tournament, having secured the Supercopa do Brasil, Campeonato Carioca, Copa Libertadores, and Campeonato Brasileiro this season. As outlined in prior coverage, they overcame Cruz Azul 2-1 and Pyramids FC 2-0 to reach this stage.
"Our ambition matches the fans': world champions after so long," said Giorgian de Arrascaeta, recalling the 1981 triumph over Liverpool—the last for any Brazilian club before Corinthians' 2012 win against Chelsea.
Filipe Luís cautioned: "We must play perfectly. Few teams neutralize them, as they're Champions League champs." PSG's Luis Enrique added respect: "I know Flamengo well and didn't want them in the final. Expect an exciting clash—both teams press high and possess well." PSG qualified directly as European champions but misses injured right-back Achraf Hakimi.
Flamengo welcomes back Léo Ortiz and Pedro from injury, potentially starting or bench options. Ronaldinho Gaúcho, ex-player for both, noted: "Hard to pick a side with history on both. Value the final's significance."
American referee Ismail Elfath (43, Morocco-born) officiates, with assistants Parker Corey and Kyle Atkins. His recent game: Egypt 0-3 Jordan in the Arab Cup.
