In a commanding display at the 2025 Club World Cup final, Chelsea decisively defeated Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) 3-0 on July 13 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, USA. This victory marks Chelsea's second major trophy of the season, following their triumph in the UEFA Conference League.
The match kicked off with high intensity as Chelsea, under the guidance of coach Enzo Maresca, took control early on. The first breakthrough came in the 20th minute when English midfielder Cole Palmer opened the scoring. The goal was the product of a well-orchestrated attack, initiated by Robert Sanchez and Malo Gusto, with Palmer finishing clinically to put Chelsea ahead.
Palmer was far from finished. Just ten minutes later, at the 30th minute, he doubled his tally with a second goal, completing a brace. This time, the assist came from Levi Colwill, and the move bore a striking resemblance to the first, highlighting Chelsea's tactical consistency and Palmer's sharp finishing.
As the first half neared its conclusion, Chelsea continued to press their advantage. In the 43rd minute, Joao Pedro, another key figure in the Chelsea lineup, found the back of the net. Assisted by Palmer, Pedro’s goal solidified Chelsea's dominance and set the score at 3-0 heading into halftime.
PSG, despite their high-profile squad and pre-tournament status as favorites, struggled to find their rhythm. Their midfield dynamo, Joao Neves, was a notable presence but received a red card in the 86th minute for a violent act—grabbing Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella by the hair—leaving PSG to finish the match with ten men. This incident underscored the mounting frustration within the French side as they failed to respond effectively to Chelsea's pressure.
Throughout the second half, PSG created several dangerous opportunities but failed to convert any into goals. Notably, former Rubin Kazan player Khvicha Kvaratskhelia was on the pitch for just 57 minutes before being substituted, while Russian goalkeeper Matvey Safonov remained on the bench throughout the match.
Chelsea's starting lineup featured Sanchez in goal, with Malo Gusto, Trevoh Chalobah, Levi Colwill, and Marc Cucurella forming the defensive unit. Midfield duties were shared by Reece James, Moises Caicedo, and Fernandez, while the attacking trio consisted of Cole Palmer, Netu, and Joao Pedro. The team’s cohesive performance was a testament to Maresca's tactical acumen and the players' execution on the big stage.
Before reaching this final, Chelsea had demonstrated their resilience and quality by defeating Brazilian side Fluminense 2-0 in the semifinals and edging past Palmeiras 2-1 in the quarterfinals. PSG, on the other hand, had cruised through their knockout stages with a commanding 4-0 victory over Real Madrid in the semifinals and a 2-0 win against Bayern Munich in the quarterfinals, which had set high expectations for their performance in the final.
This edition of the Club World Cup is notable for being the first under its revamped format, featuring 32 clubs from all confederations, including representatives from Brazil, England, Egypt, the USA, Mexico, Japan, and the UAE. The tournament’s expansion aimed to bring a broader global representation and more competitive balance to the world stage.
The match was officiated by Iranian referee Alireza Faghani, who managed the game with authority despite the intensity and occasional tensions on the pitch.
Cole Palmer's outstanding performance earned him the distinction of the tournament's best player, reflecting his pivotal role in Chelsea's triumph. His brace and assist were instrumental in dismantling PSG’s defenses and securing the prestigious trophy.
At the award ceremony, former U.S. President Donald Trump presented the silver medal to PSG’s goalkeeper Matvey Safonov, an unexpected moment that surprised Chelsea’s captain and added a unique twist to the post-match proceedings.
Despite the loss, PSG’s journey to the final highlighted their quality and potential, though their inability to adapt to Chelsea’s tactics and the disciplinary lapse late in the game ultimately cost them dearly.
For Chelsea, this victory not only adds to their growing trophy cabinet but also signals their rising stature on the global football stage. With a blend of young talent like Palmer and experienced campaigners, the London club has showcased a winning formula that could yield further success in the coming seasons.
The final scoreline of 3-0 reflects Chelsea's dominance throughout the match and their capacity to perform on the biggest stage. As the club celebrates this landmark achievement, the football world takes note of a team that has combined tactical discipline, youthful exuberance, and clinical finishing to emerge as world champions.
