# 5 Key Takeaways from the 2025 Club World Cup as Chelsea Stun PSG

The inaugural expanded **2025 Club World Cup** has concluded in spectacular fashion, with Chelsea delivering a stunning 3-0 upset over Paris Saint-Germain to lift the trophy in the United States. A month-long festival of football, the tournament was a whirlwind of breathtaking goals, tactical masterclasses, and logistical challenges. It culminated in a final that perfectly encapsulated its chaotic brilliance: a deserving underdog triumphing, a superstar-laden favourite crumbling, and a new global competition firmly announcing its arrival on the world stage.

From Cole Palmer’s coronation as a world-class talent to PSG’s all-too-familiar final-day heartbreak, the tournament provided countless talking points. As the dust settles on a frantic month of action, we break down the five biggest takeaways from a memorable and often maddening competition.

## Dissecting the New-Look 2025 Club World Cup: A Tournament of Contrasts

FIFA’s ambitious vision for a 32-team global club showdown was always going to be a high-stakes gamble. The verdict? A qualified success with significant room for improvement. The format provided a fascinating blend of cultures and playing styles, pitting continental champions against each other in high-stakes knockout football. The energy brought by fans who travelled across oceans was palpable, creating vibrant atmospheres in stadiums across the US. However, the tournament was not without its flaws. Criticisms surrounding player welfare, extreme heat, inconsistent pitch quality, and demanding travel schedules were valid and persistent. For the **2025 Club World Cup** to build on its promising debut, FIFA must address these logistical hurdles head-on.

### 1. The Coronation of ‘Cold’ Cole Palmer

If this tournament belonged to one player, it was Chelsea’s Cole Palmer. The 23-year-old was the driving force behind the Blues’ improbable run to glory, capping off a sensational individual campaign with a man-of-the-match performance in the final. Palmer was simply unplayable, scoring the opening goal with a trademark composed finish before setting up another in a display that blended audacious skill with ruthless efficiency.

Throughout the tournament, he was the creative hub for a Chelsea side that many had written off. His ability to drift between the lines, pick a decisive pass, and remain calm under immense pressure marked him as a truly elite talent. This victory was not just a team triumph for Chelsea; it was the moment Cole Palmer announced his arrival on the world’s biggest stage, cementing his status as one of football’s brightest stars. His performance throughout the **2025 Club World Cup** will be remembered as the catalyst for Chelsea’s historic victory.

### 2. PSG’s Familiar Final Failure

For Paris Saint-Germain, the final was a painful case of déjà vu. Tipped by many as the clear favourites, Luis Enrique’s side melted under the New Jersey floodlights. Despite dominating possession for long stretches, they were sterile and predictable in attack, ultimately undone by Chelsea’s clinical counter-attacks. Key players like Ousmane Dembélé, who had been electric in previous rounds, were anonymous when it mattered most.

The 3-0 scoreline was a fair reflection of a performance that lacked conviction and cohesion. The frustration boiled over at the final whistle, with manager Luis Enrique visibly incensed. This loss raises familiar questions about the mentality of this PSG project. Despite boasting a squad filled with world-class talent, they once again failed to clear the final hurdle, a recurring theme in their quest for top-tier continental and global honours. The inquest in Paris will be long and unforgiving as they ponder where it all went wrong.

### 3. The Expanded Format is Here to Stay

Despite the logistical issues, the expanded tournament format proved to be a compelling proof of concept. The knockout stages delivered genuine drama and upsets that captured the attention of fans globally. For more analysis on the tournament’s structure, you can review the official details on the Mundial de Clubes FIFA 25™ page. The inclusion of teams from every confederation created unique and unpredictable matchups, moving beyond the traditional Europe vs. South America narrative. This global flavour is precisely what FIFA envisioned, and on that front, the **2025 Club World Cup** was a resounding success. The challenge now is to refine the model, ensuring player welfare is prioritised without sacrificing the competitive integrity and global appeal that made this first edition so watchable.

### 4. Logistics Must Be Perfected for 2029

The biggest asterisk next to the tournament’s success is its operational execution. Players and coaches frequently voiced concerns over the demanding schedule, which involved cross-country travel in punishing summer heat. The quality of some playing surfaces was also called into question, impacting the quality of play and raising injury risks. These are not minor details; they are fundamental to the success and sustainability of a major international tournament. FIFA and future host nations must learn from these shortcomings. A more regionalised group stage to limit travel and stricter quality control on facilities are essential improvements needed for the next iteration.

### 5. A Glimpse into Football’s Future

Ultimately, the **2025 Club World Cup** provided a tantalising glimpse into the future of top-level club football. It demonstrated a clear appetite for a true world championship, a competition that carries immense prestige and commercial potential. Chelsea’s victory as a relative underdog shows that tactical organisation and collective spirit can triumph over star power, a narrative that always resonates with supporters. The tournament has laid a foundation, and while imperfect, it was a thrilling, chaotic, and ultimately satisfying month of football that has firmly carved out its place in the global calendar. The world will be watching to see how it evolves from here, and you can follow all the developments for more news.