Varsha
The FIFA Club World Cup semi-finals continue with a fascinating clash between South America’s Fluminense and European giants Chelsea at the MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, on Tuesday, July 8, 2025 (8pm BST / 3pm ET).
After edging Palmeiras thanks to a late own goal from Agustín Giay, Chelsea now face another Brazilian test in their bid to reach the Club World Cup final. Meanwhile, Fluminense’s fairytale run rolls on after they beat Al-Hilal 2–1 in the quarter-final to book their place in the last four.
This match will also see Thiago Silva face his former club for the first time since returning to Fluminense last summer, adding even more intrigue to this encounter.
🗓 Match Details
- Date: Tuesday, July 8, 2025
- Kick-off: 8pm BST / 3pm ET
- Venue: MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey
- Attendance expected: ~75,000
- Head-to-head: First-ever competitive meeting (FIFA.com)
📺 How to Watch Fluminense vs Chelsea
- TV (UK): Not televised live.
- Live stream: Free via DAZN (registration required). Coverage starts at 7pm BST.
- Live blog: Follow every kick via Standard Sport’s live blog.
- Tickets: Available on StubHub.
DAZN is the global broadcaster of the revamped Club World Cup, streaming all matches free for registered users.
🔍 Team News
Fluminense
- Out: Matheus Martinelli (suspension), Juan Freytes (suspension)
- Available: René returns from suspension, Thiago Silva set to captain.
- Key man Martinelli, who scored the winner against Al-Hilal, is suspended after accumulating two yellow cards.
Chelsea
- Out: Liam Delap (suspension), Levi Colwill (suspension)
- Doubtful: Reece James, Romeo Lavia, Benoît Badiashile (all missed Palmeiras game)
- Likely starters include Nicolas Jackson up front, while summer signing João Pedro could also feature after replacing Delap last time out. Moisés Caicedo returns from suspension and is expected to start.
🔢 Stats & Form Guide
- Chelsea’s record vs Brazilian teams in Club World Cup: W1, L1.
- Fluminense unbeaten in this Club World Cup, having already shocked Inter Milan in the Round of 16.
- Thiago Silva (40) is Fluminense’s oldest outfield player and has been rated among their top performers in the tournament (AFP).
- Chelsea have kept 3 clean sheets in their last 5 competitive games (FIFA.com).
🧩 Prediction
Fluminense’s spirited performances and their ability to frustrate bigger sides make them dangerous underdogs. Chelsea, however, possess more individual quality, greater depth, and valuable tournament experience. Expect a tight, tense contest, with the Blues just edging it.
❓ FAQ: Fluminense vs Chelsea at Club World Cup 2025
For Fluminense: Thiago Silva and experienced full-back René.
For Chelsea: Moisés Caicedo and likely starter Nicolas Jackson.
No — this is their first-ever competitive meeting.
Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey. Kick-off: 8pm BST / 3pm ET.
Free live stream globally via DAZN with registration.
A place in the FIFA Club World Cup final, where the winner will face either Real Madrid or PSG.
📝 Conclusion
Chelsea will need to be at their best to avoid another Brazilian banana skin and book their spot in the Club World Cup final. With Thiago Silva looking to spoil his former club’s party and Fluminense continuing to defy expectations, this semi-final promises plenty of drama.
Will Chelsea’s quality shine through, or are we in for another shock in this unpredictable tournament?
