FIFA has officially declared Chelsea the inaugural champions of the revamped Club World Cup, following their commanding 3–0 win over Paris Saint-Germain in New Jersey earlier this month.
The 2025 edition introduced a new 32-team format, replacing the previous version. As part of this change, earlier winners like Manchester City and Real Madrid have been reclassified as ‘FIFA Intercontinental Champions.’
Though Chelsea lifted the old Club World Cup trophy in 2021, this latest triumph marks their first under the new system, securing both the updated title and a substantial financial reward.
Adding to the spectacle, former US President Donald Trump was present to hand out the awards — his unexpected presence on stage left players like Cole Palmer visibly puzzled.
FIFA’s rebranding has sparked debates among fans, especially with clubs like Liverpool and Manchester United now excluded from the ‘world champions’ label under the new guidelines. Despite the controversy, Chelsea hold the distinction of being the first recognised champions in this modern Club World Cup era.
