The Club World Cup will learn its first finalist this Tuesday, as Fluminense and Chelsea face off for a place in the tournament’s most anticipated match. The showdown will take place at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. The winner will advance to the final to play against either PSG or Real Madrid, who meet on Wednesday.
Renato Portaluppi’s squad is determined to continue making history. After eliminating Lautaro Martínez’s Inter (2-0) in the round of 16 and Al Hilal (2-1) in the quarterfinals, the Brazilian side now seeks another major upset on U.S. soil. They finished second in their group with two draws and one win
Germán Cano will be the only Argentine representative for Fluminense, as Juan Pablo Freytes and Martinelli—an essential player—are both suspended. Otávio is also ruled out due to injury.
“Fluminense is having a fantastic tournament. It’s a privilege to lead this group and this club. But we came here to make history,” said head coach Renato Portaluppi.
Chelsea’s road to the semifinal
Led by Enzo Fernández, the English club is aiming to knock out another Brazilian team after defeating Palmeiras 2-1 in the quarterfinals. In the round of 16, Chelsea beat Benfica 4-1, and they finished the group stage with two wins and one loss (against Flamengo).
Chelsea will be without Liam Delap and Levi Colwill due to suspensions, while Romeo Lavia remains sidelined with a minor injury. However, Moisés Caicedo will be back in the lineup after serving a suspension against Palmeiras.
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“I don’t think Chelsea are favorites. At this stage of the tournament, there are no favorites. The teams that made it this far earned it and bring something special. Budgets don’t win matches—you need more than that,” said head coach Enzo Maresca.
see also
FIFA Club World Cup 2025 TV Schedule in the USA and Streaming Links
Projected starting XI – Chelsea vs. Fluminense
Chelsea: Robert Sánchez; Marc Cucurella, Tosin Adarabioyo, Trevor Chalobah, Malo Gusto; Enzo Fernández, Moisés Caicedo, Christopher Nkunku, Cole Palmer, Pedro Neto; João Pedro.
Fluminense: Fábio; Thiago Santos, Thiago Silva, Ignacio; Guga, Nonato, Facundo Bernal, Hércules, Rene; Germán Cano, Jhon Arias.
