Last updated on July 2, 2025
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While Palmeiras are in top form and unbeaten, Chelsea’s squad depth, big-game experience, and resilience should help them edge past the Brazilian side.
Image credit: LDN
Chelsea and Palmeiras will face off in the Club World Cup quarter-finals.
Date: July 5, 2025
Kick-off Time: 2am UK
Venue: Philadelphia, USA
It’s a rematch of the 2022 final, where the Blues beat the Brazilian side in extra time to win their first title.
A Familiar Opponent, a Different Era
Much has changed since that dramatic 2-1 win in 2022.
Back then, Kai Havertz was Chelsea’s hero, scoring a 117th-minute penalty.
Fast-forward to today, none of the starters from that victory remain at Stamford Bridge.
A new era under manager Enzo Maresca is underway, and Chelsea are looking to bring more silverware back to London.
Their route to this stage hasn’t been easy.
After finishing second in their group—following a tough loss to Flamengo—they bounced back with a commanding 3-0 victory over Esperance de Tunis.
The last-16 clash with Benfica proved even trickier: after a weather delay and a late equalizer, Chelsea responded in extra time with three goals following Benfica’s red card, securing a 4-1 win.
Maresca’s men had already clinched the UEFA Conference League before the tournament began and are now eyeing a Club World Cup double.
With heavyweights like Manchester City and Inter Milan crashing out early, the path to the final is wide open—though not without obstacles.
Palmeiras Are No Pushovers
Palmeiras are unbeaten in the tournament and come into this fixture full of belief.
After edging past Brazilian champions Botafogo in extra time, they’ve shown grit and resilience.
Manager Abel Ferreira, who led Palmeiras in the 2022 final loss to Chelsea, is still in charge and will be eager to settle the score.
While their squad has changed, their fighting spirit remains.
Palmeiras’ campaign started with a draw against Porto and has since included a win over Al Ahly and a draw with Inter Miami.
As title contenders in Brazil’s top flight, they won’t be overawed by Chelsea’s star-studded team.
Players to Watch
Estevao Willian’s last match for Palmeiras could be against his future club.
Image credit: Chelsea Photos
- Estevao Willian, Palmeiras’ teenage wonderkid, is set to face his future club before officially joining Chelsea after the tournament.
- Pedro Neto has been Chelsea’s standout performer, scoring in all three matches so far. With Cole Palmer struggling for form, Neto’s influence has grown.
- Joao Pedro, freshly signed from Brighton, has joined Chelsea’s squad in the U.S., though Liam Delap is likely to retain his starting spot.
- Reece James is back and hoping to stay fit for the rest of the tournament, after missing Chelsea’s 2022 triumph.
- Wesley Fofana remains Chelsea’s only key absentee.
Predicted Lineups
Palmeiras:
Weverton; Mayke, Giay, Bruno Fuchs, Vanderlan; Rios, Martinez, Mauricio; Allan, Vitor Roque, Estevao
Chelsea:
Sanchez; James, Colwill, Badiashile, Cucurella; Enzo, Lavia, Caicedo; Neto, Delap, Palmer
