How Chelsea Crushed PSG To Clinch Club World Cup Title

Chelsea clinched their second FIFA Club World Cup title in emphatic fashion on Sunday, thrashing European champions Paris Saint-Germain 3–0 in a commanding final display led by Cole Palmer.

The 22-year-old midfielder delivered a sensational first-half performance, scoring twice and setting up another goal to cap off a brilliant individual tournament. Palmer’s contributions silenced the doubters and handed Chelsea their first Club World Cup crown since 2021.

Chelsea opened the scoring in the 22nd minute after PSG full-back Nuno Mendes misplaced a clearance, allowing Malo Gusto to recover and square the ball to Palmer, who coolly slotted his finish just inside the left post.

Palmer doubled the lead shortly after the half-hour mark with a moment of pure class. Picking up a through ball from Levi Colwill, he turned inside, feigned a pass to lose his marker, and buried a low shot into the corner of the net.

Minutes later, Palmer turned creator, racing into the channel before slipping in João Pedro, who timed his run perfectly and lofted the ball over PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma to make it 3–0 before halftime.

PSG’s frustrations grew in the second half, culminating in João Neves being shown a red card in the 83rd minute for pulling Marc Cucurella’s hair. Tempers flared at full-time, but the scuffle quickly dissolved as Chelsea’s players celebrated with their supporters.

Speaking after the match, Palmer said: “It’s an amazing feeling, even more so because people didn’t expect this result. We believed in the plan, and I’m glad I could deliver when it mattered most.”

Palmer, who was later awarded the tournament’s Golden Ball, added: “I love playing in finals. This one was special.”

Chelsea’s triumph caps off a remarkable journey that began with a UEFA Europa Conference League title and a fourth-place Premier League finish. Manager Enzo Maresca described the contest beforehand as a “game of chess,” but it was his tactical blueprint that delivered a checkmate.

Maresca’s pressing system, modeled on the same approach that saw Brazil’s Botafogo defeat PSG in the group stage, completely disrupted Luis Enrique’s side. Chelsea’s pressing intensity, mixed with their compact defensive shape, denied PSG rhythm or momentum.

Palmer, João Pedro, and Gusto were particularly effective, repeatedly exposing PSG’s vulnerable left flank. Outside of an early chance for Desire Doué, PSG struggled to create meaningful opportunities.

“Chelsea executed their plan better,” PSG captain Marquinhos admitted post-match. “They exposed our weaknesses, and we didn’t react fast enough. Teams will now study us more closely, so we must adapt and improve.”

Chelsea leave the United States with silverware, a statement victory, and a rising star in Palmer, whose brilliance defined this year’s revamped Club World Cup.