The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup marked a new era for global club football, an expanded, 32-team tournament hosted across the United States. It was the first time the competition took on the scale of a “mini-World Cup” for clubs, and while the build-up was met with curiosity and scepticism, the event ultimately produced plenty of drama, big performances, and lasting storylines.

Group Stages

The group phase set the stage for what was to come. Eight groups of four teams competed, with the top two advancing to the knockouts. The expanded format gave fans the rare sight of continental champions from Africa, Asia, South America, and beyond going head-to-head with Europe’s elite — something the previous versions of the tournament never quite delivered.

Crowds were loudest where Brazilian, Mexican, and South American clubs played, turning neutral venues into cauldrons of colour and noise. The football was competitive, too, even if some matches drew smaller local turnouts and the summer heat in parts of the U.S. tested both players and supporters.

European giants largely did what was expected, but there were surprises along the way, including spirited showings from Asian and CONCACAF sides who proved they could mix it with the best. The format’s ambition was clear, and for all its logistical challenges, it made for compelling viewing.

Knockout Rounds

Once the round of 16 began, the tournament found its rhythm. Matches came thick and fast, and the single-elimination format created real jeopardy. The big names held their nerve, but they were pushed hard, especially by well-organised teams from South America, who combined technical quality with fierce intensity.

The quarter-finals and semi-finals brought thrilling football and a few upsets, but ultimately, the cream rose to the top. Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain booked their places in the final after impressive runs, while the likes of Real Madrid, Palmeiras, and Al Ahly exited with pride intact.

Final

The final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey drew a packed crowd and millions of viewers worldwide. Chelsea faced PSG in what felt like a Champions League-level clash transplanted to American soil.

Chelsea were brilliant. They struck early through Cole Palmer, who scored twice in the first half and assisted another before the break. By halftime, the London club were 3–0 up and in complete control. PSG, despite flashes, couldn’t find their footing against a relentless, disciplined opponent.

When the final whistle blew, Chelsea were crowned the first champions of the new-format Club World Cup, a moment of redemption for a club rebuilding its identity under new management.

Standout Performers

Cole Palmer (Chelsea) – The star of the tournament. Two goals and an assist in the final capped a series of brilliant displays. He was deservedly named Player of the Tournament.

Robert Sánchez (Chelsea) – The goalkeeper’s command and consistency throughout the knockout stages earned him the Golden Glove.

Thiago Silva (Chelsea) – The veteran defender’s leadership was crucial in guiding the younger players through high-pressure moments.

Non-European clubs – South American and African champions impressed many neutrals. Palmeiras, Monterrey, and Al Ahly showed that the gap between continents might not be as vast as some assumed.

Fan Response

Reaction to the tournament was mixed but passionate. On the positive side, the football quality was high, atmospheres were vibrant, and global viewing figures exceeded expectations. Fans from Latin America in particular created unforgettable scenes, travelling in huge numbers and infusing matches with carnival energy.

However, not everything was perfect. Some venues struggled to attract local attention, with certain group-stage fixtures played in half-full stadiums. The summer heat across U.S. cities sparked concerns about player welfare, and critics questioned whether the expanded format added unnecessary strain to an already crowded football calendar.

Still, for many supporters, especially those outside Europe, this felt like their moment on the global stage.

The 2025 Club World Cup delivered on its promise of global spectacle, even if it also revealed the format’s growing pains. On the pitch, the football was entertaining and competitive; off it, logistical and scheduling challenges showed there’s room for improvement.

Chelsea’s triumph was fully deserved, a team that embraced the tournament’s significance, played with purpose, and ended up lifting the biggest prize in club football’s newest chapter.

Ultimately, the expanded Club World Cup proved that there is an appetite for a truly global club competition. If future editions can refine the calendar, deepen fan engagement, and maintain competitive balance, the tournament could evolve into something special.

For now, 2025 will be remembered as a milestone, the year the Club World Cup grew up.