EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Chelsea FC won the FIFA Club World Cup, upsetting Champions League winner Paris Saint-Germain 3-0 in the final Sunday at MetLife Stadium.
PSG tried to cap a historic season, winning the French league, the French Cup, the French Super Cup and the club’s first Champions League title in the last year. But Chelsea, which finished fourth in the Premier League last season, thwarted that attempt to hoist the trophy in front of an announced crowd of 81,118 people that included U.S. President Donald Trump.
Speaking to reporters on the tarmac after the game, Trump said, ‘It was a little bit of an upset I guess you would say, but it was a great, great match, very well played, tremendous crowd.’
Here’s everything you missed from the PSG vs. Chelsea match today:
Trump awkwardly stands in way of Chelsea’s celebration
Following the awards presentation, the Chelsea team wanted to celebrate, but were clearly waiting for Trump, who was standing next to captain Reece James, to move out of the way. He did not.
After James finally decided it wasn’t worth waiting, the team celebrated, while FIFA president Gianni Infantino casually escorted Trump behind the team so they could celebrate on their own.
Trump booed heading onto the field for trophy ceremony
President Donald Trump was booed by fans as he joined FIFA president Gianni Infantino for the Club World Cup postgame ceremony.
Trump walked onto the pitch at MetLife Stadium, where fans audibly booed him before he stood and waved to the crowd.
Trump was second in line behind Infantino to congratulate players after the match, including Trump handed Doue the young player of the tournament award, Sanchez the golden glove and Palmer the golden ball for MVP of the match.
The fans booed louder when Trump and Infantino posted with FIFA’s referees for a photo.
Trump shook players’ hands, giving some players a pat on the back as they walked by him on stage. − Safid Deen
Chelsea’s Club World Cup celebration began after confrontation
PSG coach Luis Enrique appeared to hit Chelsea’s João Pedro in the face as both teams convened on the pitch after the final, which Chelsea won 3-0.
PSG’s Nuno Mendes, who picked up a yellow card for a foul in the closing minutes, also appeared incessant in attempts to confront Chelsea as several players tried to pull him away to diffuse the situation.
Players from both teams tried to manage the situation, which took several minutes before they separated themselves.
Chelsea players celebrated with fans in the stands, as PSG players rehydrated on the pitch by their bench after the skirmish.
Final score: Chelsea 3, PSG 0
A blistering start from Chelsea sealed the deal in this one. PSG had no answer for Chelsea’s early attack. That said, the first half was closer than the score might read. Chelsea only had three shots on goal, all of which found the back of the net. Meanwhile, PSG had two spectacular scoring chances, and if not for terrific efforts from Chelsea keeper Robert Sanchez, the first half could have been much closer than the score indicated.
Regardless, in spite of all odds stacked against them, with most the world backing PSG, Chelsea was able to not just win, but win thoroughly, dominating the reigning European club champions and handing PSG their first three-goal loss since October 2023.
Attendance for Chelsea vs. PSG FIFA Club World Cup final
An announced crowd of 81,118 people attended the FIFA Club World Cup final Sunday at MetLife Stadium.Throughout the tournament, FIFA faced criticism about attendance at matches. Photos of empty seats at NFL-sized stadiums went viral on social media, but FIFA president Gianni Infantino said nearly 2.5 million fans attended Club World Cup matches, including fans from 168 countries. “I prefer to put 35,000 people in an 80,000-seat stadium than 20,000 in a 20,000-seat stadium,” Infantino said. FIFA’s president said the Club World Cup has also generated “almost $2.1 billion in revenue’ and that the tournament has had 20 million viewers globally thanks to a broadcasting partnership with DAZN. – Safid Deen
86′ João Neves Red Card
Tensions were high after the Colwill yellow card, and that was evidenced by Neves’ poor decision to pull Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella to the ground by his hair off-ball. The move was clearly in retaliation to something Cucurella did moments earlier, but it was Neves’ reaction that was seen by the referee, prompting the red card.
82′ Levi Colwill Yellow Card
The only thing that can damage Chelsea at this point is losing control of their emotions. After a failed challenge from Colwill, the Chelsea defender was given a yellow card. Colwill’s teammates tried to back up their ally by holding onto the ball and slowing down the free kick, but PSG noticed what was happening and nearly started a fight over it.
Chelsea misses 1-on-1 chance
Moments after James’ injury, Chelsea showed off that incredible counterattack yet again, with a long pass to Liam Delap in PSG territory. Delap was able to scoot past his defender and only had Donnarumma to beat, but a great close-out by Donnarumma plus pressure from the defender on his back forced Delap’s shot wide right.
76′ Reece James injury: Chelsea defender subbed out
It’s been a back and forth second half thus far, but Chelsea’s just suffered a serious blow after defender Reece James was forced out of the game after an injury. James has been a vital player in keeping PSG off the scoreboard, but after an ankle injury at the top of the Chelsea box, he has been replaced by Pedro Neto.
Chelsea still leads 3-0.
Robert Sanchez with the save of the match to maintain Chelsea’s three-goal lead
Paris Saint-Germain is not going down without a fight. Through the first seven minutes of the second half, PSG has had multiple opportunities at the Chelsea net, but none better than Dembélé’s close-range shot. Less than 10 feet from the net, Dembélé placed a shot on goal following a cross. Sanchez dove to his right and pushed the ball out of harm’s way with his right arm, keeping the shutout intact.
How Trump arrived, impacted security
There was a significant security presence around the stadium before the final. Hundreds of officers across multiple law enforcement agencies and stadium security personnel greeted fans as they entered the gates.
Among the agencies present were the Secret Service, Transportation Security Administration, New Jersey State Police — some of whom carried long guns — and K-9 units with bomb-sniffing dogs.
Read the full story from USA TODAY Sports reporter Lorenzo Reyes.
HALFTIME: Chelsea 3, PSG 0
Paris Saint-Germain had a scoring chance after Chelsea’s third goal, forcing Chelsea keeper Robert Sanchez to make a diving stop at the goal line. But the remainder of the first half, including the six minutes of stoppage time, was mostly just PSG seeing their efforts thwarted at every opportunity. Cole Palmer’s two goals and João Pedro’s score have put PSG in a serious hole, one they really haven’t faced for the entirety of the tournament.
43′ João Pedro: Chelsea shocking PSG, leads 3-0
João Pedro scored his third goal of the tournament to put his team up 3-0. After Pedro earned a break to the net, both he and PSG keeper Donnarumma raced for the ball. Pedro got there first, chipping the ball over the sliding Donnarumma and putting the ball in the back of the net.
While PSG has scored four or more goals in three of their Club World Cup contests, going into the second half at such a deficit might be insurmountable.
30′ Cole Palmer goal: Chelsea forward strikes again, pushes team to 2-0 lead vs. PSG
Cole Palmer is having himself a first half. The Chelsea counterattack, in general, has been phenomenal. In this instance, Palmer ran down the right side of the field and cut to the middle after teammate Gusto cut to the net, freezing the defenders. Instead of passing, Palmer took advantage of the pause and planted another goal in the lower-left corner.
Chelsea is off to an early 2-0 lead.
22′ Cole Palmer goal: Chelsea takes 1-0 lead vs. PSG
After PSG defender, Nuno Mendes, lost control of the ball, Chelsea’s Malo Gusto burst up the side and into the penalty area. His left-footed shot was blocked, but a quick recovery and pass to the top of the box gave Cole Palmer a clear shot on goal.
Palmer planted the ball in the lower-left corner of the net, putting Chelsea on top early, ending PSG’s run of 436 consecutive minutes without allowing a goal.
Chelsea off to blistering start to begin Club World Cup final
Although PSG has had a handful of chances, Chelsea was the first team to put their opponents on their heels. Fortunately for PSG fans, the Blue missed a few shots and were not able to take advantage of their opportunities. As the game progressed to the 20-minute mark, PSG started to show why they were so heavily favored prior to the tilt, putting constant pressure on the Chelsea net.
It remains 0-0.
How to watch PSG vs. Chelsea on TV, soccer streams
The match is available to live stream for free on DAZN. The match is also available on TBS in English, with Univision and TUDN in Spanish.
Watch the Club World Cup final with DAZN
What time does PSG vs. Chelsea match in Club World Cup final start?
The match begins at 3 p.m. ET (8 p.m. in London, 9 p.m. in Paris).
Chelsea starting XI
PSG starting XI
Referees for Club World Cup final
The officiating crew for the Club World Cup final was announced on Friday, July 11. Here is the full crew:
Attendance at Club World Cup final
An announced crowd of 81,118 people attended the FIFA Club World Cup final Sunday at MetLife Stadium.Throughout the tournament, FIFA faced criticism about attendance at matches. Photos of empty seats at NFL-sized stadiums went viral on social media, but FIFA president Gianni Infantino said nearly 2.5 million fans attended Club World Cup matches, including fans from 168 countries. “I prefer to put 35,000 people in an 80,000-seat stadium than 20,000 in a 20,000-seat stadium,” Infantino said.
FIFA’s president said the Club World Cup has also generated “almost $2.1 billion in revenue’ and that the tournament has had 20 million viewers globally thanks to a broadcasting partnership with DAZN. − Safid Deen
PSG vs. Chelsea betting odds for Club World Cup final
Here are the betting odds for the Club World Cup final during regular time, according to BetMGM.
- Chelsea: +360
- Draw: +280
- PSG: -135
- Over/under: 2.5 goals
Trump at the Club World Cup Final
After speculation about whether the President would attend the Club World Cup Final, Trump was seen at the stadium. He even appeared briefly on the Jumbotron.
Trump’s entourage includes special envoy Steve Witkoff, first son Donald Trump Jr. and girlfriend Bettina Anderson, and son-in-laws Jared Kushner, who is married to Ivanka Trump, and Michael Boulos, husband to Tiffany Trump. First lady Melania Trump is also accompanying her husband.
Attorney General Pam Bondi, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, retired NFL quarterback Tom Brady, and media magnate Rupert Murdoch have also been spotted in Trump’s suite.
Club World Cup venue: Where is PSG vs. Chelsea match?
The match will be played at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey in the United States.
How much money does Club World Cup final winner win?
The Club World Cup winner will earn $40 million, while the runner-up gets $30 million as part of a $1 billion prize pool for the tournament.
FIFA slashes ticket prices for Club World Cup final
FIFA has lowered prices for tickets to the Club World Cup final in the days leading up to the match between PSG and Chelsea: Here’s how much they’ve dropped.
Does Chelsea have a chance against PSG?
The odds may be stacked in PSG’s favor, but Chelsea knows anything can happen in a one-off match like this Club World Cup final.
“Everyone has them down as strong favorites,” said Chelsea captain Reece James, the only player remaining from Chelsea’s Champions League title in 2020-21, playing in this Club World Cup. “I don’t really care, to be honest. Everyone is bigging up our opposition. We’re preparing right, and we’re going to win.”
PSG hopes to make soccer history
“We really want to make history, and we’re hungry for a win,” PSG’s Brazilian captain Marquinhos said.
Added coach Luis Enrique: “Best season in my career? Maybe. But we need to win Sunday’s game to put icing on the cake.”
FIFA president defends Trump relationship
Trump and FIFA president Gianni Infantino have built a close relationship, showcased after several visits made by Infantino to the White House in the last year. FIFA also opened a new office inside Trump Tower this week during the Club World Cup.
Club World Cup shows U.S. is ‘real soccer nation’
Major League Soccer commissioner Don Garber believes the FIFA Club World Cup has been an “absolute terrific success,” and has set the stage for an exciting World Cup 2026 next summer.
“The Club World Cup was the story this summer in sport,” Garber told USA TODAY Sports. “I think it did what it was intended to do – to launch something new, take some risk, show some courage, and then set the stage for 2026, which will be another example of soccer and football at its very best. I think the 2026 World Cup will be the most spectacular event in the history of our country.”
When is the World Cup in 2026?
The FIFA World Cup begins in Mexico on June 11, 2026, and the final will be at MetLife Stadium on July 19, 2026. The tournament will be co-hosted by the U.S., Canada and Mexico.
Chelsea vs. PSG predictions:
Safid Deen, USA Today: PSG 3, Chelsea 1
Deen writes, ‘Chelsea’s Cole Palmer makes a statement with a chilling goal to open the scoring, but PSG’s quality will overwhelm in this one. Ousmane Dembélé, Désiré Doué and Fabián Ruiz score in this match as PSG makes history winning the Club World Cup title.’
Michael Leboff, New York Post: PSG (-1.5)
Leboff writes, ‘Since the end of May, PSG has defeated Inter Milan, Atletico Madrid, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid by a combined score of 15-0. There are just too many ways that PSG can win this match, and it’s hard to see this train coming off the tracks after months of domination.’
James Cormack, Sports Illustrated: PSG 3, Chelsea 1
Cormack writes, ‘This PSG team can get at you in so many ways, and while the Blues will offer collective coherence, they, too, are bound to suffer like many before them. We’re talking about a potentially all-time great team here, and they’ll want to rubber stamp their supremacy by securing their first-ever Club World Cup trophy. It might not be a battering, but it’s hard to envisage anything but a PSG triumph here.’
Darren Richman, New York Times: PSG 3, Chelsea 0
Richman writes, ‘Surely PSG will have too much for Chelsea when it comes to the crunch. Every single time the French club have been tested with a tough opponent over the last year, they’ve passed the test with flying colours. Their counter-attacking style is a joy to behold and even Europe’s best have struggled to find a way to combat a team reaching its zenith.’
Chelsea path to Club World Cup Final
- CWC Semifinals: Chelsea 2, Fluminense 0
- CWC Quarterfinals: Chelsea 2, Palmeiras 1
- CWC Round of 16: Chelsea 4, Benfica 1
- CWC Group Stage: Chelsea 3, ES Tunis 0
- CWC Group Stage: Flamengo 3, Chelsea 1
- CWC Group Stage: Chelsea 2, LAFC 0
PSG path to Club World Cup Final
- CWC Semifinals: PSG 4, Real Madrid 0
- CWC Quarterfinals: PSG 2, Bayern Munich 0
- CWC Round of 16: PSG 4, Inter Miami 0
- CWC Group Stage: PSG 2, Seattle Sounders FC 0
- CWC Group Stage: Botafogo 1, PSG 0
- CWC Group Stage: PSG 4, Atletico Madrid 0
Club World Cup fans take security measures in stride
There was a significant security presence around the stadium before the Club World Cup final, with nearly 100 people representing multiple law enforcement agencies and stadium security personnel greeting fans as they entered the gates.
The security perimeter, established several hundred feet outside the stadium entrances, featured 15-feet high chained fences on top of concrete bases with entry paths for fans to enter.
Fans proceeded to walk through a winded line separated by metal barricades until they reached the front, where they walked through metal detectors and got their tickets scanned. If they had any bags, they were asked to check their items into a locker for the duration of the match.
After entering, fans were able to pick up black and gold Club World Cup squared towels as a keepsake. They also found a clear spot to pose for photos and videos in front of the stadium to commemorate the occasion.
One woman said it took “two seconds” to enter. Another woman said, “15 seconds.” Other fans said it took about 5-10 minutes to get past security.
Laura Friedman and Joao Rosa from Brooklyn had to check in their camera bag before they could enter, but took five minutes to clear the obstacle to enter.
“We had to adjust our timing to get through security,” Friedman said. “But once we figured it out, we were totally fine.”
“We didn’t even know who was playing. We bought tickets before it was announced, and we just wanted to be part of the festivities,” Rosa added. “It’s a big deal. FIFA is coming here, and it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity. I took off from work to be here, and I’m here for fun.” − Safid Deen
