Last updated on July 9, 2025
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At FBC, we’ve seen signs of Chelsea becoming a true cup team again — resilient, ruthless, and refreshingly bold.
Image credit: FIFA
Date: July 8, 2025
Venue: New Jersey, United States
Kickoff Time: 8 PM UK
As the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup reaches its semi-final stage, Chelsea are just two victories away from adding another prestigious title to their collection.
But before dreaming of the final, the Blues must overcome South American hopefuls Fluminense, the last team from the continent still standing in the tournament.
Chelsea Eye Global Glory After Resurgent Run
Chelsea’s path to the semi-final has been marked by resilience and improved form under Enzo Maresca.
After an inconsistent domestic season, the Blues found new life in international competition.
They’ve now won four of their five matches at the Club World Cup, most recently eliminating Palmeiras 2-1 thanks to a Cole Palmer strike and a fortuitous own goal from Agustin Giay.
The London side had previously edged Benfica in a dramatic last-16 encounter, overcoming weather delays and extra time.
Although a 3-1 defeat to Flamengo wasn’t what fans would have expected, it has actually become a blessing in disguise.
Now, they are one step from another final having previously lifted this trophy in 2021.
Having lifted the UEFA Conference League trophy, Chelsea are chasing a historic international double.
At FBC, we’ve seen signs of Chelsea becoming a true cup team again — resilient, ruthless, and refreshingly bold.
Fluminense Fighting for South America
Fluminense, meanwhile, enter this clash with momentum and belief.
While the Brazilian side might not have the biggest names, they’ve brought big performances to the U.S.
The FBC team believes Flu have earned the right to dream — they’ve knocked out bigger teams than Chelsea before.
They knocked out Al-Hilal in the quarter-final with a dramatic 2-1 win, sealed by substitute Hercules after an early Martinelli goal and crucial late saves from 44-year-old goalkeeper Fabio.
The Brazilian club, Copa Libertadores champions in 2023, progressed from the group stage as runners-up in Group F and are unbeaten in their last 11 matches across all competitions.
Impressively, they’ve kept clean sheets in five of those games and have developed a habit of scoring late, with half of their goals in the tournament arriving after the 70th minute.
Alhough Fluminense are not currently dominating domestically—they finished just above the relegation zone last season and now sit sixth in the Brazilian league.
They have so far shown grit and unity under coach Renato Gaucho, who recently marked his 100th win with the club.
Tactical Notes & Predicted Lineups
Both sides face key absences due to suspension and injury:
Chelsea Team News
Expected adjustments include Joao Pedro leading the line in place of Delap, with Tosin Adarabioyo likely filling in for Colwill.
Caicedo is expected to return to midfield alongside Fernandez.
- Suspended: Liam Delap, Levi Colwill
- Injured: Reece James (warm-up injury), Romeo Lavia
- Back from suspension: Moises Caicedo
- Ineligible: Jamie Gittens
- Doubtful: Nicolas Jackson (missed last game despite ban ending)
🔹 Chelsea Predicted XI:
Sanchez; Gusto, Tosin, Chalobah, Cucurella; Fernandez, Caicedo; Neto, Palmer, Nkunku; Pedro
Fluminense Team News
- Suspended: Juan Pablo Freytes, Martinelli
- Doubtful: Thiago Silva (nose injury – expected to play)
Martinelli’s absence could open the door for Hercules to start after his match-winning cameo.
Renato Gaucho may revert to a back four due to Freytes’ suspension.
🔺 Fluminense Predicted XI:
Fabio; Ignacio, Silva, Fuentes; Xavier, Hercules, Bernal, Nonato, Rene; Arias, Cano
Prediction
Thiago Silva set for an emotional reunion against his former club.
Image credit: Just Chelsea
Fluminense’s dream run has been built on discipline and veteran leadership, but facing Chelsea’s superior squad depth and knockout pedigree presents a daunting task.
While the Brazilians will be no pushovers—especially with Thiago Silva set for an emotional reunion against his former club—Chelsea are clear favourites to advance.
Predicted Score: Fluminense 1-2 Chelsea (AET)
Expect a tightly contested affair with the Premier League giants needing extra time to seal a spot in the final.
What’s Next?
The winner of this semi-final will go on to face either Paris Saint-Germain or Real Madrid in the Club World Cup final.
For Chelsea, that presents a massive clash—whether it’s against PSG’s superstars or Real Madrid’s reigning European powerhouses.
