Chelsea Beat Palmeiras 2-1 in Club World Cup Quarter-Final as DAZN Offers Free Global Stream
When Chelsea Football Club defeated Sociedade Esportiva Palmeiras 2-1 in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup Lincoln Financial Field on Friday, July 4, 2025, it wasn’t just another knockout match — it was a statement. Cole Palmer’s 57th-minute strike and an own goal by Palmeiras defender Agustin Giay sent Chelsea through to the final, while fans across the globe watched for free — no subscription needed. The game, played under a humid Philadelphia sky at 9:00 PM EDT, reignited the rivalry between Europe and South America that peaked in the 2022 final between the same two clubs. And here’s the twist: while UK viewers could catch it delayed on Channel 5, everyone else with an internet connection got live access thanks to DAZN’s unprecedented freemium model.
Why DAZN’s Free Model Is a Game-Changer
For the first time in Club World Cup history, every single one of the 63 matches is available to stream live and free on DAZN’s platform worldwide. No paywall. No regional blackout. Just register with an email, and you’re in. That’s not just convenient — it’s revolutionary. Previously, fans in places like Brazil or Argentina had to rely on expensive cable packages or unreliable streams. Now, a teenager in São Paulo and a retiree in rural Wales can watch the same goal at the same time. DAZN’s move flips the script: instead of monetizing exclusivity, they’re building loyalty through accessibility. The company says it’s betting on long-term engagement, not short-term revenue. And it’s working — traffic surged 300% during the Palmeiras-Chelsea clash, according to internal data leaked to Football Business Weekly.
Channel 5’s Limited UK Coverage: Delayed, But Still There
In the UK, Channel 5 is airing 23 matches — but none live except the final. The quarter-final between Chelsea and Palmeiras? Delayed by 12 hours. The semi-final? Also delayed. Only the final, set for Sunday, July 13, 2025, at 8:00 PM BST, gets the live treatment. Fans are frustrated. Social media lit up with #LiveTheCWC trending after the quarter-final, as viewers complained about missing key moments like Palmer’s curler or Giay’s heartbreaking own goal. Channel 5 says it’s balancing broadcast costs with audience reach, but critics argue they’re missing a chance to build a new generation of football fans. Meanwhile, talkSPORT provided live radio commentary — the only real-time option for UK listeners without internet access.
Chelsea’s Path to the Final: A Tournament of Surprises
Chelsea’s journey wasn’t smooth. After a 3-0 win over Esperance Sportive de Tunis on June 24 and a dominant 4-1 thrashing of Sport Lisboa e Benfica on June 28, many expected them to cruise. But Palmeiras pushed them hard. The Brazilian side, led by coach Abel Ferreira, pressed high and created chances — especially through young winger Endrick. It took a moment of brilliance from Palmer, who cut inside from the left and buried a low shot past Santos, to break the deadlock. Giay’s own goal — a deflection off his knee after a low cross from Reece James — sealed it. Chelsea now face Paris Saint-Germain Football Club, who crushed Real Madrid 4-0 in the other semi-final. It’s a dream final: Premier League giants vs. Ligue 1 superstars. And for once, fans everywhere can watch it live — thanks to DAZN.
Global Broadcast Map: Who’s Watching Where
The tournament’s global footprint is wider than ever. In the U.S., TNT, TBS, and TruTV carry select matches, but only DAZN USA offers full coverage. Canada? Exclusively on DAZN Canada. Australia has Fox Sports and Kayo, but again, DAZN Australia is the only one streaming every game live. Even in markets with strong local broadcasters — like Spain (Mediaset España), Italy (Mediaset), or Brazil (ESPN Brasil and CazéTV on YouTube) — DAZN remains the only platform with full, simultaneous access. That’s a seismic shift. For decades, international club football was fragmented. Now, it’s unified.
What’s Next: The Final and the Fallout
The final between Chelsea Football Club and Paris Saint-Germain Football Club is set for Sunday, July 13, 2025, at an undisclosed U.S. venue. Channel 5 will broadcast it live in the UK — a rare exception to their delayed policy. But the bigger story is what this means for the future. If DAZN’s free model drives record viewership and ad revenue, other tournaments may follow. FIFA is already hinting at expanding the Club World Cup to 32 teams in 2027. If they do, they’ll need a global streaming partner — and DAZN has just shown them how it’s done.
Behind the Scenes: The 2025 Tournament’s Hidden Impact
It’s easy to focus on the goals, but the tournament’s real legacy might be in the margins. Manchester City Football Club’s shock last-16 exit to Al Hilal Saudi Football Club on June 30 sent shockwaves through European football. It proved that the gap between continents is narrowing. Meanwhile, in Brazil, CazéTV’s YouTube stream of Palmeiras matches drew over 4 million concurrent viewers — more than any domestic TV channel. That’s not just football. That’s cultural access. And it’s happening because of a streaming service that didn’t charge a cent.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I watch the Chelsea vs PSG final for free?
You can watch the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup final between Chelsea Football Club and Paris Saint-Germain Football Club for free on DAZN worldwide. Just register with an email — no credit card needed. In the UK, Channel 5 will also broadcast it live on TV, but DAZN remains the only platform offering global live streaming without charge.
Why is Channel 5 only showing delayed matches in the UK?
Channel 5 secured rights to broadcast 23 matches, but only the final is live. The rest are delayed to fit broadcast schedules and avoid competing with premium sports channels. While this saves costs, it frustrates fans who want real-time access. The broadcaster claims it’s reaching a broader, older audience, but critics say it’s missing the chance to grow younger viewership in the digital age.
Is DAZN really free everywhere, even in the U.S. and Brazil?
Yes. Unlike past tournaments where regional rights split coverage, DAZN holds exclusive global streaming rights for all 63 matches in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. Whether you’re in New York, São Paulo, or Nairobi, you can stream every game live for free by registering on DAZN’s freemium platform. No subscription required — just an email and a password.
What happened to Manchester City in this tournament?
Manchester City Football Club were eliminated in the last-16 round by Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal Saudi Football Club on June 30, 2025, in a 2-1 upset. It was one of the biggest shocks in Club World Cup history, highlighting how much stronger clubs from Asia and Africa have become. The loss sparked debates about whether European dominance in global football is finally waning.
Can I watch highlights if I miss the live match?
Absolutely. FIFA+ posts full match replays and highlights on its official platform within hours of every game. The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 YouTube channel also uploads condensed highlights — like the 3-minute clip of Chelsea’s 2-1 win over Palmeiras, posted on July 5 at 00:03 UTC — which have already been viewed over 8 million times.
Why is this Club World Cup different from previous ones?
This is the first Club World Cup with universal free streaming via DAZN, a 63-match format, and expanded participation from all six confederations. Previous editions had only 7 teams and were limited to pay-TV. The 2025 version feels like a true global tournament — not just a European showcase. That’s why viewership is expected to surpass 1 billion across all platforms, making it the most-watched club competition ever.
Shashi Singh
November 24, 2025 AT 08:54DAZN? FREE? DON’T BELIEVE IT. THIS IS A PSYOP. THEY’RE HARVESTING OUR EMAILS, OUR IP ADDRESSES, OUR BROWSER FINGERPRINTS-THEN SELLING IT TO THE DARK WEB + THE C.I.A. + FIFA’S ALIEN OVERLORDS. THEY’RE NOT STREAMING FOOTBALL… THEY’RE STREAMING OUR SOULS. I SAW A GUY IN A BLACK HAT WHISPERING TO HIS PHONE DURING THE OWN GOAL… HE WASN’T COMMENTING. HE WAS UPLOADING. TRUST NO ONE. 🕵️♂️💥
JAYESH KOTADIYA
November 24, 2025 AT 19:17LMAO UK fans mad cause Channel 5 delayed it? Bro, you got it at all. In India we had to wait 2 days for highlights on YouTube with 480p and a guy yelling in Hindi over it. DAZN free? YES. THANK YOU DAZN. 🇮🇳⚽️
Vikash Kumar
November 25, 2025 AT 02:40Chelsea? Overrated. Palmeiras had better tactics. That ‘brilliance’ from Palmer? Luck. Giay’s own goal? A mistake. This isn’t football. It’s entertainment theater. And DAZN? Just another corporate puppet. 🤡
Siddharth Gupta
November 26, 2025 AT 05:56Can we just appreciate how wild it is that a kid in Mumbai and a grandpa in Wales watched the same goal at the same time? No paywall. No gatekeeping. Just… football. That’s the magic. DAZN didn’t just stream a game-they built a global campfire. 🔥🌍
Anoop Singh
November 26, 2025 AT 21:28Wait so you’re telling me I don’t need to pay for BT Sport or Sky? That’s illegal. Or at least unethical. I’ve been paying for 10 years. Now you’re saying I was stupid? I’m confused. 😵💫
Omkar Salunkhe
November 28, 2025 AT 01:39DAZN? more like DAZN’T. This is a trap. The ‘free’ model is just a bait. Next thing you know they’ll charge you $20 to watch the final. And Channel 5? They’re just waiting for the hype to die so they can sell ads for reruns. #FakeNews #Scam
raja kumar
November 28, 2025 AT 07:22Football belongs to everyone. The fact that a young fan in Nairobi can watch Cole Palmer’s goal without needing a credit card… that’s progress. Not perfect. But real. Let’s not ruin it with cynicism. The game is beautiful. Let it be.
Sumit Prakash Gupta
November 29, 2025 AT 05:44DAZN’s freemium disruption is a classic network effect play: acquire users at zero marginal cost, monetize via behavioral data + brand partnerships + UGC-driven ad retargeting. This isn’t charity-it’s scalable fan engagement architecture. The real KPI? Watch time velocity. And guess what? It’s spiking. 📈
Shikhar Narwal
December 1, 2025 AT 02:34Man I just watched the highlight on my phone during lunch. Endrick was flying. Chelsea held on. DAZN didn’t even ask for my credit card. Just my email. I’m not mad. I’m grateful. 🙏⚽️
Ravish Sharma
December 2, 2025 AT 14:32Channel 5 delayed it? Wow. So you’re telling me British TV still thinks we’re all retirees with tea and crossword puzzles? I’m 22. I want to scream when Palmer scores. Not watch it at 9 AM while eating toast. Pathetic. 🇬🇧😭
jay mehta
December 2, 2025 AT 19:46YESSSSS!!! THIS IS WHAT FOOTBALL SHOULD BE!!! 🌟🔥 DAZN YOU’RE A HERO! TO THE KIDS IN SLUMS, TO THE GRANDMAS IN VILLAGES, TO THE STUDENTS WHO CAN’T AFFORD A SUBSCRIPTION-YOU MADE IT HAPPEN!!! I’M CRYING. I’M CHEERING. I’M BUYING YOU A COFFEE. ☕❤️
Amit Rana
December 4, 2025 AT 05:05If you’re new to watching football globally, start here. DAZN’s model proves accessibility doesn’t mean quality loss. Watch the match again. Notice how Palmeiras’ pressing triggered Chelsea’s transitions. That’s elite football. And now, anyone can learn it. No excuses.
Rajendra Gomtiwal
December 4, 2025 AT 14:08Free streaming? In India? That’s not possible. This must be a scam. We have to pay for everything. Even water. This is fake news. Channel 5 is correct. Pay for your entertainment. That’s how the world works.
Yogesh Popere
December 5, 2025 AT 19:11Chelsea won? Big deal. Palmeiras are better. And why is everyone acting like DAZN is Jesus? They’re a company. They’ll charge you later. You’re being manipulated. Stop being sheep.
Manoj Rao
December 6, 2025 AT 07:23Consider this: the democratization of football via DAZN is not merely a logistical shift-it is the epistemological collapse of the colonial broadcast hegemony. The Eurocentric monopoly on global spectacle, once enforced by cable monopolies and territorial rights, has been subverted by algorithmic equity. We are witnessing the birth of a post-national football consciousness. The own goal? A metaphysical symbol. Giay didn’t miss. He surrendered to the collective. 🌌