Chelsea stun European champions PSG 3-0 in Club World Cup final as Cole Palmer runs the show

Chelsea have been crowned Club World Cup champions in a stunning 3-0 dismantling of Paris Saint-Germain at the MetLife Stadium, thanks to a dazzling first-half performance from Cole Palmer. The 22-year-old playmaker scored two sensational goals and provided an assist, silencing doubters and lighting up a night where Chelsea were supposed to be underdogs.

In front of a sold-out American crowd of 81,118 and under the watchful eye of US President Donald Trump, Chelsea shocked the reigning European champions with clinical precision and tactical discipline. Palmer struck twice within the space of eight minutes before feeding Joao Pedro for a cool third, all before the half-time whistle.

Despite the hype surrounding PSG’s ‘super season’ and their push for a fifth trophy of the year, Luis Enrique’s side had no answer to Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea, who executed their game plan flawlessly.

Before the match, entertainment filled the arena: Robbie Williams performed, jets roared overhead in a US Air Force flyover, and excitement spilt past the scheduled kick-off. But Chelsea didn’t need extra time to seize control.

Palmer had already sent warning signs in the 8th minute with a curling strike that flew narrowly wide after a deft Pedro flick. At the other end, Desire Doue spurned a golden chance when he hesitated instead of shooting, allowing Marc Cucurella to clear. When Doue did eventually test Robert Sanchez, the Chelsea goalkeeper reacted with brilliance—a sign of the resilience to come.

The breakthrough came in the 22nd minute. Malo Gusto’s blocked shot fell kindly to Palmer, who coolly slotted the ball into the bottom corner with his left foot. He doubled the lead minutes later, this time doing it all himself—controlling a long ball from Levi Colwill, cutting inside, and again finishing with total composure.

Just before the break, Palmer turned creator. His delicate pass set Joao Pedro through on goal, and the Brazilian made no mistake, chipping Donnarumma to make it 3-0. Pedro, who bagged a brace in the semi-final against Fluminense, again showed why Chelsea splashed out on his talents.

With Doja Cat providing the half-time show, the only real drama left was how PSG would respond. They pushed forward after the break, but Chelsea’s back line and Sanchez stood firm. The Blues keeper pulled off a string of fine saves, including a reflex block from Ousmane Dembele and a brave punch to deny João Neves.

Chelsea even came close to a fourth. Substitute Liam Delap forced Donnarumma into two smart saves, nearly adding gloss to an already historic night for the London club.

Frustrations boiled over late on when Neves was shown a straight red card for pulling Cucurella’s hair, a moment that summed up PSG’s unravelling. Post-match, tempers flared again as Luis Enrique appeared to strike João Pedro during a heated exchange, capping a sour end to PSG’s evening.

But Chelsea fans will remember only the brilliance. With £90 million prize money secured and a global trophy in hand, Maresca’s side now head into the new season with momentum, belief, and one of the world’s most promising young stars in Cole Palmer.