Chelsea’s Journey To Club World Cup Glory: From Underdogs To Global Champions

Chelsea have completed a remarkable rise to global supremacy by winning the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, sealing their status as world champions with a stunning 3–0 victory over Paris Saint-Germain in the final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. The triumph crowns a dramatic and disciplined campaign that began with uncertainty and ended in complete dominance.

The Blues kicked off their journey in Group D, where they made a confident start with a 2–0 win over LAFC. However, a 3–1 defeat to Flamengo in their second match cast early doubts on their chances. Chelsea responded in style in the final group game, defeating Espérance de Tunis 3–0 to secure second place and qualification to the knockout rounds.

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The Round of 16 encounter against Benfica proved to be one of Chelsea’s most dramatic matches. After a weather delay and a 1–1 scoreline at full time, the Blues pulled away in extra time with goals from Christopher Nkunku, Pedro Neto, and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall to win 4–1. The result reaffirmed their resilience and set the tone for the rest of the tournament.

Chelsea met Palmeiras in the quarter-finals in a rematch of the 2021 final. Cole Palmer gave them the lead before Palmeiras equalised. However, a late own goal by goalkeeper Weverton handed Chelsea a 2–1 victory and a place in the final four. In the semi-finals, João Pedro emerged as the hero with two goals in a 2–0 win over Fluminense, booking Chelsea’s place in the final.

The grand finale against PSG saw Cole Palmer produce a performance for the ages. He struck twice and set up João Pedro’s goal to give Chelsea a commanding 3–0 lead by halftime. PSG were reduced to ten men late in the match as João Neves was sent off, sealing a night of frustration for the French champions and triumph for the Blues.

Under Enzo Maresca, Chelsea have now added the FIFA Club World Cup to their UEFA Conference League title, completing a remarkable year. With emerging stars like Palmer and João Pedro leading the charge, Chelsea’s journey from underdogs to global champions is not just a story of a single tournament, but the resurgence of a club redefining its identity on the world stage.