Fluminense vs Chelsea: 2025 FIFA CWC semifinal preview, prediction
Chelsea midfielder, Cole Palmer (left) with Fluminense forward, German Cano (right). Photo Credit- Bolavip
Fluminense, the last South American side standing, face Premier League giants Chelsea in a gripping 2025 FIFA Club World Cup semifinal on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, 3:00 PM ET (8:00 PM BST), MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey, with the winner advancing to the July 12 final against Real Madrid or PSG. Fluminense stunned Al Hilal 2-1 in the quarterfinals, while Chelsea secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Palmeiras. This historic first competitive meeting at MetLife Stadium, will see Thiago Silva against his former club, promising a clash of Brazilian flair and English resilience. This piece is set to preview both teams’ performances, tactics, team news, injuries, head-to-head statistics, and a scoreline prediction.
Fluminense recent performances
Fluminense advanced from Group F with five points, defeating Ulsan HD 4-2, drawing 0-0 with Borussia Dortmund, and beating Mamelodi Sundowns 2-0, before a 2-0 Round of 16 upset over Inter Milan and a 2-1 quarterfinal win over Al Hilal on July 4, 2025, with goals from Matheus Martinelli and Hercules. In the 2024/25 Brasileiro Serie A, they finished third, scoring 58 goals in 38 matches, led by German Cano and John Arias. Their three clean sheets in five Club World Cup games and a 6:3 goal difference highlight their defensive solidity.
Fluminense tactical analysis
Renato Gaucho’s 4-3-3, shifting to a 3-5-2 in knockout rounds, emphasizes a compact block and counter-attacks, averaging 48% possession, per The Analyst. Thiago Silva anchors a defense with 3 clean sheets, supported by Hercules in the attack and Nonato with his tackles. John Arias’ key passes and Cano’s goals drive the attack. Full-backs Xavier and Rene stretch play, but suspensions force adjustments. Fluminense’s disciplined block, praised for not biting on striker movements, could frustrate Chelsea, but their 5.6 corners conceded per game may invite pressure.
Fluminense team news and injuries
Fluminense are without Matheus Martinelli and Juan Freytes, suspended after bookings against Al Hilal. Thiago Silva, nursing a nose injury, is expected to start against his former club, with Rene returning from suspension to replace Freytes at left-back. Andre is doubtful with a knock, potentially forcing Nonato or Ganso into midfield. German Cano and John Arias are confirmed starters, with Hercules likely to fill Martinelli’s role.
Predicted Fluminense XI (3-5-2): Fabio; Xavier, Thiago Silva, Manoel; Arias, Hercules, Nonato, Ganso, Rene; Cano, Serna.
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Chelsea recent form
Chelsea secured six points in Group D, beating LAFC 2-0 and ES Tunis 3-0 but losing 3-1 to Flamengo, before a 4-1 Round of 16 win over Benfica and a 2-1 quarterfinal victory over Palmeiras on July 4, 2025, with Cole Palmer scoring and Malo Gusto’s shot deflecting off Weverton for the winner. In the 2024/25 Premier League, they finished fourth, scoring 69 goals in 38 matches, with Palmer and Enzo Fernandez in the Club World Cup leading the way. Their 12 goals and 7.2 corners per game in the tournament show attacking prowess, but defensive lapses (5 goals conceded) raise concerns.
Chelsea tactical analysis
Enzo Maresca’s 4-2-3-1 prioritizes possession (61% vs. Palmeiras) and high pressing, with Fernandez anchoring midfield. Cole Palmer’s key passes and Pedro Neto’s three consecutive goals lead the attack, while Joao Pedro’s debut added flair vs. Palmeiras. Malo Gusto’s overlaps stretch defenses, but Marc Cucurella’s forward runs leave gaps, as seen against Flamengo. Chelsea’s 17 blocked crosses and 12 goals scored show balance, but suspensions and injuries test their depth.
Chelsea team news and injuries
Chelsea face a defensive crisis, with Levi Colwill and Liam Delap suspended after yellow cards against Palmeiras. Reece James, Romeo Lavia, and Benoit Badiashile are doubtful with injuries, while Moises Caicedo, Nicolas Jackson, and Wesley Fofana are ruled out. Trevoh Chalobah and Tosin Adarabioyo are set to start in defense, with Joao Pedro likely replacing Neto, who may rest after mourning Diogo Jota’s death. Cole Palmer and Enzo Fernandez are confirmed starters.
Predicted Chelsea XI (4-2-3-1): Sanchez; Gusto, Chalobah, Adarabioyo, Cucurella; Fernandez, Dewsbury-Hall; Madueke, Palmer, Joao Pedro; Nkunku.
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Fluminense vs Chelsea head-to-head statistics
Fluminense and Chelsea have no prior competitive meetings, making this their first clash. Chelsea’s Club World Cup record against Brazilian sides is mixed: a 2-1 win over Palmeiras in the 2022 final and a 3-1 loss to Flamengo in 2025 group stage. Fluminense’s 2-0 upset over Inter Milan and 2-1 win over Al Hilal show their ability to challenge elite teams. With no direct history, Fluminense’s 4:2 goal differential and Chelsea’s 6:3 in group stages suggest a tight, high-scoring affair.
Fluminense vs Chelsea score prediction
Chelsea are favorites in this fixture. Fluminense’s three clean sheets and Thiago Silva’s 7.6 SofaScore rating vs. Al Hilal show their resilience, but suspensions weaken their midfield. Chelsea’s depleted defense, conceding 5 goals, is vulnerable to Cano’s finishing. Critics predicts a “match filled with skill and drama,” with both teams likely to score and notes Fluminense’s disciplined block could frustrate Chelsea, but the Blues’ central overloads may prevail.
