How Chelsea Dominated PSG in the 2025 Club World Cup Final
Chelsea shocked Paris Saint-Germain with a 3-0 win in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup final. Cole Palmer’s brace and João Pedro’s goal sealed the title.
The match, held on July 13, 2025, at MetLife Stadium, showcased Chelsea’s tactical brilliance. PSG, despite their dominance all season, faltered under pressure. A post-match scuffle involving PSG’s coach Luis Enrique marred the celebrations.
Chelsea’s Tactical win
Chelsea, led by coach Enzo Maresca, executed a flawless game plan. They pressed PSG aggressively from the start. Maresca’s man-to-man marking suffocated PSG’s attack.
Cole Palmer exploited spaces behind PSG’s left-back Nuno Mendes. Chelsea’s first goal came in the 22nd minute after Mendes’ error. Palmer scored again in the 30th, and João Pedro added a third before halftime. Chelsea’s intensity in the scorching heat overwhelmed PSG. Their direct passing and defensive power secured the win.
Background of the Final
The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup was the first in its expanded format. Held in the U.S., it featured 32 teams from across the globe. Chelsea and PSG emerged as finalists after grueling knockout stages. Chelsea, the 2021 champions, faced a tough road but grew stronger. PSG, unbeaten in major competitions, were favorites.
The final was billed as a tactical battle between English and French giants. Chelsea entered as +370 underdogs, defying expectations.
Chelsea’s 2024/25 Season
Chelsea enjoyed a strong 2024/25 season under Maresca. They won the UEFA Conference League in May. Their Premier League campaign showed consistency, with Cole Palmer leading the attack.
New signings like João Pedro added depth. Chelsea’s squad blended youth and experience, with players like Malo Gusto shining. Their Club World Cup run included victories over Benfica, Palmeiras, and Fluminense.
Maresca’s flexible tactics kept opponents guessing. Chelsea’s form made them a dark horse in the final
PSG’s 2024/25 Dominance
PSG had a near-perfect 2024/25 season. They won Ligue 1 on April 5 and the Champions League. Their Club World Cup campaign was ruthless, with 4-0 wins over Real Madrid and Inter Miami. Spanish media called them “imbatable.” Luis Enrique’s side played fluid, attacking football.
(Martin Meissner / Associated Press)
Young stars like Désiré Doué complemented veterans. Yet, their only group-stage loss, 1-0 to Botafogo, hinted at vulnerabilities. PSG’s high-pressing style usually overwhelmed opponents.
Performance in the Club World Cup
Chelsea’s Club World Cup journey was steady but not spectacular. They navigated a softer bracket, beating Benfica, Palmeiras, and Fluminense. Their semifinal win over Fluminense showed grit. PSG, meanwhile, dominated early rounds.
They thrashed Bayern Munich with nine men and crushed Real Madrid 4-0. Both teams had identical group-stage records: two wins, one draw. Chelsea’s efficiency in the final contrasted with PSG’s wasteful play. Robert Sánchez’s goalkeeping kept PSG at bay.
What PSG Lacked
PSG’s performance in the final was uncharacteristically poor. They turned the ball over frequently, as noted by analyst Andros Townsend. Their defense, especially Nuno Mendes, struggled against Chelsea’s pace. Sloppy passing and poor positioning plagued them.
PSG couldn’t penetrate Chelsea’s compact block. João Neves’ red card in the 86th minute for pulling Marc Cucurella’s hair highlighted their frustration. Luis Enrique’s side lacked composure and failed to adapt. Their “unplayable” aura vanished under Chelsea’s pressure.
The Slap Incident
Tensions erupted after the final whistle. A scuffle broke out between Chelsea and PSG players. PSG coach Luis Enrique appeared to push Chelsea’s João Pedro in the face.
The incident followed a heated exchange involving Pedro, Gianluigi Donnarumma, and Achraf Hakimi. Enrique later claimed he was trying to separate players.
João Pedro downplayed the event, suggesting emotions got the better of PSG. The clash briefly overshadowed Chelsea’s celebrations. FIFA president Gianni Infantino and U.S. President Donald Trump presented the trophy amid the drama.
Chelsea’s victory earned them $85.625 million in prize money, while PSG took home $75.625 million. Cole Palmer won the Golden Ball as MVP, and Robert Sánchez claimed the Golden Glove. PSG’s Désiré Doué was named young player of the tournament.
Chelsea became the first English team to win the Club World Cup twice. PSG, despite their loss, face Tottenham in the UEFA Super Cup on August 13.
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