Fluminense Battles Chelsea for Club World Cup Final Spot: Key Players and Match Predictions
Chelsea stand just two matches away from claiming Club World Cup triumph, but they face a determined Fluminense squad looking to secure their place in the tournament's final during Tuesday's semifinal clash.
Although Chelsea suffered a setback against Flamengo in the group phase, they benefited from a favorable knockout bracket positioning and have capitalized effectively thus far. Nevertheless, their path to the semifinals has demanded tremendous effort.
They required additional time to overcome Benfica before securing victory in the closing ten minutes against Palmeiras with a 2–1 result in what was dubbed the "Estêvão Willian Derby."
While the Blues' summer activities are significantly strengthening their financial position, they have demonstrated throughout this competition their intense desire to claim this particular trophy.
Fluminense have completed a remarkable run to the semifinals, with their latest victim being Al Hilal, the team that eliminated Manchester City, falling to the Brazilian club's tenacity and fluid attacking transitions. Under the leadership of the ageless Thiago Silva in defense, Flu have already eliminated Inter in the knockout rounds after controlling Borussia Dortmund in a goalless encounter on the opening matchday.
Chelsea must deliver their finest performance to progress further.
Here is Sports Illustrated's comprehensive preview of this Club World Cup semifinal encounter.
What Time Does Fluminense vs. Chelsea Kick-Off?
Fluminense vs. Chelsea Head-to-Head Record
This marks the inaugural competitive meeting between Fluminense and Chelsea.
Current Form (All Competitions)
Fluminense | Chelsea |
|---|---|
Fluminense 2–1 Al Hilal - 4/7/25 | Palmeiras 1–2 Chelsea - 4/7/25 |
Inter 0–2 Fluminense - 30/6/25 | Benfica 1–4 Chelsea - 28/6/25 |
Mamelodi Sundowns 0–0 Fluminense - 25/6/25 | ES Tunis 0–3 Chelsea - 25/6/25 |
Fluminense 4–2 Ulsan HD - 21/6/25 | Flamengo 3–1 Chelsea - 20/6/25 |
Fluminense 0–0 Borussia Dortmund - 17/6/25 | Chelsea 2–0 LAFC - 16/6/25 |
How to Watch Fluminense vs. Chelsea on TV, Live Stream
Country | TV Channel/Live Stream |
|---|---|
United Kingdom | DAZN |
United States | DAZN, Watch TNT, TNT USA, truTV USA |
Canada | DAZN |
Mexico | DAZN |
Fluminense Team News
Renato Gaúcho faces several significant absences for the semifinal due to suspensions.
Juan Pablo Freytes has delivered outstanding performances alongside Silva in the defensive line, but he received his second yellow card of the tournament during the quarterfinal. Goal-scoring midfielder Matheus Martinelli is also suspended, potentially opening a starting position for Hércules, who has found the net as a substitute in both of Fluminense's knockout victories.
Former Chelsea center-back Silva will anchor Gaúcho's three-man defense, but Colombian international Jhon Arias represents the primary threat the Blues must neutralize on Tuesday. Arias has served as Flu's catalyst in counter-attacking situations.
Fluminense Predicted Lineup vs. Chelsea
Fluminense predicted lineup vs. Chelsea (3-5-2): Fábio; Ignacio, Silva, Fuentes; Xavier, Hércules, Bernal, Nonato, Rene; Arias, Cano
Chelsea Team News
Maresca has rotated his starting eleven throughout the competition, and he'll be compelled to make additional adjustments for Tuesday's semifinal.
Chelsea will be missing suspended pair Levi Colwill and Liam Delap, though Moisés Caicedo returns to availability and will rejoin the Blues' midfield setup.
Benoît Badiashile and Roméo Lavia were sidelined against Palmeiras due to injuries, while captain Reece James also sat out the quarterfinal after sustaining an injury during pre-match preparations. James is expected to be fit enough to participate at MetLife.
Nicolas Jackson is anticipated to step in for the suspended Delap in the striker role, though new signing João Pedro impressed in his debut appearance and might earn his first start for the club in this match.
Chelsea Predicted Lineup vs. Fluminense
Chelsea predicted lineup vs. Fluminense (4-2-3-1): Sánchez; Gusto, Adarabioyo, Chalobah, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernández; Palmer, Pedro, Neto; Jackson
Fluminense vs. Chelsea Score Prediction
Considering they entered the competition with modest expectations, Fluminense have emerged as the standout narrative of the 2025 Club World Cup. They were battling relegation last season, and now they're within reach of global glory.
Gaúcho's team has earned their place through merit. Based on Opta statistics, only Paris Saint-Germain have conceded fewer expected goals per 90 minutes than the Brazilians this summer. The 40-year-old Silva has been exceptional, and Chelsea must find a way past their formidable former defender to advance.
The Blues haven't been spectacular this summer, but they've consistently discovered methods to succeed. Flu will be missing several important players on Tuesday, and while Chelsea also face suspension issues, their pattern of doing precisely what's required may persist.