Chelsea delivered a stunning performance to defeat European champions Paris Saint-Germain 3-0 in the final of the inaugural expanded FIFA Club World Cup on Sunday at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Despite PSG being heavy favourites, Chelsea took control early, scoring all three goals within the first 43 minutes.
Cole Palmer was the standout star, scoring twice in the 22nd and 30th minutes with precise finishes and later providing a key assist to Brazilian forward João Pedro, who chipped the ball over PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma just before halftime. PSG struggled to respond, and their hopes were further dashed when midfielder João Neves was sent off in the 85th minute for a foul on Chelsea’s Marc Cucurella.
Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez also played a crucial role, making several important saves to maintain the clean sheet. The victory marked Chelsea’s second international trophy of the year, following their UEFA Conference League win in May, and capped off an impressive season under manager Enzo Maresca.
The final was attended by notable figures including former U.S. President Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino, highlighting the event as a successful precursor to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will also be hosted in the United States.
Chelsea’s unexpected dominance over PSG, the European champions, showcased their tactical discipline and attacking prowess, with Palmer’s clinical finishing and creative playmaking earning widespread praise. The win also secured Chelsea a significant share of the tournament’s $1 billion prize fund, reinforcing the club’s growing stature on the global stage.