Chelsea and Fluminense. Two clubs from two different worlds, chasing the same dream: a ticket to the Club World Cup final. And with PSG or Madrid waiting, the pressure is at an all-time high.
Chelsea made it here the hard way. A fiery 2-1 win over Palmeiras. Cole Palmer bossed the show again, while Estevao, Chelsea-bound but still wearing green, gave the Blues a scare. An own goal sealed it, and now Maresca’s team are two wins from history. Fluminense had to dig deep.
They knocked out Al-Hilal 2-1. It wasn’t pretty, but it showed their heart. Fábio, the 44-year-old keeper, made big saves. Arias was all over the place. Now they’re the last South American team left in the tournament.
Chelsea are trying to end their season with a double. After winning the Conference League, they want to win this too. Fluminense? They don’t care about reputation. They’re here to spoil parties.
♻️ Chelsea vs Fluminense Key Insights 📊
📊 Chelsea are scoring an average of 2.4 goals per game
📊 Fluminense have 4 clean sheets in their last 6 games
📊 Fluminense haven’t lost in 11 straight matches
📊 Chelsea averages 7.2 Corners per game in this tournament.
📊 Cole Palmer has 3 goal contributions in this tournament
📊 Jhon Arias leads Fluminense in chances created, shots, and dribbles
📊 The winner plays PSG or Real Madrid in the final
⚔️ Form Analysis 🔬
Chelsea are hitting form at the right time. They’ve scored 12 goals in 5 matches and are averaging 17 shots per game. Cole Palmer is the heartbeat of the team, creating chances, linking play, and making things happen in the final third. He’s got help too. Nkunku is finally fit and looks sharp. Joao Pedro just made his debut, and Nicolas Jackson is available again.
In midfield, Enzo and Caicedo are seeing a lot of the ball; Chelsea are keeping an average of 62.8% possession per game. They’re also creating 3.4 big chances every match, which shows how dangerous they’ve become going forward. Even with Delap and Colwill suspended, the team still looks deep and balanced. Defensively, they’ve kept 2 clean sheets and conceded 5 goals overall. Not perfect, but solidFluminense are playing with purpose. They’ve scored 8 goals in 5 games, averaging 13.2 shots per match, and they’re more efficient than flashy. Jhon Arias has been their standout performer, quick, clever, and fearless on the counter. Cano leads the line with smart movement and precise finishing.
This team doesn’t need the ball to hurt you. Their average possession is just 44.6%, but they know how to stay compact and strike when it matters. They’re creating 1.8 big chances per game, not as much as Chelsea, but they make them count. Defensively, they’ve only conceded 3 goals across 5 matches. They’re tough to break down. Even without Martinelli, Hercules has stepped up and could start again. And of course, there’s Fábio, the 44-year-old, who is still pulling off big saves.
👥 Predicted Lineups 👥
#DIADEFLU
— Fluminense F.C. (@FluminenseFC) July 8, 2025
A BENÇÃO JOÃO DE DEUS
A BENÇÃO JOÃO DE DEUS
NOSSO POVO TE ABRAÇA
TU VENS EM MISSÃO DE PAZ
SÊ BEM-VINDO
E ABENÇOA ESSE POVO QUE TE AMA
𝑶 𝑱𝑶𝑮𝑶 𝑫𝑨𝑺 𝑵𝑶𝑺𝑺𝑨𝑺 𝑽𝑰𝑫𝑨𝑺. 𝑬́ 𝑯𝑶𝑱𝑬.#DIADEFLU#FIFACWC #TakeItToTheWorld pic.twitter.com/QG6sTT8NHI
Chelsea (4-2-3-1)🔵⚪️: Sanchez; Gusto, Tosin, Chalobah, Cucurella; Caicedo, Enzo; Neto, Palmer, Nkunku; Joao Pedro
Fluminense (3-5-2)🟢🟣: Fábio; Ignacio, Silva, Fuentes; Xavier, Hercules, Bernal, Nonato, Rene; Arias, Cano
⚔️ What to Watch Out For 🎯
🔹 Joao Pedro vs his boyhood club: Born in Rio, raised at Fluminense, now starting for Chelsea in a semi-final against them. That’s personal.
🔹 Palmer vs Thiago Silva: Chelsea’s rising star against their former captain. Creativity meets experience.
🔹 Arias on the break: Quick, tricky, and fearless. Chelsea's backline can’t afford to switch off.
🔹 Set pieces: Both sides are physical and clever in the air. One well-placed cross could settle it.
💵 Odds Market on MSport 💰
💵 Fluminense to win: 5.65
💵 Both teams to score: 2.10
💵 Cole Palmer to score anytime: 2.41
💵 Cano to score anytime: 4.30
This is the kind of semi-final that tests more than tactics. It tests belief. Chelsea want to bring another trophy back to London. Fluminense want to show the world that South American football still has magic.
Both teams believe they belong in the final. But only one will make it to New York.
