The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup semifinals are set to commence, featuring a highly anticipated clash between South American and European teams. On July 9, 2025, Copa Libertadores 2023 champions Fluminense will face off against UEFA Champions League 2021 winners Chelsea, with a coveted spot in the final on the line.
Chelsea Face Another Brazilian Team Challenge
Chelsea will once again face a Brazilian side at this tournament, marking their third such encounter. Their journey so far has been nothing short of dramatic: after losing their group opener to Flamengo, the Blues barely made it past Benfica in the Round of 16, needing 120 minutes to secure a win. In the quarterfinals, they edged out Palmeiras 2-1 with a lucky own goal in the 89th minute.
Fluminense, the sole South American team left in the competition, will be determined to uphold the continent’s honor. Meanwhile, the other semifinal features a blockbuster clash between PSG, the reigning Champions League winners, and Spanish giants Real Madrid—sure to draw global attention.
Historically, all four Premier League powerhouses—Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Manchester City—have each lifted the Club World Cup once. Should Chelsea win this time, they would become the first English team to claim the title twice.
Caicedo Returns to Boost Chelsea Midfield
Ecuadorian midfielder Moisés Caicedo returns to action after serving a suspension, providing a welcome boost to Chelsea’s midfield. However, the Blues will be without defender Levi Colwill and forward Liam Delap, both of whom are suspended due to yellow card accumulation. Reece James and Roméo Lavia also remain sidelined with injuries.
Cole Palmer, who scored his first goal of the tournament in the last match, is expected to start again alongside Enzo Fernández, Neto, and Nicolas Jackson. New signing Pedro is likely to replace the suspended Delap up front.
Fluminense Boast Strong Defense, But Face Key Absences
Fluminense, a storied club in Brazilian football, has shown strong form throughout this tournament. They progressed from the group stage unbeaten (1 win, 2 draws) alongside Borussia Dortmund. Then they defeated Inter Milan 2-0 in the Round of 16 to reach the semifinals. Their defense has been imposing, conceding only two goals in four matches and keeping three clean sheets.
However, they will miss two key players due to suspension: match-winner Martinelli and Argentine centre-back Juan Fretes. Fortunately, left-back René returns from suspension and is expected to partner with Gabriel Fuentes in defense.
Veteran defender and captain Thiago Silva, now 40 years old, is set to lead Fluminense’s backline against his former club. Having played for Chelsea from 2020 to 2024, Silva will aim to halt the Blues’ advance and guide his current team to the final.
Preferred Final Opponent? Chelsea Might Favour Madrid Over PSG
Historically, Chelsea has enjoyed success against Spanish teams in European finals, winning all four of their European trophies against them, including two against Real Madrid. Most recently, they beat Los Blancos in the 2025 Europa League final. Given PSG’s current formidable form, Chelsea may secretly prefer facing Real Madrid in the final.
This semifinal is pivotal. The winner advances to the final and earns the right to battle for global supremacy. For Fluminense, it’s a chance to redeem themselves after their heavy loss in the 2023 Club World Cup final. For Chelsea, it’s an opportunity to defend their title and further cement their status as one of the world’s elite clubs.
