In a stunning display at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, Chelsea FC clinched the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup title with a commanding 3-0 halftime lead against the European champions, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), leaving fans and pundits alike in awe of the Blues’ performance. The match, played on Sunday, July 13, 2025, showcased Chelsea’s tactical discipline, squad depth, and the emergence of new stars under the stewardship of coach Enzo Maresca.
Coming into the final, Chelsea had shown remarkable resilience and adaptability throughout the tournament. After starting with 32 teams, only Chelsea and PSG remained to contest the prestigious global trophy. PSG, fresh off a dominant 4-0 semifinal victory over Real Madrid, were widely favored to win, with their star-studded lineup including Ballon d’Or contender Ousmane Dembele, who had scored in both the quarterfinals and semifinals. However, Chelsea’s tactical setup and player performances proved to be a formidable challenge.
One of the pivotal factors in Chelsea’s triumph was the fitness and form of Moisés Caicedo, who returned to full training after twisting an ankle in the semifinal against Fluminense. His presence alongside Enzo Fernández in midfield provided the perfect balance of defensive solidity and creative spark. Caicedo’s defensive work was crucial in disrupting PSG’s quick transitions, averaging 2.1 successful tackles per 90 minutes with a 56.3% success rate during the tournament. Meanwhile, Fernández’s vision and creativity, leading the tournament with three assists and ten created chances, helped unlock the PSG defense.
The Blues employed a dynamic 4-2-3-1 formation, with Caicedo and Fernández shielding the back four. The defensive line was reinforced by the return of Levi Colwill from suspension, joining Trevoh Chalobah, Malo Gusto, and Marc Cucurella. This unit had been instrumental in Chelsea’s three clean sheets and only four goals conceded across five Club World Cup games. Chalobah, the last remaining player from Chelsea’s 2021 FIFA Club World Cup-winning squad, provided experience and composure at the heart of defense.
Upfront, the attacking options were a blend of youthful exuberance and clinical finishing. Joao Pedro, the Brazilian striker signed for $82 million just days before the tournament’s final stages, was the standout performer. Making his Chelsea debut in the quarterfinal win over Palmeiras and then scoring two goals against his boyhood club Fluminense in the semifinal, Pedro’s impact was immediate and profound. In the final, he continued his sensational form by scoring Chelsea’s third goal before being substituted due to injury, replaced by Liam Delap, who nearly scored after coming on.
Cole Palmer was arguably the star of the first half, scoring two goals and providing an assist. His quick feet and intelligent movement caused constant problems for PSG’s defense. Palmer’s first goal came after a clever dummy against Vitinha, followed by a precise finish into the bottom corner. He doubled the lead with another composed strike, highlighting his rising status within the Chelsea squad.
Despite the heat and sunny conditions with temperatures around 83F (28C), Chelsea’s energy and intensity never wavered. Reece James, who had lifted the UEFA Conference League trophy just two months earlier, started in midfield and contributed to the team’s balance. Meanwhile, Pedro Neto and Cole Palmer flanked Joao Pedro, with Enzo Fernández operating in a more advanced No. 10 role, orchestrating attacks with creativity and flair.
PSG, missing defenders Willian Pacho and Lucas Hernandez due to suspensions, struggled to find their rhythm. Although Ousmane Dembele and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia attempted to spark their side into life, they were repeatedly denied by Chelsea’s disciplined defense and goalkeeper Robert Sanchez. Sanchez was outstanding, making crucial saves including a close-range stop against Dembele and a parried shot from Kvaratskhelia, keeping PSG’s hopes alive.
Tensions flared late in the match when PSG’s Joao Neves was shown a straight red card for pulling Cucurella’s hair, forcing PSG to play the final minutes with ten men. This incident further tilted the balance in Chelsea’s favor, allowing the Blues to maintain control as the clock wound down.
The match had its share of drama with substitutions and tactical adjustments. Enzo Maresca made strategic changes, bringing on Andrey Santos for the injured Enzo Fernández and introducing Liam Delap for the injured Joao Pedro. Delap’s immediate impact, pressing the PSG defense and nearly scoring, demonstrated Chelsea’s depth and readiness to adapt under pressure.
Chelsea’s journey to this moment was marked by strong performances and squad rotation. Enzo Maresca’s willingness to make at least two changes in every match of the tournament kept the squad fresh and competitive. The departure of Noni Madueke to Arsenal for £52 million had altered forward options, but the emergence of Joao Pedro and the availability of Liam Delap ensured Chelsea’s attack remained potent.
The victory marks Chelsea’s second FIFA Club World Cup title, making them the first English team to achieve this feat. Their first triumph came in the 2021 edition, and with this win, Chelsea solidifies their place among the elite clubs on the global stage. The triumph also signals a significant statement of intent for the upcoming season, showcasing the progress under Enzo Maresca and the impact of the club’s strategic acquisitions.
Backup goalkeeper Gabriel Slonina, the young American who made history as the youngest MLS goalkeeper, was on the bench throughout the knockout stages, representing the club’s growing international talent pool. Meanwhile, the team’s resilience was tested by injuries and suspensions, but the collective effort ensured they overcame these challenges.
The match was broadcast live on Channel 5 and DAZN in the UK, and on TBS, truTV, and DAZN in the United States, drawing a global audience eager to witness this historic final. Fans at MetLife Stadium were treated to a thrilling first half, punctuated by live halftime performances from artists like J Balvin and Doja Cat, adding to the spectacle of the event.
As the final whistle blew, Chelsea’s players and fans rejoiced in a well-deserved victory that capped off a remarkable Club World Cup campaign. The Blues’ blend of youthful talent, tactical acumen, and unyielding determination proved too much for the French giants, PSG, in what will be remembered as a landmark moment in Chelsea’s storied history.
