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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Sport
Will Castle and Lawrence Ostlere

Chelsea v PSG – Club World Cup final live: Score and result as Cole Palmer stars in front of US President Trump

Chelsea are the world champions after dominanting this Club World Cup final against Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain.

The fascinating Club World Cup final in New Jersey pitted Enzo Maresca’s underdog Blues against a PSG side who had looked unstoppable, having demolished Inter Milan 5-0 at the end of May to clinch their first Champions League crown, and then thumped Real Madrid 4-0 in the Club World Cup semi-finals for good measure.

But a Blue blitz saw Chelsea lead 3-0 at half-time of this final thanks to Cole Palmer’s brilliance. Palmer scored the opener and then added an even better second, shimmying inside before firing low into the corner. And he created the third as his pass fed Joao Pedro, who scooped the ball over Gianluigi Donnarumma to leave PSG stunned.

And Chelsea finished the job, with PSG reduced to 10 men at the end of the game after Joao Neves was sent off for pulling Marc Cucurella’s hair.

You can sign up to DAZN to watch every Club World Cup game for free, while all the latest updates from the final are in our blog below:

Chelsea v PSG - Club World Cup final updates

  • Chelsea take on PSG in the final of the revamped Club World Cup | live on DAZN
  • President Trump in the crowd to watch New Jersey final
  • Chelsea XI: Sanchez; Gusto, Chalobah, Colwill, Cucurella; James, Caicedo; Neto, Fernandez, Palmer; Joao Pedro.
  • PSG XI: Donnarumma; Hakimi, Beraldo, Marquinhos, Mendes; Fabian, Vitinha, Neves; Doue, Dembele, Kvaratskhelia.
  • GOAL! Chelsea 1-0 PSG (Palmer, 22 min)
  • GOAL! Chelsea 2-0 PSG (Palmer, 28 min)
  • GOAL! Chelsea 3-0 PSG (Joao Pedro, 43 min)
  • RED CARD! Joao Neves (PSG) is sent off for pulling Cucurella's hair
  • Full-time: Chelsea 3-0 PSG – Cheslea are world champions!

Chelsea players react to Donald Trump’s bizarre involvement in Club World Cup trophy ceremony

02:07 , Will Castle

Chelsea’s players have given an insight on what was said when Donald Trump crashed their Club World Cup trophy ceremony.

The US president joined Fifa chief Gianni Infantino on the pitch after full-time to present Chelsea with the trophy, after the Blues shocked European champions PSG to win 3-0 in the final.

But bizarrely, Trump opted not to follow Infantino out of shot once handing captain Reece James the trophy, instead lingering as Chelsea’s stars were forced to celebrate around him.

Chelsea players react to Trump crashing Club World Cup trophy ceremony

Cole Palmer hits back at critics after firing Chelsea to Club World Cup glory

01:30 , Will Castle

Cole Palmer hit back at the critics who had been giving Chelsea “s***” after firing them to Club World Cup glory in New York.

Man-of-the-match Palmer scored the first two goals and set up the third in a surprise 3-0 final victory over Champions League winners Paris St Germain at the MetLife Stadium as Enzo Maresca’s men capped an encouraging season in style.

Asked how excited he was by the team Maresca is building at Stamford Bridge, the England international told DAZN: “He’s building something special, something important with a young team. Everyone’s talked a lot of s*** about us all season, but I feel like we’re going in the right direction.”

Cole Palmer hits back at critics after firing Chelsea to Club World Cup glory

Donald Trump showered in boos at Club World Cup final on American soil

01:00 , Will Castle

Donald Trump was rained with boos on American soil when taking to the pitch at the end of the Club World Cup final.

US president Trump joined Fifa chief Gianni Infantino in awarding the trophy to Chelsea, who shocked European champions PSG to win the final 3-0 at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium.

However, he did not receive the reaction he may have hoped for as the fans inside the stadium, many of whom would have hailed from England or France, expressed their displeasure at his presence.

Donald Trump showered in boos at Club World Cup final on American soil

Chelsea stun PSG to become world champions

00:35 , Will Castle

(AP)
(Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)
(AP)

How Chelsea justified the Club World Cup’s existence through stunning final triumph

23:33 , Will Castle

Chelsea have done the unthinkable. At the culmination of a tournament that has been widely detracted for non-footballing matters, the beautiful game prevailed. They’ve beaten the planet’s best to become champions of the world, against all odds.

Paris Saint-Germain, a team whose recent success stems from a philosophy that focuses on the collective, were dismantled by an individual. Cole Palmer has endured a tough six months, but provided an overwhelming reminder of his quality to guide the Blues to immortality. Scoring two and setting up the third, “cold” became the epitaph of a tournament that has been synonymous with heat.

The Club World Cup has been shrouded in controversy and criticism since its inception. Seen by many as an unnecessary addition to an already-crammed footballing calendar, with Fifa president Gianni Infantino thrusting himself into the centre of attention in pursuit of perceived personal political gain, people have seen through Fifa’s mirage of extravagance. Just today, FifPro - the world’s main player union - branded Infantino “the man who thinks he’s god” after he snubbed the body for a “key” meeting over footballer welfare, with the union claiming that the governing body was “silencing” football’s key protagonists.

Will Castle reports from the MetLife Stadium:

How Chelsea justified the Club World Cup’s existence through stunning final triumph

More from Trump

23:21 , Lawrence Ostlere

Donald Trump names Pele as his football (soccer) GOAT. In fairness, he says he watched him live playing for the New York Cosmos back in the day.

Donald Trump speaks!

23:17 , Lawrence Ostlere

Trump speaks to DAZN: “It’s a big thing [competition], Gianni’s a friend of mine. But it’s great to watch. This is a little bit of an upset we’re watching today. [Fifa has done] fantastically well, it’s a growing sport, it’s a great sport.”

Trump gatecrashes Chelsea's trophy moment

22:58 , Lawrence Ostlere

An incredibly funny moment to finish this odd event, after Trump and Infantino hand the trophy over to Reece James. The Chelsea players are waiting politely for the suits to walk off stage so they can begin celebrating, but Trump just stands there, smiling, right next to James.

After a few awkward seconds, James just goes ahead and lifts the trophy anyway.

Reece James, beside Donald Trump, lifts the Club World Cup trophy (Getty Images)

Chelsea – world champions

22:53

Chelsea collect their medals from Gianni Infantino and Donald Triump – this is all a bit surreal – and now they’re lining up on the podium to lift the trophy...

Palmer wins player of the tournament

22:48 , Lawrence Ostlere

Some awards are being handed out before the trophy itself – Desire Doue accepts the best young player award, and Robert Sanchez receives the Golden Glove – who’d have thought it.

Cole Palmer is next up, taking the player of the tournament from Donald Trump. He gives Don and handshake and a nod, and walks off.

Enzo Maresca speaks!

22:35 , Lawrence Ostlere

“For me, we won the game in the first 10 minutes. We set the tempo and we were very good at pressing them. The conditions made it hard to keep going but the boys did well.

Today we found a position for [Cole] where there was more space to attack. Obviously Cole played really well but the effort from all the players was fantastic.

“I am very excited [for the future] – but I'm more excited that we have three weeks off!"

Luis Enrique pushes Joao Pedro as PSG rage

22:33 , Lawrence Ostlere

Luis Enrique appeared to throw his left hand at Joao Pedro’s throat, pushing the Brazilian forward to the floor after full-time:

Luis Enrique pushes Joao Pedro as PSG rage at the end of Club World Cup final

Cole Palmer speaks! And swears...

22:26 , Lawrence Ostlere

“It’s a great feeling. Even better because obviously everyone doubted us before the game.

“I like finals. It happened again.

“The gaffer put a great gameplan out, he tried to free me up as much as possible, and I just tried to repay him. He’s building something special, something important, a young team. Everyone’s talked s**t about us all season but I feel like we’re going in the right direction.”

Full-time: Chelsea 3-0 PSG

22:17 , Lawrence Ostlere

Chaos at the final whistle as the two teams clash in the middle of the pitch, and Luis Enrique appears to push Joao Pedro who falls to the floor. PSG aren’t used to losing, and they are not happy.

Full-time: Chelsea 3-0 PSG

22:14 , Lawrence Ostlere

Chelsea are world champions!!

Chelsea 3-0 PSG

22:12 , Lawrence Ostlere

90+3 min: Nkunku is absolutely wiped out by Nuno Mendes, who was clearly letting out some frustration. Yellow card.

Chelsea 3-0 PSG

22:09 , Lawrence Ostlere

90+1 min: What a night for Chelsea. Just four more minutes to get through.

RED CARD! Joao Neves (PSG)

22:06 , Lawrence Ostlere

86 min: Referee Alireza Faghani checks his pitchside monitor and quickly produces a red card. You cannot pull an opponent’s hair, however long and luxurious those locks may be.

Chelsea 3-0 PSG

22:03 , Lawrence Ostlere

86 min: Now then – Joao Neves has just clearly pulled Marc Cucurella’s hair. He is booked, but that is surely a red card. Is VAR getting involved? Yes, is the answer...

Chelsea 3-0 PSG

22:02 , Lawrence Ostlere

83 min: Gusto is holding his hamstring now. This tournament has taken a toll on those competing.

Chelsea 3-0 PSG

22:01 , Lawrence Ostlere

81 min: A big chance for Liam Delap, who weaves into the box before shooting from close range, but he’s shut down by the onrushing Donnarumma.

Chelsea 3-0 PSG

21:56 , Lawrence Ostlere

75 min: Reece James looks to have picked up an injury, or perhaps just some cramp. He is replaced by Dewsbury-Hall, while Pedro Neto gives way for Nkunku.

Chelsea 3-0 PSG

21:52 , Lawrence Ostlere

70 min: Hakimi, Doue and Ruiz are off for PSG. Goncalo Ramos, Mayulu and Zaire-Emery replace them.

Chelsea 3-0 PSG

21:47 , Lawrence Ostlere

66 min: Joao Pedro is replaced by Liam Delap, and the substitute immediately causes trouble, dribbling towards the box before bending a shot into the far corner, only to see Donnarumma parry the ball away to safety with a full-stretch dive.

Chelsea 3-0 PSG

21:45 , Lawrence Ostlere

64 min: A cross by Vitinha is well aimed towards the penalty spot but Robert Sanchez rushes out of goal and catches the ball. He’s been excellent.

Chelsea 3-0 PSG

21:42 , Lawrence Ostlere

61 min: It’s all PSG right now, in terms of possession and territory, but clear chances are few and far between.

Chelsea 3-0 PSG

21:38 , Lawrence Ostlere

58 min: Vitinha fizzes a long-range shot which is heading just inside the post until Robert Sanchez dives to his right to push the ball around the post. The goalkeeper is having a good game.

Chelsea 3-0 PSG

21:36 , Lawrence Ostlere

55 min: Joao Pedro goes down in the box after a bit of a handsy challenge by Lucas Beraldo, and the striker appeals for a penalty, but the referee waves him to his feet.

Chelsea 3-0 PSG

21:33 , Lawrence Ostlere

52 min: More chances come and go for PSG, the latest as Doue fires wide from the edge of the box. Chelsea are having to ride this pressure.

Chelsea 3-0 PSG

21:26 , Lawrence Ostlere

47 min: Better from PSG, as Kvaratskhelia cuts in from the left wing and fires a low shot which is saved by Sanchez.

Chelsea 3-0 PSG

21:23 , Lawrence Ostlere

The noise has stopped, the players are back, and the second half is underway.

Half-time: Chelsea 3-0 PSG

21:19 , Lawrence Ostlere

I’m reliably informed it’s J Balvin, Doja Cat and (my favourite) Tems performing at the half-time show. Chris Martin has just turned up too.

You don’t get this at Stamford Bridge.

PSG's nuclear-style response hasn't come

21:13 , Will Castle in New York

We braced ourselves for what felt like the inevitable PSG response to Cole Palmer’s opener - the one that would see the Parisians unleash a nuclear-style demolition on the Blues for even daring to threaten their dominance. But it hasn’t come.

Chelsea now feel like they have an insurmountable lead, even for this PSG team. They are 45 minutes away from becoming world champions.

Half-time: Chelsea 3-0 PSG

21:11 , Lawrence Ostlere

While the half-time show goes on (game’s gone), let’s take a look at some pictures from a remarkable first half:

Cole Palmer, top-left, fires Chelsea's second goal (Reuters)
Palmer celebrates after scoring Chelsea's second (Getty Images)
Joao Pedro scoops over Gianluigi Donnarumma's head (AP)
Chelsea celebrate with Joao Pedro (AFP via Getty Images)

Half-time: Chelsea 3-0 PSG

20:59 , Lawrence Ostlere

Who predicted this? Certainly not me, but Chelsea absolutely deserve their lead. They have defended as a cohesive unit using a clever tactical shape, with Pedro Neto dropping deep to make something more like a wing-back system, and attacked with ruthlessness ever since Cole Palmer’s first goal. His second was even better, and the third was a thing of beauty as he linked with Joao Pedro.

What on earth does Luis Enrique do here?

Chelsea 3-0 PSG

20:56 , Lawrence Ostlere

45 min: A look at goal for PSG through Joao Neves’s header in the box, but it lacks power and Robert Sanchez gets down low to his right to save.

GOAL! Chelsea 3-0 PSG (Joao Pedro, 43 min)

20:52 , Lawrence Ostlere

Oh this is the best goal of the lot, for me. Cole Palmer picks up the ball inside his own half, spins and drives towards the PSG defence. When he gets to the box he waits for just a beat before sliding a perfectly weighted pass into the path of Joao Pedro. It’s a lovely arcing run by the forward and the finish is even better, dinking it over the stranded Donnarumma and into the net!

Lovely, lovely goal.

Chelsea 2-0 PSG

20:49

40 min: Pedro Neto wastes a promising counterattack with a poor cross from the left wing, aimed straight into the gloves of Donnarumma.

Meanwhile, Malo Gusto is booked for a mistimed challenge on Kvaratskhelia.

Chelsea 2-0 PSG

20:46 , Lawrence Ostlere

37 min: We’ve barely seen Vitinha in this match, which feels distinctly odd after watching him dictate the Champions League knockout matches, round after round. Credit to Chelsea for keeping him quiet so far.

Chelsea 2-0 PSG

20:45 , Lawrence Ostlere

35 min: Caicedo is the second booking of the match, after Pedro Neto earlier, for a robust challenge in midfield – or perhaps for kicking the ball away after the whistle was blown.

The Cole Palmer show

20:45 , Will Castle in New York

Against the might of the European champions, Chelsea have so far executed their gameplan to perfection. And after what was an underwhelming second half of the season for Cole Palmer, he’s reminded everyone in these first 30 minutes just how world class he is. They deserve to be in front and in control - it’s now just a question of how long they can sustain it.

Chelsea 2-0 PSG

20:44 , Lawrence Ostlere

33 min: This has been perfection by Enzo Maresca’s side, smothering PSG’s biggest threats and creating some excellent chances, particularly on the break. Doue has had some threatening moments, but broadly Chelsea have controlled their opponents.

GOAL! Chelsea 2-0 PSG (Palmer, 28 min)

20:39 , Lawrence Ostlere

Stop it, Cole Palmer! This is absolutely magical, cutting in off the right flank, dummying the shot, dummying it again and finally firing into the same corner where his first goal finished. Beautifully done.

Cooling break

20:37 , Lawrence Ostlere

While the players take on some refreshments in the heat, here’s a look at Palmer’s breakthrough moment:

Palmer slots Chelsea's opening goal of the game (Reuters)

Palmer celebrates after putting Chelsea in front (AFP via Getty Images)

GOAL! Chelsea 1-0 PSG (Palmer, 22 min)

20:31 , Lawrence Ostlere

Chelsea make the breakthrough! Just as PSG had been applying pressure, Chelsea break up the other end. Malo Gusto gets the better of a 50-50 on the right wing and surges towards goal, and after his shot is blocked he tees up Cole Palmer. Palmer doesn’t rush, taking a touch before sliding the ball into the corner from the edge of the box.

Chelsea 0-0 PSG

20:28 , Lawrence Ostlere

18 min: Another chance for Doue, who shuffles inside on to his left foot before letting fly, arrowing a shot towards the bottom corner, but Robert Sanchez gets down well to save.

Chelsea 0-0 PSG

20:25 , Lawrence Ostlere

15 min: What is Doue doing?! It’s a brilliant move by PSG down the left side which releases Fabian Ruiz, and the midfielder whips a perfect, low cross to the back post. Desire Doue has time to take a touch or just shoot first time, but instead he tries to square the ball to Ousmane Dembele and Cucurella intercepts! That was a huge let-off for Chelsea.

Chelsea 0-0 PSG

20:22 , Lawrence Ostlere

13 min: It’s a bit of a scrappy match so far, with PSG not being allowed to get into their rhythm and Chelsea lacking the cutting edge to make the most of their forays forward.

Chelsea 0-0 PSG

20:20 , Lawrence Ostlere

10 min: Pedro Neto is dropping very deep when Chelsea lose the ball, almost like a left wingback, presumably to help counter the threat of Doue and Hakimi on that side.

Everyone thought that was in

20:18 , Will Castle in New York

Chelsea are looking to stun the European champions, and they’ve started with intent.

Another beautifully worked move forward sees Joao Pedro flick it into the path of Cole Palmer just inside the box, who has the chance to pick his spot. He curls towards the top-left corner, and from where we’re sitting, it looks like he’s nestled it into the net.

But in actual fact, the ball has gone just wide and hit the post behind the goal, ricocheting into the other side of the net. We all thought that was 1-0 - and on the balance of the first seven minutes, it would’ve been deserved.

Chelsea 0-0 PSG

20:17 , Lawrence Ostlere

7 min: Close! The ball rolls out to the edge of the box to Cole Palmer in space, on his favoured left foot, and the entire stadium expects the net to bulge. But Palmer’s shot bends the wrong side of the post! That’s a big miss by his standards.

Chelsea 0-0 PSG

20:14 , Lawrence Ostlere

5 min: Enzo finds Joao Pedro sprinting into the left channel and the forward carries the ball into the PSG defensive third. Marquinhos comes across to clear his lines, but a moment later Chelsea come again with Palmer who tees Malo Gusto for a cross, which is blocked at the near post.

Fans have turned up for the occasion

20:12 , Will Castle in New York

There was a slight concern, seeing the sea of white in PSG’s semi-final win over Real Madrid, that Fifa might struggle to fill up the 82,000-seater MetLife for this final.

But there are very few empty seats that can be seen. A rarity for the Club World Cup.

Chelsea 0-0 PSG

20:12 , Lawrence Ostlere

2 min: A bright start by Chelsea here, who don’t look fazed at all so far by their illustrious rivals.

Kick-off! Chelsea 0-0 PSG

20:09 , Lawrence Ostlere

Michael Buffer introduces the teams in his imitable style with Chelsea “in the blue corner” and “hailing from Stamford Bridge” – good lord – and now, finally, we’re off.

Chelsea v PSG – live

20:05 , Lawrence Ostlere

We’re nearly off – things slightly delayed in New Jersey, it seems. Just time to squeeze in some extra adverts.

Donald Trump in the house for an American celebration

19:58 , Will Castle in New York

Donald Trump joins Gianni Infantino in the presidential box, on the one-year anniversary of his assassination attempt.

He stands and salutes for a rousing rendition of “Star-Spangled Banner” as three fighter jets fly over the MetLife.

The stadium now has a blueish hue, with a huge red, white and blue pyro display taking place at the culmination of the anthem.

It’s all very American-proud - no surprise there!

Chelsea v PSG – live

19:58 , Lawrence Ostlere

Here we go then – the players are heading out at MetLife Stadium. Chelsea or PSG: who will be the (club) world champions?

An extravagant pre-final ceremony

19:49 , Will Castle in New York

Closing in on 10 minutes until kick-off, and the pre-final ceremony is getting underway.

A massive inflatable Club World Cup trophy replica has been unveiled, which is being pushed into the centre for an extravagant display.

It’s all very golden as a brass band take to the pitch, all decked in reflective jackets. There’s pyro, confetti cannons and yellow gas explosions that resemble the release of a chemical weapon. The Americans love their showmanship.

Now it’s time for Robbie Williams.

Main players’ union not invited to ‘key’ Fifa meeting over footballer welfare

19:48 , Miguel Delaney

FifPro, the world’s main player union, were not invited to a meeting that Fifa president Gianni Infantino staged on Saturday over “key issues concerning player health”, The Independent understands.

It is understood that the meeting even involved national union officials whose organisations have been expelled from FifPro or lost their position at the group after democratic processes.

A press release from the governing body spoke of “productive discussions” with player groups, including “critical matters related to the International Match Calendar”. That comes on the back of heavy criticism for how the Club World Cup has disrupted an already packed football schedule, leading to a FifPro legal action over how Fifa had “unilaterally imposed” the competition on the game without proper consultation with stakeholders.

Main players’ union not invited to ‘key’ Fifa meeting over footballer welfare

Chelsea’s Levi Colwill lauds ‘scary good’ team-mate Cole Palmer

19:40 , Luke Baker

Levi Colwill believes the branding of Cole Palmer as “scary good” suits his Chelsea team-mate perfectly.

Palmer’s face has been displayed on billboards with that slogan around New York this week as part of an advertising campaign for Nike ahead of the Club World Cup final.

“It’s amazing, seeing him everywhere around New York,” said defender Colwill. “It’s surreal and I’m happy for him.”

Asked if he feels Palmer is actually “scary good”, Colwill said: “To say the least! He’s an amazing player. That billboard suits him perfectly well.”

Colwill (right) says Palmer (left) has taken the attention in his stride (PA Archive)

Chelsea vs PSG prediction: Best bets & Club World Cup final betting tips

19:31 , Becky Ashton

It will be an all-European affair in the Club World Cup final on Sunday when Chelsea take on PSG at the MetLife Stadium in New York.

Sorry, Chelsea fans, but PSG are currently on a different level and along with the football betting sites we’re backing them to be lifting the trophy. You can find Club World Cup odds of 2/1 for PSG to win with a clean sheet in the process.

Read more predictions and tips:

Chelsea vs PSG prediction: Best bets & Club World Cup final betting tips

Marquinhos calls on PSG to seize ‘golden opportunity’ in Club World Cup final

19:20 , Luke Baker

Paris St Germain captain Marquinhos has urged his team-mates to seize their “golden opportunity” to make history.

The Champions League winners have a chance to complete a quintuple when they face Chelsea in the Club World Cup final in New York on Sunday.

As well as their European triumph – secured with a stunning 5-0 defeat of Inter Milan in May – the crack French outfit won three domestic trophies in 2024-25, including a league and cup double.

Marquinhos calls on PSG to seize ‘golden opportunity’ in Club World Cup final

Chelsea players train in the heat

19:06 , Luke Baker

Plenty has been written about the heat at this Club World Cup - Chelsea players have been trying to mitigate against it in training

(AFP via Getty Images)
(AFP via Getty Images)
(AFP via Getty Images)
(AFP via Getty Images)

Luis Enrique urges PSG to end ‘exceptional season’ with Club World Cup victory

18:52 , Luke Baker

Paris St Germain boss Luis Enrique has urged his team of stars to cap their glorious season with victory in Sunday’s Club World Cup final.

“There are 11 stars in this team – we don’t just want one,” said Enrique, alluding to the fact tonight’s winners will be entitled to wear a gold star on their shirts for the next four years.

“That is what we have and I would say it’s not 11 but 13, 14, 15. That is something we have put together to make the team the star.

“We are heading into the last game of the season with very good vibes and it is important for us to finish this historic season in the best way possible.

“It has been sensational from my players, they have been incredible throughout the year. We have made history and want to keep going.”

Luis Enrique has urged PSG to end their season in style (Getty Images)

Team news

18:40 , Will Castle

Early boost for Chelsea as Moises Caicedo is deemed fit enough to start after suffering an injury scare against Fluminense. Joao Pedro also starts again after his semi-final brace.

Chelsea XI: Sanchez; Gusto, Chalobah, Colwill, Cucurella; James, Caicedo; Neto, Fernandez, Palmer; Joao Pedro.

PSG XI: Donnarumma; Hakimi, Beraldo, Marquinhos, Mendes; Fabian, Vitinha, Neves; Doue, Dembele, Kvaratskhelia.

Enzo Maresca will not change his preparations to face ‘best in the world’ PSG

18:31 , Luke Baker

The odds are stacked against Chelsea this evening but boss Enzo Maresca is taking no notice of pre-match predictions.

“For sure they are a top team, the best team in the world, but every game is different,” said the Chelsea manager.

“I agree with most people, that they are the best in Europe, the best in the world, and the reason why is because they are showing this – they showed it in France, they showed in the Champions League, they are showing in this competition. They are a reference not only for me, but for all people who love football. I really like them, I really enjoy watching them but, at the same time, we are here to try to do our best and be different.

“What worries me about Paris Saint-Germain is what worries me about any team. The way I prepare for the game on Sunday is the same way I prepared for the game against Fluminense.

“It doesn’t change much for me. I try to see where we can hurt them, I try to see where I can prevent them from hurting us and from there I prepare for the game.”

(Getty Images)

Police on high alert in France for Club World Cup final

18:18 , Luke Baker

Tens of thousands of police officers will be deployed in France on Sunday night as Paris Saint-Germain takes on Chelsea in the Club World Cup final thousands of miles away in the United States.

French officials have warned that no fan misbehavior will be tolerated after violence in the country marred celebrations of PSG winning its first Champions League trophy in Germany.

“No gatherings will be tolerated on the Champs-Elysées,” Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau told RMC media. “A total of 11,500 police and gendarmes will be mobilized in Paris on Sunday, and 53,000 throughout France.”

French police are faced with a double security challenge, with PSG's match at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey followed on July 14 by France's Bastille Day celebrations.

There was disorder in Paris following PSG’s Champions League win (Reuters)

Club World Cup 2025 prize money: How much will Chelsea earn if they win the tournament?

18:03 , Luke Baker

Here is how the Club World Cup prize money breaks down:

🏆 Total prize pool

£790m

💸 Participation payments (guaranteed)

Europe: £10.12m–£30.17m

South America: £12.02m

North/Central America: £7.55m

Asia: £7.55m

Africa: £7.55m

Oceania: £2.83m

💰 Performance bonuses (added to participation)

Group win: £1.58m

Group draw: £0.79m

Round of 16 exit: £5.93m

Quarter-finalists: £10.37m

Semi-finalists: £16.59m

Runners-up: £23.7m

Champions: £31.6m

🏅 Maximum potential earnings

Performance-only total: £69.22m

Total including top Euro participation: £98.75m

Interview: How Marc Cucurella fought through hell to adjust to Chelsea’s ‘expectation of winning’

17:50 , Luke Baker

As Marc Cucurella engaged in one of his last press duties of what has felt like an interminable season, the focus of a table of journalists at a New York hotel, the left-back’s minute tally for the campaign sat at 4,912 for club and country.

He’ll expect to hit the 5,000 mark today - a figure only the most indispensable can achieve.

“I feel very good to be fair,” he insists, showing the spirit he’ll need against the challenge of the electrifying PSG starlet Desire Doue. But as he stares down the prospect of ending a year of almost constant football as a world champion, Cucurella can only reflect on the imperative adjustment in mentality that brought him to this point, now one of the most relied-upon, revered starters in the Chelsea team.

Read Will Castle’s interview with the Chelsea full back:

Cucurella’s mental war to adjust to Chelsea’s ‘expectation of winning’

Trump to attend FIFA Club World Cup final on anniversary of Butler assassination attempt

17:37 , Luke Baker

President Donald Trump will attend the FIFA Club World Cup final on Sunday afternoon (July 13), on the first anniversary of the assassination attempt he survived in Butler, Pennsylvania, while campaigning in the 2024 election.

The president had no specific public plans to observe the date, though he did speak about it during a taped Fox News Channel interview with his daughter-in-law, Lara Trump, which aired on her Saturday night show, My View.

“Well, it was unforgettable,” Trump told his daughter-in-law in their Saturday night interview. “I didn’t know exactly what was going on. I got whacked. There’s no question about that. And fortunately, I got down quickly. People were screaming, and I got down quickly, fortunately, because I think they shot eight bullets.”

Trump attending FIFA Club World Cup final on anniversary of assassination attempt

Enzo Fernandez calls for change as he blasts ‘very dangerous’ Club World Cup conditions

17:23 , Luke Baker

Enzo Fernandez has not held back when revealing the harsh reality of what it’s like to play in the extreme heat that’s been experienced at the Club World Cup, with temperatures on the East Coast reaching as high as 34C.

"Honestly, the heat is incredible,” Fernandez said. “The other day I got a bit dizzy during a play. I had to lie down on the ground because I was really dizzy.

“Playing in this temperature is very dangerous, it's very dangerous - moreover, for the spectacle, for the people who come to enjoy the stadium, for the people who watch it at home. The game, the speed of the game is not the same, everything becomes very slow.

“Let's hope that next year they change the schedule, at least so that it remains a beautiful and attractive football spectacle, right?"

Enzo Fernandez is concerned about playing in the heat in America (PA Wire)

The lessons Xabi Alonso will have to learn as Real Madrid humbled by imperious PSG

17:10 , Luke Baker

And here’s Will on how PSG demolished a helpless Real Madrid

Is it too soon to call this “vintage PSG”? This iteration of the Parisian giants has only really begun to come into effect over the last eight months. But after watching the likes of Liverpool, Arsenal and Inter Milan fall to their brilliance in Europe, this is becoming the norm for Paris Saint-Germain. They’ve now demonstrated their ability as a giant-killer on the global stage.

The mighty Real Madrid, one of the Club World Cup’s biggest draws to the American audience, were their latest victims.

To say that Xabi Alonso has been given a reality check in the Real hot seat might be a bit of a stretch. The gulf between the side he’s inherited and the footballing powerhouse sculpted by Luis Enrique was apparent before a ball was kicked.

But if the former midfield maestro has his own hopes of “modernising” at the Santiago Bernabeu, he has a long way to go before the Galacticos can scratch the surface of what has been created in Paris.

The lessons Xabi Alonso will have to learn after Real Madrid suffer humbling by PSG

Joao Pedro announces himself to Chelsea to show boyhood club Fluminense how far he’s come

17:00 , Luke Baker

How did Chelsea make it through to the final? Check out Will Castle’s report from their semi-final triumph over Fluminense:

Against a legend of old, Chelsea have a new Brazilian to deify. They are potentially 90 minutes away from becoming world champions, and they have a mid-tournament acquisition to thank.

Fluminense’s journey in the Club World Cup has been nothing short of remarkable. Running on financial fumes, they’ve slayed European giants and Saudi money machines. Thiago Silva, a beloved former Chelsea figure now spending his final footballing days captaining his boyhood club, has been lauded as the heart and soul of their unexpected success. But at the feet of fellow local boy Joao Pedro, Fluminense’s dream of conquering the globe came crashing down.

Joao Pedro, justifying his £60m price tag in his first start, may well be the missing piece to Enzo Maresca’s puzzle. Two stunning goals from the Brazilian propelled the Blues to the final, proving that the much-tried “versatile striker” playstyle – the one the likes of Joao Felix and Christopher Nkunku have struggled to master – may in fact have a place in the Italian tactician’s system.

Joao Pedro announces himself to Chelsea to down boyhood club Fluminense

How Chelsea’s date with destiny could change the trajectory of Enzo Maresca’s tactical evolution

16:50 , Luke Baker

Tournament football can be cruel. It can also act as the making of managers. Enzo Maresca, like Thomas Tuchel before him, will be hoping the latter rings true as his side close in on their date with destiny.

Chelsea have clawed their way to within 90 minutes of becoming, by definition, world champions. Barring a six-minute blip against Flamengo, sparking a loss that proved incredibly beneficial for the Blues’ wider campaign, they have bossed the inaugural Club World Cup to set up a final showdown with the imperious Paris Saint-Germain.

Maresca’s tactical philosophy is slowly beginning to take shape in a way fans can get behind. Suddenly, “Maresca ball” doesn’t feel like such a chore to watch.

Read Will Castle’s full preview from New York:

Maresca’s tactical evolution that led Chelsea to the Club World Cup final

Noni Madueke leaves Club World Cup camp to complete Arsenal move, Enzo Maresca confirms

16:40 , Luke Baker

Enzo Maresca has all but confirmed Noni Madueke’s imminent switch Arsenal after revealing that the winger has left the Chelsea camp ahead of the Club World Cup final.

Madueke looks set to become the latest player to swap blue for red in London after a £48.5m fee was agreed between the two clubs, with Chelsea giving him permission to undergo a medical.

The 23-year-old will subsequently play no part in Chelsea’s bid to become world champions as they take on Paris Saint-Germain in New Jersey on Sunday.

“Noni is in contact with the new club,” he told a press conference. “I guess he is going to be (announced) in the next hours.”

Madueke leaves Chelsea camp ahead of Arsenal move, Maresca confirms

Club World Cup final results

16:38 , Luke Baker

So, how did we get here?

QUARTER-FINALS

Friday 4 July

Palmeiras 1-2 Chelsea

Fluminense 2-1 Al-Hilal

Saturday 5 July

PSG 2-0 Bayern Munich

Real Madrid 3-2 Borussia Dortmund

SEMI-FINALS

Tuesday 8 July

Fluminense 0-2 Chelsea

Wednesday 9 July

PSG 4-0 Real Madrid

FINAL

Sunday 13 July

Chelsea vs PSG (East Rutherford) - 8pm BST

How to watch the Club World Cup final

16:35 , Luke Baker

The Club World Cup final between Chelsea and PSG will kick off at 8pm BST on Sunday 13 July at the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

DAZN will show each match of the tournament live, including the final, for free in the UK.

All users can watch a live stream on television and mobile devices by signing up for the company’s DAZN Freemium service, with the option to watch ad-free coverage for £14.99. Users can watch DAZN from anywhere by using the DAZN App on TVs, smartphones and any device with a web browser.

Chelsea v PSG - Club World Cup final

16:34 , Luke Baker

Good afternoon and welcome to The Independent’s coverage of the Club World Cup final.

Underdogs Chelsea face a huge task against Champions League winners PSG, who have looked unbeatable, but a huge payday and the trophy in the revamped tournament are the rewards on offer.

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