- Share via
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Cole Palmer scored twice and fed João Pedro for a goal as Chelsea overwhelmed Paris Saint-Germain in the first half and beat the European champions 3-0 on Sunday in the final of the first expanded FIFA Club World Cup.
Palmer had almost identical left-footed goals from just inside the penalty area in the 22nd and 30th minutes, then sent a through pass that enabled Pedro to chip goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma in the 43d for his third goal in two starts with the Blues.
A 23-year-old who joined Chelsea from Manchester City two years ago, Palmer scored 18 goals this season.
A look at 19 bars in Southern California where you can watch your favorite English Premier League football teams on Saturday and Sunday mornings.
PSG finished a man short after João Neves was given a red card in the 84th minute for pulling down Marc Cucurella by his hair. After a testy final few minutes in a game with six yellow cards, the teams needed to be separated as PSG coach Luis Enrique and Donnarumma pushed Pedro near the center circle.
A heavy favorite who had outscored opponents 16-1, PSG had been looking to complete a quadruple after winning Ligue 1, the Coupe de France and its first Champions League title.
Before a tournament-high crowd of 81,188 at MetLife Stadium that included President Trump, Chelsea showed the energy of a fourth day of rest after its semifinal, one more than PSG. Trump was booed when he walked on the field for the postgame awards, then posed with Chelsea players after he and FIFA president Gianni Infantino handed the trophy to captain Reece James.
Chelsea had finished fourth in the Premier League and won the third-tier UEFA Conference League. The Blues took the world title for the second time after 2021, when it was an seven-team event. The Blues earned $128,435,000 to $153,815,000 in prize money, the amount depending on a participation fee FIFA has not disclosed.
PSG had not lost by three goals since a 4-1 Champions League defeat at Newcastle in October 2023.
Scuffle breaks out after the match
A scuffle broke out after the end of the match, with Enrique and Donnarumma appearing to push Pedro.
The match turned testy with a red card to Neves for pulling down Cucurella by his hair, along with six yellow cards.
Enrique was on the field near the center circle and appeared to push Pedro on the throat. Donnarumma pushed the 23-year-old forward, who fell over.
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca moved away Donnarumma, a fellow Italian.
PSG defender Achraf Hakimi had been gesturing at Pedro and Chelsea midfielder Andrey Santos.
The awards presentation did not start until 30 minutes after the final whistle.
