Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) advanced to the Round of 16 at the FIFA Club World Cup with a composed 2-0 win over Seattle Sounders, despite early nerves and a spirited showing from the MLS side.
The European champions dominated possession and created a flurry of chances in the first half but had to rely on a stroke of luck to break the deadlock.
A misdirected shot from Vitinha deflected off Seattle’s Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and into the net, giving PSG a fortunate lead before halftime.
Seattle nearly capitalized on a PSG error early in the game when goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma gifted the ball to Jesus Ferreira, but the striker failed to convert from a tight angle.
PSG kept up the pressure in the second half, mindful of their recent shock defeat to Botafogo. Their persistence paid off when they doubled their lead with a swift counterattack.
Désiré Doué set up substitute Bradley Barcola, who delivered a low cross for Achraf Hakimi to slot past Stefan Frei and secure the win.
Despite a late push from the Sounders—highlighted by a near-miss from Cristian Roldan in the final minute—the French giants held firm to secure their place in the knockout rounds.
PSG now turn their attention to the knockout phase, aiming to bounce back from their earlier upset loss and continue their quest for global silverware.
