Chelsea have been crowned FIFA Club World Cup champions after beating Paris Saint-Germain 3-0 in the final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, USA.
Despite PSG being the favourites, Chelsea took control early in the match. Cole Palmer scored two goals in the first half, both with very similar finishes in the 22nd and 30th minutes. Just before half-time, Joao Pedro added a third goal with a clever chip over PSG’s goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.
PSG tried to fight back in the second half and nearly scored in the 53rd minute when Ousmane Dembélé shot from close range, but Chelsea’s goalkeeper Robert Sánchez made a great save. Late in the game, PSG’s Joao Neves was sent off after pulling the hair of Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella in the 85th minute, leaving PSG with ten players.
After the game, US President Donald Trump took part in the trophy presentation. He handed out winners’ medals to the Chelsea players, runners-up medals to PSG, the best goalkeeper award to Robert Sánchez, the golden ball trophy for best player of the tournament to Cole Palmer, and the silver ball for second best to PSG’s Desire Doue.
The match ended with some tension as players from both teams were involved in a scuffle on the pitch. PSG’s coach Luis Enrique appeared to grab Joao Pedro during the confrontation.
Before the game, there was entertainment including a performance by Robbie Williams and a US Air Force flyover. During half-time, J Balvin, Doja Cat, Tems, and Chris Martin from Coldplay performed in front of the 82,500 fans at the stadium.
The Club World Cup has faced criticism because it adds more matches to an already busy football calendar, which some say risks players’ health. After the game, Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappé said players are playing too many games and that their health must be respected.
Despite the challenges, Chelsea’s win means they are officially world champions and add the Club World Cup to their list of trophies.
