Cole Palmer delivered a sensational performance with two goals and an assist as Chelsea shocked UEFA Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain 3-0 to clinch the first expanded 32-team FIFA Club World Cup on Sunday at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey.
Despite PSG’s tag as favourites following their 4-0 demolition of Real Madrid in the semi-finals, Chelsea turned the tide early. Palmer opened the scoring in the 22nd minute, added a second on the half-hour, and then set up Joao Pedro for a third just before half-time.
Joao Neves’ late red card for violent conduct, after VAR spotted him pulling Marc Cucurella’s hair off the ball, summed up a frustrating afternoon for Luis Enrique’s side.
The win capped a remarkable campaign for Chelsea, who now hold three major achievements this season: fourth place in the Premier League, UEFA Conference League winners, and now global champions. They also take home around $125 million in prize money from FIFA’s newly expanded format.
The MetLife final also brought a Super Bowl-like spectacle. Former U.S. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump were in attendance among a record crowd of 81,118, with the Manhattan skyline as a backdrop. Nigerian singer Tems headlined the tournament’s first-ever half-time show at a FIFA event, performing Love Me Jeje.
Palmer, who was the face of Chelsea’s U.S. campaign on billboards, lived up to the hype. His first came from a Malo Gusto assist after a blocked shot rebounded to Palmer, who fired low into the corner. His second followed a well-timed run and a composed finish, before he turned provider for Joao Pedro, who calmly beat Donnarumma for Chelsea’s third.
PSG, fresh off a treble-winning season, including Ligue 1 and Coupe de France titles, now turn their attention to the UEFA Super Cup clash against Tottenham Hotspur in a month’s time. But their dream of adding a world title fell flat in the face of Chelsea’s early onslaught.
Chelsea’s triumph makes them the first champions of FIFA’s new Club World Cup format, marking a defining moment in the club’s modern era.
