Chelsea’s Club World Cup Triumph and 2025/26 Season Expectations
Public opinion remains divided on the new-format Club World Cup, but what can’t be disputed is that the inaugural edition exceeded expectations. Whether football truly needed another tournament every four years is up for debate but history will remember one thing clearly: Chelsea are the first champions.
The Blues surprised the world, overcoming Paris Saint-Germain in a dominant final performance. This came after PSG had dismantled Real Madrid, leading many to believe the Parisians were destined to lift the trophy. But in a twist at New York’s iconic MetLife Stadium, Chelsea emerged victorious and can now officially call themselves world champions at least for the next four years.
To top it off, the club also lifted the UEFA Conference League in the same season. A quiet but historic campaign.
Prize Money Breakdown
Now that the tournament has ended, attention turns to the financial rewards. Chelsea, unsurprisingly, earned the most: €122 million, becoming the only club to cross the €100 million mark. A massive portion of this came from their triumph in the Club World Cup itself.
This windfall sets the Blues up well for strategic reinvestment in the squad especially amid rumors of another big signing that could push Chelsea’s summer spending past the €100 million threshold again.
Maresca’s System: Work in Progress
Despite the trophies, questions remain. Enzo Maresca’s tactical identity still lacks clarity. Chelsea play without a consistent or recognizable system, and some players reportedly feel out of sync in the formation he insists on using.
While João Pedro showed flashes of brilliance and Cole Palmer reminded fans of his breakout spell last year, Chelsea’s playing style continues to look experimental rather than intentional. The system still seems uncomfortable for several key players, raising the question: Can Maresca unify this team and establish a clear footballing identity?
From Conference League to Title Contenders?
Many viewed Chelsea’s Conference League success as a given, especially considering the level of competition. But it’s important to recognize how far the club has come from a chaotic transfer policy and bloated, mismanaged squad to a more streamlined, strategic approach.
Key player sales have brought in significant revenue, allowing the club to target quality over quantity. With a solid summer, Chelsea could shift from being a dark horse to a serious contender.
The Premier League title race is already packed with Liverpool, Arsenal, and Manchester City. But after recent performances, the big question is:
Can Chelsea become the fourth title challenger in 2025/26?
Read More At EPL and Champions League.
