The MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, is buzzing with anticipation tonight, July 8, 2025, as the FIFA Club World Cup semi-final between Fluminense and Chelsea. The air is thick with excitement and nerves for both clubs with a huge opportunity to make a huge, with an announcer whose voice has become synonymous with the grandest stages in sports. Tonight, this iconic figure will introduce the players of both teams, elevating the spectacle to new heights.
As the crowd pours into the stadium, the energy is palpable. Fluminense, the Brazilian Série A side and the last South American hope in the tournament, face off against English Premier League giants Chelsea. The Tricolor, led by their inspirational captain Thiago Silva, have defied expectations, remaining unbeaten and toppling heavyweights like Inter Milan and Al Hilal to reach this stage. Chelsea, on the other hand, are chasing their second Club World Cup title, powered by a dynamic squad featuring stars like Cole Palmer and Pedro Neto. The stakes couldn’t be higher, with a spot in the final against either Real Madrid or Paris Saint-Germain on the line.
Next up for Thiago Silva... 👀#FIFACWC pic.twitter.com/Mgqgd4gFz0
— FIFA Club World Cup (@FIFACWC) July 7, 2025
Tournament Journey so far
Fluminense’s journey to this semi-final has been nothing short of a fairytale. As the oldest team in the tournament, with an average age of 31 years and 12 days, they’ve leaned on experience and grit. Thiago Silva, the 40-year-old former Chelsea captain, faces his old club in a poetic twist, his leadership anchoring a backline that has kept six clean sheets in their last 11 matches. Despite suspensions to key players Matheus Martinelli and Juan Freytes, Fluminense’s resolve remains unshaken, with substitute hero Hércules likely to step into the starting lineup after his decisive goal against Al Hilal.
Chelsea, by contrast, are the embodiment of youth and ambition, with an average squad age of just 24 years and 124 days. Their 2-1 victory over Palmeiras in the quarterfinals showcased their attacking flair, with Cole Palmer’s opener and an own goal securing their place. However, suspensions to Liam Delap and Levi Colwill pose challenges, and manager Enzo Maresca faces a decision on whether to start summer signing João Pedro or rely on Nicolas Jackson up top. The Blues’ depth and physicality make them marginal favourites, but Fluminense’s knack for upsets—evidenced by their 2-0 win over Inter Milan—ensures this will be no walkover.
Special Guest
🚨🚨 BREAKING: Famous announcer Michael Buffer will announce the Fluminense and Chelsea teams onto the pitch tomorrow. [@kierangill_DM] pic.twitter.com/gHjhUS6669
— CFC-Blues (@CFCBlues_com) July 7, 2025
With an exclusive from Kieran Gill from the Daily Mail, the master of ceremonies, this voice that has turned a football match into a theatrical epic? None other than Michael Buffer, the legendary ring announcer whose iconic “Let’s get ready to rumble!” has electrified audiences worldwide. At 80 years young, Buffer brings his unmistakable charisma to the FIFA Club World Cup, introducing the Fluminense and Chelsea players with the same flair that has made him a household name in boxing and beyond.
His presence tonight is a testament to FIFA’s ambition to make this tournament a global spectacle, and as the whistle blows, Buffer’s voice lingers, setting the stage for a night of footballing drama.
An old friend?
A lot of people will forget that Michael Buffer once announced the Chelsea starting XI and bench at Stamford Bridge once before back in 2018. The huge personality will do this once again for Chelsea tonight as they have a huge semi-final on their hands against Fluminense.
Michael Buffer once read the Chelsea team back in 2018 🎤 😭pic.twitter.com/fLXRurmEJI https://t.co/FsgCD6AcwL
— CFCDaily (@CFCDaily) July 7, 2025
