A highly anticipated clash is set to electrify the FIFA Club World Cup semifinals as Brazil’s Fluminense takes on English giants Chelsea. This encounter is rich with narrative, as Fluminense captain and Chelsea legend Thiago Silva will face his former club for the first time since returning to Brazil. Both teams have defied expectations to reach this stage, with Fluminense pulling off upsets against Inter Milan and Al Hilal, while Chelsea navigated a tough quarterfinal against Palmeiras.
Fluminense secured their semi-final berth after an unbeaten group stage and impressive knockout wins, notably a 2-0 triumph over Inter Milan in the Round of 16 and a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Al Hilal in the quarter-finals, with Hercules scoring the winner. Chelsea’s path saw them overcome Benfica 4-1 after extra time in the Round of 16, followed by a tense 2-1 quarterfinal win against Palmeiras, a rematch of the 2022 final. This match at MetLife Stadium promises to be a thrilling tactical battle for a place in the final of the inaugural revamped Club World Cup.
What Time Does Fluminense vs. Chelsea Kick-Off?
- Location: East Rutherford, New Jersey, United States
- Stadium: MetLife Stadium
- Date: Tuesday, July 8, 2025
- Kick-off Time: 3:00 PM ET / 12:00 PM PT
- Indian Time (IST): 12:30 AM IST (Wednesday, July 9, 2025)
- Referee: François Letexier (France)
Fluminense vs. Chelsea Head-to-Head Record (Last Five Games)
This will be the first-ever competitive meeting between Fluminense FC and Chelsea FC.
- Fluminense: 0 wins
- Chelsea: 0 wins
- Draws: 0
- Last Meeting: N/A
Current Form (All Competitions)
Fluminense
- July 4, 2025: Fluminense 2–1 Al Hilal (CWC Quarterfinal)
- June 30, 2025: Inter Milan 0–2 Fluminense (CWC Round of 16)
- June 25, 2025: Mamelodi Sundowns 0–0 Fluminense (CWC Group Stage)
- June 21, 2025: Fluminense 4–2 Ulsan HD (CWC Group Stage)
- June 17, 2025: Fluminense 0–0 Borussia Dortmund (CWC Group Stage)
Chelsea
- July 4, 2025: Palmeiras 1–2 Chelsea (CWC Quarterfinal)
- June 28, 2025: Benfica 1–4 Chelsea (AET) (CWC Round of 16)
- June 24, 2025: ES Tunis 0–3 Chelsea (CWC Group Stage)
- June 20, 2025: Flamengo 3–1 Chelsea (CWC Group Stage)
- June 16, 2025: Chelsea 2–0 Los Angeles FC (CWC Group Stage)
Fluminense Team News
Fluminense coach Renato Gaúcho faces some significant selection challenges due to suspensions and minor injury concerns. Left-back Rene is suspended after picking up his second yellow card in the tournament. Juan Freytes and midfielder Martinelli are also unavailable due to yellow card accumulations. Veteran midfielder Otavio remains sidelined with injury. Despite these absences, Fluminense’s core of experienced players, including 40-year-old captain Thiago Silva, 37-year-old striker German Cano, and 44-year-old goalkeeper Fabio, provide crucial leadership and stability. Hercules, who has scored in both knockout-stage matches, will be a key attacking threat.
Fluminense Predicted Lineup vs. Chelsea
Fluminense predicted lineup vs. Chelsea (3-5-2): Fabio (GK); Ignacio, Thiago Silva (C), Fuentes; Samuel Xavier, Hercules, Bernal, Nonato, Diogo Barbosa; Arias, Cano.
Chelsea Team News
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca also has his share of selection headaches for this semifinal. Forward Liam Delap and defender Levi Colwill are both suspended after accumulating their second yellow cards in the quarterfinal victory against Palmeiras. Midfielder Romeo Lavia is sidelined due to injury and will not be available. However, Cole Palmer, who scored in the last match, is in excellent form and will be crucial to Chelsea’s attack. The recent signing of João Pedro provides additional depth and creativity, and he could see more minutes. Reece James, back from injury, may continue to feature in central midfield in the absence of Caicedo and Lavia, though he could also be used at right-back. Enzo Fernandez will be central to Chelsea’s midfield efforts.
Chelsea Predicted Lineup vs. Fluminense
Chelsea predicted lineup vs. Fluminense (4-2-3-1): Sanchez (GK); Gusto, Chalobah, Badiashile, Cucurella; James, Gallagher; Madueke, Fernandez, Palmer; Pedro Neto.
Fluminense vs. Chelsea Score Prediction
This semifinal is set to be a captivating encounter. Fluminense has shown remarkable resilience and tactical discipline, particularly in their defensive performances and ability to absorb pressure, leading to upsets against European opponents. The emotional factor of Thiago Silva facing his former club adds extra spice. Chelsea, despite some inconsistencies, has found ways to win crucial games, often relying on moments of individual brilliance from players like Cole Palmer. However, Chelsea’s suspensions and Fluminense’s solid defensive record, coupled with their veteran leadership, suggest this will be a tight affair. Given Fluminense’s momentum and defensive solidity, they might just edge this one or push it to extra time, though Chelsea’s attacking firepower remains a threat.
Prediction: Fluminense 2–1 Chelsea.
How to Watch Fluminense vs. Chelsea on TV, Live Stream
Country | TV/Live Stream |
---|---|
United States | DAZN, TNT, truTV |
United Kingdom | DAZN |
Canada | DAZN |
Mexico | DAZN, tabii |
India | DAZN app/website, FanCode app/website |
All 63 games of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 are available to watch and stream online live through DAZN.
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Mobile & PC | Auto Quality