East Rutherford, N.J. — Cole Palmer delivered a stunning performance as he guided Chelsea to a decisive 3-0 victory over Paris Saint-Germain in the FIFA Club World Cup final, marking an impressive debut for the 32-team tournament format.
Palmer, an English forward, netted two goals and assisted Joao Pedro for another.
Despite PSG entering the match as strong favorites after their 4-0 semi-final win against Real Madrid, they squandered key chances before Palmer found the net in the 21st minute. Their struggles worsened when Joan Neves received a red card in the 86th minute, compounding what turned out to be a nightmare performance against Enzo Maresca’s side. – Mark Ogden
Cole Palmer Proves He’s a Unique Talent
Palmer showcased his exceptional abilities, further solidifying his status as a rising star. Even without the need to dominate the match, he did, capturing the spotlight and reinforcing his recent fame from a Times Square billboard.
After being spotted scooting through Times Square on Friday night, he gained viral attention over the weekend, reflecting his effortless charm both on and off the pitch. At MetLife Stadium, he maintained his composure while delivering a standout performance against PSG, helping Chelsea clinch the Club World Cup title.
Palmer’s two goals were well-executed, paving the way for Joao Pedro’s contribution that made it 3-0 before halftime. However, he wasn’t just about scoring; he inspired Chelsea, proving vital against a team many regarded as the best club in the world.
His first goal came from an elegant left-footed strike just inside the penalty area, while his second showcased his skill as he rounded the keeper after creating space. His celebrated “cold” celebration captured the moment perfectly.
Just two years ago, Palmer expressed his desire to leave Manchester City due to limited first-team opportunities. Pep Guardiola didn’t resist his departure, allowing Chelsea to secure his talents for £40 million, and now he stands as one of soccer’s biggest stars, crowned a world champion in New Jersey. – Ogden
PSG Crumbles After Dominating the Tournament
Paris Saint-Germain were anticipated to be the frontrunners for the Club World Cup title after triumphing in their earlier matches. Luis Enrique’s squad showcased dominance, winning 2-0 against Bayern Munich and 4-0 against Real Madrid.
However, just 22 minutes into the final, Chelsea seized the advantage and changed the narrative completely.
PSG had previously boasted a strong defense but fell apart against Chelsea’s relentless attacks. Palmer’s first goal came against the odds, surprising multiple PSG defenders. This was the first time PSG conceded a goal in the tournament, highlighting their poor response to Chelsea’s strategy.
Things went from bad to worse as Joan Pedro added a third goal, and PSG struggled to counter Chelsea’s offense. The team’s defensive lapses and reactive play led to their downfall, culminating in Neves’ late red card for pulling Marc Cucurella’s hair—a clear sign of frustration. This disappointing performance stripped PSG of their once-impressive tournament run. – Lizzie Beckellano
Enzo Maresca’s Tactics Shine
Although Chelsea’s captain Reece James was absent due to injuries, Maresca’s decision to integrate him with Moises Caicedo was pivotal.
James provided essential support for Malo Guist’s runs, contributing to Chelsea’s initial two goals. His overlapping tactics created space for Palmer to maneuver effectively against PSG’s defense.
Credit also goes to Maresca for formulating a game plan that neutralized PSG’s strengths and secured Club World Cup glory. While he may not start every match due to injury setbacks, his tactical brilliance and leadership remain invaluable. – GAB Marcotti
The Reality of PSG’s Superiority in Question
Is Paris Saint-Germain truly the best in the world? This question remains after their defeat against Chelsea in the Club World Cup final. While they demonstrated excellence to reach the final, their performance exposed vulnerabilities that need addressing.
The defensive gaps between Willian Pacho and Lucas Hernandez highlighted concerns about backup players’ capabilities when the top performers are unavailable. Relying on Lucas Belardo after Marquinhos’ absence weakened the defensive line.
This match also saw winger Desile Doe struggling to meet his usual standards, missing a crucial scoring opportunity in the first half.
In essence, PSG’s failure to perform at their peak, coupled with Chelsea’s impressive display, underscores that perfection is still a goal for Luis Enrique and his squad as they seek improvements. – Ogden
A Significant Financial Impact for Both Clubs
The financial stakes from the Club World Cup are substantial, though the exact figures are not clear yet. FIFA has segmented the prize money based on two categories: “performance pilots” (worth $475 million) and “participation pilots” (totaling $525 million) that vary based on competition results.
Based on their performances, Chelsea is set to earn approximately $85.625 million, while PSG will receive around $75.625 million.
The specifics of the participation payments are less straightforward, as fees are standardized across participating clubs, with UEFA clubs seeing amounts ranging from $3.58 million to $15.21 million. FIFA has not disclosed how Chelsea and PSG fit into these rankings.
Ultimately, European clubs are expected to split approximately $346 million in total rewards. Assuming Chelsea and PSG rank favorably, they could earn between $205 million and $330 million, likely surpassing the $100 million threshold each. – Marcotti
Exciting Atmosphere as the Club World Cup Concludes
Attendance concerns surrounding the Club World Cup faded as MetLife Stadium in New Jersey hosted a capacity crowd of 82,500 spectators during the final, following the opening matches held in Miami.
Chelsea supporters filled the stands, showcasing their team colors and displaying flags behind one of the goals. The vibrant crowd celebrated the diversity of soccer fandom in the U.S. with jerseys from various international clubs.
While the earlier stages had seen passionate fans from Boca Juniors, River Plate, and others, the final brought an electric atmosphere. The crowd erupted in reaction to each goal and voice their frustration at referee decisions, making for a thrilling experience.
The halftime show featured performances from Doja Cat, J Balvin, and Coldplay, a change from the traditional format as FIFA hosted it on a unique stage within the stands.
As the match concluded with the triumphant Chelsea fans dancing to the post-match anthem, excitement surged among attendees, no matter which team’s colors they wore. The Club World Cup generated a wave of enthusiasm among American soccer fans as anticipation builds toward the 2026 World Cup. Despite previous concerns, the final was a massive success. – Becherano
Fan Take: This decisive victory for Chelsea not only signals a thrilling chapter in the club’s legacy but also elevates the global profile of English football. For fans, it proves that any team can rise to the occasion on a world stage, sparking excitement and hope as we approach the 2026 World Cup.
