Chelsea Secures Inaugural 32-Team FIFA Club World Cup Title, Claiming $125 Million Prize

New Jersey – Chelsea Football Club has been crowned champions of the inaugural 32-team FIFA Club World Cup 2025, defeating Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) 3-0 in the final held at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, July 13, 2025. The victory marks a significant achievement for the London-based club in the expanded tournament, which concluded after nearly a month of competition across the United States. The win comes with a substantial financial reward for Chelsea, totaling $125 million, with $40 million specifically for winning the final match.

Chelsea's journey to the final saw them navigate a challenging group stage and knockout rounds, demonstrating resilience under Enzo Maresca's guidance. The Blues, who qualified for the tournament as winners of the 2021 UEFA Champions League, overcame Benfica 4-1 in the Round of 16, secured a 2-1 quarter-final win against Palmeiras, and defeated Fluminense 2-0 in the semi-finals before facing PSG. The tournament featured 32 clubs from all six regional confederations, adopting a format similar to the FIFA World Cup.

The newly expanded tournament, which ran from June 14 to July 13, 2025, aimed to establish itself as a premier global club competition. FIFA has invested heavily in the event, including commissioning a new trophy and granting the winning club the right to wear a "WORLD CHAMPIONS" badge on their shirts for four years. This substantial prize money places the Club World Cup among the richest prizes in football, rivaling the UEFA Champions League in financial incentives.

Despite the triumph, Chelsea captain Reece James acknowledged the demanding schedule, stating, "The first and only plan is to rest. The season has been long." The extended tournament, positioned just weeks before the start of the 2025-26 domestic seasons, has raised concerns among players and managers about fatigue and the impact on the upcoming football calendar. However, the Club World Cup title is seen as a significant step for Chelsea, providing a boost as they look to compete for major honors in the future.