Chelsea crowned world champions with historic 3-0 win over PSG: 2025 Club World Cup triumph

The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup final once again showcased football’s unpredictable nature. Played at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, USA, Chelsea defeated tournament favourites Paris Saint-Germain with three first-half goals to become the first champions under the competition’s new format. The result sent shockwaves through the footballing world.

The standout player of the match was Cole Palmer. The 23-year-old Englishman scored twice and provided an assist in the first 30 minutes, decisively shaping the outcome of the night. Chelsea quickly dismantled PSG’s game plan with sharp passing and relentless pressing. After taking control of the scoreline in the first half, the English side managed the second half with composure.

Chelsea take full control in the first half

The opening 20 minutes saw both sides playing with balance. However, a pivotal moment came in the 22nd minute. A deflected header from Nuno Mendes fell kindly for Malo Gusto. The Frenchman played it to Palmer, who struck a curling shot with his left foot from outside the box, finding the back of the net.

This goal handed Chelsea both the scoreline and a psychological edge. In the 30th minute, during a transition initiated by Reece James, Palmer doubled the lead with individual brilliance. He beat Vitinha, entered the box and once again placed the ball into the same corner.

In the 43rd minute, Palmer turned creator. His through ball found João Pedro making a run behind the defence, and the Brazilian converted with a deft chip to make it 3-0. Chelsea fans erupted in the stands, while PSG looked completely deflated.

PSG fall short of previous form

Paris Saint-Germain had impressed in earlier rounds with dominant performances, having defeated Inter Miami, Atlético Madrid, and Real Madrid each by a 4-0 scoreline. But in the final, they fell far short of that standard.

PSG tried to gain more possession in the second half but struggled to break through Chelsea’s compact defence. The English side closed down space effectively, while goalkeeper Robert Sánchez made timely interventions to keep a clean sheet. Tensions rose late in the game. In the 85th minute, João Neves was sent off after a VAR review for pulling Marc Cucurella’s hair. A brief post-match altercation followed.

Chelsea’s rise and road to the final

Chelsea qualified for the tournament through their 2021 UEFA Champions League triumph. Having lost to Flamengo in the group stage and featuring a squad with many new names, they were not widely seen as favourites at the start. But wins over Benfica, Palmeiras, and Fluminense in the knockout rounds showed the team had found its rhythm.

João Pedro’s inclusion added a new edge to the attack. Reece James’s leadership in defence, Levi Colwill’s positional intelligence, Robert Sánchez’s reliable goalkeeping, and Cole Palmer’s scoring prowess in the final were all decisive factors in Chelsea’s success.

First champions in new format: Chelsea

This tournament marked FIFA’s first edition under an expanded format, recognised globally as a major football event. Chelsea’s title carries special significance in the club’s history. Having earned their spot four years prior and arriving in the U.S. with a much-changed squad, Chelsea grew into the tournament and peaked with a commanding performance in the final.

Initially overlooked as title contenders, Chelsea overcame a shaky group stage and gradually improved their tactical discipline and organisation. Meticulous planning by the coaching staff, tactical clarity, and standout individual displays helped Chelsea evolve into a well-oiled unit with each match. The collective display in the final not only secured the scoreline but gave Chelsea full control of the game. This consistent progression ultimately crowned them the first world champions under the new FIFA Club World Cup format — a historically significant achievement. According to FIFA’s announced prize structure, Chelsea earned $123.6 million in total prize money.