Club World Cup Final Review: Cole Palmer shines as Chelsea crush PSG to lift Club World Cup
The final of the Club World Cup proved to be an eventful spectacle at the MetLife Stadium, a multi-purpose venue known for hosting various sporting events. Chelsea delivered a commanding performance to beat Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) 3–0.
Despite the result, PSG had enjoyed a remarkable season, securing a treble — winning the UEFA Champions League, Ligue 1, and the Coupe de France. New signings João Pedro and Liam Delap played crucial roles throughout the tournament and have so far flourished in their new environment.
PSG boasted attacking flair, with skilful winger Désiré Doué demonstrating superb technical ability. He was joined by the ambidextrous maestro Ousmane Dembélé and the dynamic Georgian winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who caused havoc on the left flank throughout the tournament. Their attacking depth also included the likes of Bradley Barcola.
In midfield, Vitinha controlled the tempo as a deep-lying playmaker, while world-class wing-backs Nuno Mendes and Achraf Hakimi added width and pace. Mendes recently lifted the UEFA Nations League with Portugal, and Hakimi continued to show Ballon d’Or-worthy form. Between the sticks stood Gianluigi Donnarumma — the 6'5" shot-stopper whose reflexes have been a highlight all season.
Chelsea lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with goalkeeper Robert Sánchez in superb form throughout the tournament, culminating in a Golden Glove win. Full-backs Marc Cucurella and Malo Gusto provided attacking width, while Levi Colwill and Trevoh Chalobah formed a solid centre-back pairing. Moisés Caicedo, valued at £115 million, anchored the midfield alongside Enzo Fernández, who operated in the No.10 role. Cole Palmer started wide but often drifted centrally, with João Pedro leading the line. In the semi-final, Pedro scored twice against his former club Fluminense.
Cole Palmer was the standout performer in the final, scoring two goals and providing an assist. He opened the scoring with a composed finish after an intelligent run from Gusto, who beat his marker before laying it off. Palmer’s second was a dazzling solo effort, as PSG’s defenders backtracked in fear of his advancing threat. João Pedro then sealed the win with a classy finish, making it 3–0.
PSG, despite their impressive season, appeared a shadow of their usual selves, and their performance was a disappointment given their pedigree.
The final was not just about football. The halftime and closing ceremonies featured performances from Nigerian Afrobeat sensation Tems, adding cultural flair to the occasion.
Former US President Donald Trump, in attendance, presented the medals and awards. Désiré Doué received the Young Player of the Tournament award, Robert Sánchez claimed the Golden Glove, and Cole Palmer was named Player of the Tournament for his heroics.
