Chelsea will play against a Brazilian side for the third time at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup when they face Rio de Janeiro side Fluminense in the semifinal of the FIFA tournament on Tuesday, July 8, in New Jersey. The London club are huge favorites to overcome the Brazilians and book their place in the final. Chelsea, the 2021 winners of the Club World Cup, beat Palmeiras 2-1 in the quarterfinal to advance to the last four, setting up a sentimental clash against former captain Thiago Silva. The veteran Silva has become the cornerstone of this Fluminense campaign in the Club World Cup, with the 2023 Copa Libertadores champions shipping still undefeated in the USA. This clash between two teams not expected to get to this stage promises to be exciting and likely to go to the wire.
Bet on Chelsea vs. Fluminense with Bet365
- FOOTBALL: Chelsea vs. Fluminense, FIFA Club World Cup, Semifinal
- Where to Watch: DAZN, 5, FIFA TV, FanCode, Foxtel, Kayo Sports, TUDN, TNT, Supersport
- Venue: MetLife Stadium, New Jersey, USA
- Date: 08.07.2025 15:00 ET
Chelsea
Chelsea have improved so much from the poor team that struggled for much of the early part of the season in the English Premier League. The Blues finished the season on a high note after claiming the UEFA Conference League title and consequently, a spot in the Champions League next season. Their good form from the final has carried into the FIFA Club World Cup, where Enzo Maresca's lads have won four games from five, with their only defeat coming against Fluminense's Rio neighbors Flamengo in the group stages. Chelsea topped Group F before beating Benfica 4-1 after extra time in the Round of 16. Cole Palmer opened the scoring in the quarterfinal before Chelsea-bound Estevao equalized for Palmeiras. An Agustin Giay own goal handed the English side a last-four berth. Chelsea's new striker Liam Delap and defender Levi Colwill are suspended, but Moises Caicedo may return to the midfield after serving his own suspension.
Chelsea Possible Starting Lineup:
Sanchez; Gusto, Tosin, Chalobah, Cucurella, Fernandez, Caicedo, Neto, Palmer, Nkunku, Pedro
Bet on Chelsea vs. Fluminense with Bet365Fluminense
The 2023 Libertadores champions are currently on an 11-match undefeated run. Fluminense arrived at the FIFA Club World Cup with little expectations. Buoyed by their 40-year-old captain and defender Thiago Silva, they have proved a difficult side to break down, and have survived to the last four. The Brazilians played out two 0-0 draws against Borussia Dortmund and Mamelodi Sundowns in the group phase. Those two points plus a 4-2 victory over Ulsan HD were enough to enable them qualify second from the group. They then picked up a 2-0 win over Champions League finalists Inter Milan and a 2-1 victory over Saudi giants Al-Hilal, with both performances big on grit and determination. Fluminense will be without Juan Pablo Freytes and Matheus Martinelli who are suspended for the semifinal. The Brazilians would certainly look to the leadership of captain Thiago Silva again as they tackle his former team.
Fluminense Possible Starting Lineup:
Fabio; Ignacio, Silva, Rene, Xavier, Hercules, Bernal, Nonato, Fuentes, Arias, Cano
Betting Odds
Chelsea are 1.709 favorites on 1xBet, with the bookmaker offering a bet for Fluminense to win at 5.51 odds. Both teams to score is 2.00 on Bet365, which offers No to BTS for 1.70. Over 2.5 is priced for 1.94 on Betway with the bookie listing a draw for 3.55. Read more here.
Bet on Chelsea vs. Fluminense with Bet365
