CWC Final Review
Cole Palmer was the standout performer as Chelsea secured a stunning 3-0 victory over Paris Saint-Germain in the FIFA Club World Cup final, held at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. The Premier League outfit became the inaugural champions of the newly formatted 32-team tournament.
The England international scored twice and set up João Pedro’s goal, ensuring the Blues dismantled the Champions League holders during an emphatic first-half display. PSG, who had been tipped as favourites after dismantling Real Madrid 4-0 in the semi-final, squandered two significant opportunities before Palmer struck the opening goal in the 21st minute.
Unable to respond to Enzo Maresca’s side, PSG’s night worsened when João Neves was shown a red card in the 86th minute. A VAR review confirmed the Portugal midfielder had deliberately pulled Marc Cucurella’s hair, capping off a dismal showing from the French giants.
Cole Palmer Confirms His Stardom on the Global Stage
Palmer has long been recognised as a prodigious talent, but his performance in the Club World Cup final was a definitive statement. Over the past week, his face had adorned billboards across New York City, and he also went viral after being spotted riding a scooter in Times Square — a perfect image of his calm and carefree persona.
That composure translated seamlessly onto the pitch, where he dismantled the much-fancied PSG. His brace gave Chelsea a firm grip on the match, and his assist for João Pedro’s third goal ensured a first-half rout. Yet Palmer’s contribution extended far beyond goals and assists — he was the heartbeat of Chelsea’s performance, leading with fearlessness and flair against a team many consider the best in world football.
His first goal came in the 21st minute: a cultured left-foot finish from inside the area after being set up by Malo Gusto. His second was equally clinical, curling the ball low into the far corner. In the build-up, he shimmied past his marker after cutting in from the right, creating space before guiding the shot past Gianluigi Donnarumma. Palmer’s trademark “Cold” celebration followed as he raced away.
Just two years ago, Palmer — then 21 — had requested a transfer from Manchester City due to limited first-team opportunities. Pep Guardiola allowed him to leave, and Chelsea secured a bargain at £40 million. Today, he is a world champion and one of football’s most exciting talents, having delivered when it mattered most.
PSG Collapse After Breezing Through Tournament
PSG arrived at MetLife Stadium as tournament favourites, having brushed aside Bayern Munich 2-0 in the quarterfinal and humiliated Real Madrid in the semi-final. With that pedigree, many expected Chelsea to be their next victim.
However, by the 22nd minute, the script had flipped dramatically. Palmer evaded three defenders in the box to net the opener, then beat Lucas Beraldo for his second. PSG’s defensive line, previously unbreached since Botafogo scored against them in the group stage on 19 June, suddenly looked shaky and disorganised.
João Pedro added a third before half-time, while PSG failed to test Robert Sánchez in the Chelsea goal. Their play was disjointed, with misplaced passes and uncoordinated defensive efforts betraying the confidence they had shown earlier in the tournament. João Neves’ red card for tugging Cucurella’s hair summed up PSG’s night — frustrated, frazzled, and outclassed.
Reece James’ Midfield Role Proves Decisive
Injury-prone Chelsea captain Reece James is rarely seen on the pitch these days, let alone in midfield. But Maresca’s decision to pair him with Moisés Caicedo turned out to be a masterstroke.
James provided essential cover for Gusto’s overlapping runs, crucial in the build-up to Chelsea’s first two goals. For Palmer’s second, James’ off-the-ball movement created the space needed to deceive Vitinha. He also gave Palmer an outlet on the right whenever the latter drifted inside.
Defensively, James helped nullify PSG’s threat on the left flank, occupied by Nuno Mendes and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. On occasion, he also slotted in as a third centre-back, showcasing tactical versatility and physical resilience.
The credit goes to Maresca for his tactical awareness, and to James for executing the plan with intelligence. Though plagued by injuries, James displayed true leadership — stepping in and delivering when the team needed him most.
PSG’s Perfection Exposed
Despite their impressive tournament run, PSG’s vulnerabilities were exposed in the final. Their claim to being the world’s best team may still hold weight, but Chelsea proved they are far from infallible.
The absences of Willian Pacho and Lucas Hernández were keenly felt. Their replacements, particularly Lucas Beraldo alongside Marquinhos in central defence, were unable to match the usual standard. The 21-year-old Beraldo was repeatedly targeted and struggled throughout.
Désiré Doué also underperformed. The winger had a golden chance to give PSG the lead early in the match but squandered it by attempting a pass to Achraf Hakimi instead of shooting.
Make no mistake, PSG remain a formidable force when at their best. But the final defeat revealed flaws that Luis Enrique will need to address moving forward.
A Hefty Payout Awaits Both Clubs
Although exact figures remain unclear, both Chelsea and PSG are expected to earn over £74.2 million from the tournament, thanks to FIFA’s prize distribution system.
The governing body split prize money into two components: a “sporting performance pillar” totalling £352.4 million, and a “participation pillar” valued at £389.5 million. Based on performances, Chelsea will receive £63.5 million and PSG £56.1 million.
However, the “participation pillar” figures vary. Clubs from Oceania received £2.6 million, while South American teams earned $15.21 million. For UEFA clubs, payments range from £11.3 million to £28.3 million, based on a secret ranking incorporating commercial and sporting metrics.
It is likely that clubs like Salzburg fall on the lower end, with giants such as Real Madrid at the top. Chelsea and PSG are expected to earn between £18.5 million and £22.2 million, pushing their total earnings beyond the £74.2 million mark.
Fans Light Up MetLife as Tournament Concludes
Before the tournament kicked off on 14 June at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium, concerns were raised over attendance. But by the final, those doubts were silenced as a full house of 82,500 fans filled MetLife Stadium.
Chelsea supporters, especially those stationed behind the left goal, made their presence known with flags and a dramatic tifo unveiled at half-time. Yet the crowd represented a global celebration of football, with jerseys ranging from Ronaldo’s Brazil shirt to Messi’s Inter Miami pink on display.
Earlier rounds also saw passionate support — Boca Juniors turned Miami into a mini La Bombonera, River Plate fans flooded Los Angeles, and Brazilian fans took over Times Square. But the final delivered something unique. Each goal was met with thunderous cheers, every foul and miss with palpable emotion.
Even after the final whistle, fans remained to enjoy a star-studded halftime show featuring Doja Cat, J Balvin, Tems, and Coldplay. The entertainment took place on a stage built into the stands, rather than the pitch.
As Gala’s “Freed From Desire” — now the Club World Cup’s unofficial anthem — rang out, fans of all allegiances danced in celebration of Chelsea’s remarkable victory.
The Club World Cup concluded with a powerful message: American football fans are ready. The 2026 World Cup may still be on the horizon, but the passion on display in New Jersey suggests the stage is already set.