New Jersey — July 13, 2025
Chelsea pulled off one of their most impressive wins in recent memory, beating Paris Saint-Germain 3-0 in the final of the first-ever FIFA Club World Cup. On a hot afternoon at MetLife Stadium, it was Cole Palmer who stole the spotlight, scoring twice and setting up the third in a first-half performance that left PSG in shock.
PSG came into the game as strong favorites after lifting the Champions League and hammering Real Madrid 4-0 in the semi-finals. But instead of PSG running the show, Chelsea flipped the script — and fast.
Palmer Leads Chelsea’s First-Half Blitz
It took just 22 minutes for Palmer to open the scoring, pouncing on a loose ball after Malo Gusto’s shot was blocked. Eight minutes later, Palmer struck again — coolly slotting a low shot past Gianluigi Donnarumma after finding space down the right.
Just before halftime, Palmer turned provider. His clever pass set up João Pedro, who clipped in Chelsea’s third goal of the afternoon. By the break, PSG — who had only conceded once in their last eight matches — were 3-0 down and looked rattled.
PSG’s Nightmare Ends with a Red Card
PSG never really threatened to come back. Their best chance came right before halftime when João Neves headed just wide. Things got worse late on when Neves was sent off after a VAR check, caught pulling Marc Cucurella’s hair off the ball — a bizarre moment on a day PSG would rather forget.
A Historic Win for Chelsea
This wasn’t just another trophy for Chelsea. After winning the UEFA Conference League and finishing fourth in the Premier League, lifting the FIFA Club World Cup capped off a memorable season. The win also brought them a whopping $125 million in prize money — not a bad way to start the summer.
A Final with a Super Bowl Feel
The atmosphere at MetLife Stadium felt more like an NFL Super Bowl than a soccer final. Over 81,000 fans packed the stands, with Donald Trump and Melania Trump watching from the VIP seats.
Even halftime had its own show — a FIFA first — with performances from J Balvin, Doja Cat, and Chris Martin, turning the game into a full-blown spectacle.
What’s Next?
- Chelsea will now enjoy a short break before jumping back into pre-season, with expectations sky-high under manager Enzo Maresca.
- PSG, despite a season that saw them win the Champions League, Ligue 1, and French Cup, will need to regroup before facing Tottenham Hotspur in the UEFA Super Cup.
Final Score: Chelsea 3-0 PSG
- Goals: Palmer (22’, 30’), João Pedro (43’)
- Red Card: João Neves (86’, PSG)