Date: Tuesday, July 8, 2025
Time: 8:00 PM BST (3:00 PM local time)
Venue: MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey
Competition: FIFA Club World Cup Semi-Final
Broadcast: Live stream on DAZN (free with registration), not televised in the UK
The FIFA Club World Cup semi-final showdown between Fluminense and Chelsea promises to be a thrilling encounter as the Brazilian underdogs face off against the Premier League giants for a coveted spot in the final. Set to take place at the iconic MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, this match pits Fluminense’s gritty, counter-attacking style against Chelsea’s possession-heavy, star-studded approach. With a place in the July 13 final against either Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich, or Borussia Dortmund at stake, both teams are ready to leave it all on the pitch.
The Road to the Semi-Final
Fluminense have been the surprise package of the 2025 Club World Cup. Finishing as Group F runners-up behind Borussia Dortmund with one win and two draws, the 2023 Copa Libertadores champions defied expectations by defeating Inter Milan 2-0 in the round of 16 and Al-Hilal 2-1 in the quarter-finals. Led by 40-year-old veteran Thiago Silva, who anchors their defense, Fluminense have been defensively resolute, keeping three clean sheets in their last five matches and conceding just one second-half goal in the tournament. Their counter-attacking prowess, driven by the dynamic Jhon Arias and veteran striker German Cano, has made them a dangerous outfit, especially in the latter stages of matches, with half of their eight tournament goals coming after the 70th minute.
Chelsea, under the guidance of Enzo Maresca, are chasing their second Club World Cup title. Despite a shock 3-1 loss to Flamengo in the group stage, the Blues secured second place in Group D and have since found their stride, dispatching Benfica 4-1 in the round of 16 (after extra time) and edging past Palmeiras 2-1 in the quarter-finals, thanks to a Cole Palmer goal and an own goal by Palmeiras’ Agustin Giay. Chelsea’s high-possession game (averaging over 60% in 11 of their 16 matches against non-English sides this season) and ability to dominate set pieces (7.2 corners per game) make them formidable, but their inconsistency against Brazilian opposition—having won one and lost one in the tournament—suggests this won’t be a straightforward affair.
Team News
Fluminense will be without key midfielder Matheus Martinelli and center-back Juan Pablo Freytes, both suspended after picking up bookings in the quarter-final against Al-Hilal. Manager Renato Gaucho may tweak his usual 3-5-2 formation, potentially promoting Hercules, who scored in the Al-Hilal win, to the starting lineup. Thiago Silva, despite nursing a nose injury, is expected to lead the defense against his former club, flanked by Ignacio and possibly Fuentes. Jhon Arias, the team’s attacking spark, leads in shots, chances created, and dribbles, making him a player to watch.
Chelsea also face suspension issues, with striker Liam Delap and defender Levi Colwill ruled out after receiving yellow cards against Palmeiras. Captain Reece James and midfielder Romeo Lavia are injury doubts, having missed the quarter-final, while new signing Jamie Gittens is ineligible. However, the return of Moises Caicedo from suspension is a major boost, and he’s likely to anchor the midfield alongside Enzo Fernandez. Cole Palmer, Pedro Neto, and Christopher Nkunku are expected to spearhead the attack, with new signing Joao Pedro, who faces his boyhood club, potentially making an impact off the bench. Their high press and fluid attacking play, led by Cole Palmer’s creativity, could stretch Fluminense’s compact defense. However, the Blues must avoid complacency, as their loss to Flamengo exposed vulnerabilities against Brazilian sides’ counter-attacks.
A fully rested Moises Caicedo tomorrow. We will be there. pic.twitter.com/jglLBrWsJg
— CFC-Blues (@CFCBlues_com) July 7, 2025
Key Players to Watch:
Fluminense: Jhon Arias, the attacking talisman, is a livewire with his dribbling and chance creation. Thiago Silva’s experience will be crucial in organizing the defense against his former club.
Chelsea: Cole Palmer, with his knack for decisive moments, and Moises Caicedo, back from suspension, will be pivotal in dictating the tempo and breaking down Fluminense’s block.
Predicted Line-up:
With Moises Caicedo coming back in and Colwill/Delap OUT, this is (below), how we think Chelsea will line-up against Fluminense. The main to thinks that could be likely to change is Reece James for Malo Gusto (If Reece isn't ready) and Christopher Nkunku in for Joao Pedro, with Maresca maybe cautious to start him.
With Colwill/Delap suspended, this would be my team against Fluminense. Thoughts? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/rFOgCUaIta
— CFC-Blues (@CFCBlues_com) July 7, 2025
How to Watch
The match will not be televised in the UK but can be streamed live for free on DAZN with a simple registration. Coverage begins at 7:00 PM BST, ahead of the 8:00 PM kick-off. Fans can also follow live updates via Standard Sport’s live blog or the official Chelsea website and app, with highlights available from 11:00 PM BST and the full match replay from 10:00 PM on Thursday, July 10.
Final Thoughts
With a place in the Club World Cup final on the line, Fluminense and Chelsea are set for a blockbuster semi-final. Chelsea’s star power and tactical discipline give them the edge, but Fluminense’s heart, led by Thiago Silva and Jhon Arias, ensures they won’t go down without a fight. Expect a tense, low-scoring affair that could go the distance. Will the Blues march on, or will Fluminense pull off another upset? Tune in to find out.
