The inaugural edition of FIFA’s expanded Club World Cup culminated in a highly anticipated final between European giants Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Chelsea at the iconic MetLife Stadium, situated just outside New York City. This grand finale, graced by the presence of notable figures like Donald Trump, showcased the tournament’s ambition and the allure of club football on a global stage. FIFA President Gianni Infantino hailed the event as the dawn of a “golden era” for club football, emphasizing the tournament’s significance in reshaping the landscape of the sport.
PSG entered the final as overwhelming favorites, their dominance throughout the season underscoring their claim as arguably the “best team in the world,” as acknowledged by Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca. The French powerhouse had already secured a domestic treble, clinching both the league and cup titles in France, before their historic Champions League triumph, where they demolished Inter Milan 5-0. This remarkable form carried over into the Club World Cup, with PSG dismantling Atletico Madrid and Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami in the group stage, followed by victories over Bayern Munich in the quarter-finals and a resounding 4-0 semi-final win against Real Madrid. Luis Enrique, PSG’s coach, expressed his desire to cap off this exceptional season with a final victory, solidifying their status as the undisputed champions of club football.
Chelsea, despite their underdog status, approached the final with determination and a history of defying expectations. Their fourth-place finish in the Premier League and victory in the UEFA Conference League demonstrated their resilience and capability. While acknowledging PSG’s formidable form, Chelsea players like Reece James emphasized the unique nature of a one-off final, where anything can happen. The Blues hoped for a timely recovery of their key midfielder, Moises Caicedo, who suffered an ankle injury in the semi-final victory against Fluminense. The clash between these two European powerhouses promised a captivating spectacle, with the added intrigue of whether Chelsea could pull off a monumental upset against the seemingly unstoppable PSG.
The MetLife Stadium, home to NFL teams the New York Giants and New York Jets, provided a fittingly grand stage for the final. With a capacity of 82,500 and the Manhattan skyline serving as a dramatic backdrop, the stadium, also chosen to host the 2026 World Cup final, added to the event’s prestige. However, the 3:00 pm local time kick-off raised concerns about the impact of high temperatures on player well-being, with Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez echoing concerns about the “very dangerous” afternoon heat. The demanding match calendar also came under scrutiny, with the final representing the 65th game for PSG and the 64th for Chelsea since the start of their respective seasons, raising questions about player fatigue and potential long-term health implications.
Beyond the sporting spectacle, the financial stakes of the Club World Cup were immense. Both finalists were guaranteed over $100 million in prize money, a particularly welcome windfall for Chelsea, who had recently faced UEFA fines for breaching financial regulations. This significant financial incentive underscored the tournament’s growing importance within the global football landscape. The substantial prize money not only rewarded participating clubs but also highlighted the increasing commercialization of the sport, with lucrative broadcasting deals and sponsorships further contributing to the competition’s financial clout.
Gianni Infantino, speaking from Trump Tower in New York City, exuded confidence in the tournament’s future. He championed the expanded 32-team format, slated for its next iteration in 2029, as a transformative force in club football. Infantino declared the Club World Cup as the “most successful club competition in the world,” emphasizing its global reach and its potential to reshape the international football calendar. He envisioned the tournament as a cornerstone of FIFA’s vision for the future of the sport, bridging the gap between continental competitions and creating a truly global platform for club football supremacy. The inaugural expanded edition, culminating in the PSG vs. Chelsea final, served as a resounding statement of intent, signaling the arrival of a new era in club football.
