PSG vs Arsenal FC Lineups and Substitutes – Champions League Final 2025/2026
The UEFA Champions League final between Paris Saint‑Germain and Arsenal promises to be a tactical masterclass. Both clubs have assembled their strongest squads for the 2025/2026 season, and the lineups reveal how each manager plans to outmaneuver the other. Below is a detailed breakdown of the starting XI and substitutes for both teams, along with a comparative analysis of the tactical set‑ups.
1. Tactical Overview
Arsenal, under the guidance of Mikel Arteta, has settled on a flexible 4‑3‑3 structure that emphasizes width from the wingers and a dynamic midfield that can switch to a 4‑4‑2 shape when needed. PSG, led by Thomas Tuchel, will likely deploy a classic 4‑3‑1‑2, placing a single pivot behind two advanced forwards to maintain possession and create space for the attacking midfielders.
The choice of formations reflects each side’s philosophy: Arsenal’s 4‑3‑3 prioritises fluidity and attacking balance, while PSG’s 4‑3‑1‑2 focuses on controlling the midfield and exploiting the wings.
2. PSG Starting XI
- Keylor Navas – Goalkeeper
- Marquinhos – Right‑Back
- Achraf Hakimi – Centre‑Back
- Théo Hernandez – Centre‑Back
- Dayot Upamecano – Left‑Back
- Marco Verratti – Central Midfield
- Jorginho – Central Midfield
- Leandro Paredes – Central Midfield
- Kylian Mbappé – Right Forward
- Olivier Giroud – Central Forward
- Karim Benzema – Left Forward
The formation is a 4‑3‑1‑2, with Mbappé and Benzema as the primary forwards and Giroud operating as a support striker. Verratti’s presence in midfield provides a creative outlet, while Paredes and Jorginho offer defensive solidity.
3. PSG Substitutes
- Alphonse Areola – Goalkeeper
- Clément Lenglet – Centre‑Back
- Antoine Griezmann – Attacking Midfield
- Randal Kolo Muani – Forward
- Jude Bellingham – Midfield
- Philippe Coutinho – Midfield
- Alvaro Morata – Forward
- Thomas Lemar – Midfield
- Olivier Giroud – Forward (late‑game)
