Fluminense vs Chelsea | Club World Cup | Semi-Finals | Pre Match

In a clash that promises to ignite the Club World Cup semi-final stage, Premier League titans Chelsea face off against Fluminense, the last South American team standing, on Tuesday in New Jersey. This pivotal encounter brings together two sides with contrasting narratives but a shared hunger for global glory, as both clubs stand just two victories away from claiming the coveted title of world champions. Chelsea, riding a wave of momentum following a triumphant European campaign, are favored to advance, yet Fluminense’s resilience and knack for defying expectations make them a formidable opponent. With a place in the final against either Paris Saint-Germain or Real Madrid at stake, this semi-final is poised to be a tactical chess match, blending Premier League polish with South American grit. Chelsea’s journey to this semi-final has been a testament to their resurgence under manager Enzo Maresca, whose first season in charge has seen the Blues overcome a mid-season wobble to reassert themselves as a force in both domestic and international competitions. Having secured qualification for next year’s UEFA Champions League and clinched the Conference League title in their final match before traveling to the United States, Chelsea are in scintillating form. Their Club World Cup campaign has been largely dominant, with four wins from five matches, including a hard-fought quarter-final victory over Brazilian side Palmeiras. In that match, Cole Palmer’s clinical opener set the tone, and an own goal from Palmeiras’ Agustin Giay sealed a 2-1 win, despite a late scare from England-bound starlet Estevao, who scored against the club he is set to join in the future. The Blues’ path to the semi-finals also saw them navigate a challenging last-16 tie against Benfica, where a weather delay pushed the match into extra time. Chelsea’s resilience shone through as they eventually dispatched the Portuguese giants, showcasing the depth and determination that have defined their campaign. However, their group stage was not without blemish; a 3-1 defeat to Fluminense’s Rio rivals Flamengo left them as Group D runners-up, though this result ultimately placed them on what many consider the more favorable side of the knockout draw, avoiding European heavyweights like Bayern Munich or Manchester City. As Club World Cup winners in 2021—when they also overcame Palmeiras—Chelsea are no strangers to this stage, and their blend of youthful exuberance and seasoned leadership positions them as strong contenders to reach another final. Maresca’s tactical acumen has transformed a squad that once teetered on the brink of crisis, and with a cup Facup trophy in sight, the Blues are primed to make a statement in New Jersey. Fluminense, meanwhile, have defied the odds to reach this stage, carrying the hopes of South American football on their shoulders. Their quarter-final triumph over Saudi giants Al-Hilal in Orlando was a display of their tenacity and tactical discipline. The match saw Fluminense take an early lead through a stunning strike from Martinelli, whose precision and composure have become hallmarks of their campaign. Al-Hilal, buoyed by their significant financial backing and star-studded roster, responded through Marcos Leonardo’s fourth goal of the tournament, but it was substitute Hercules who once again proved decisive, calmly slotting a shot into the bottom corner to restore Flu’s lead. The heroics didn’t end there, as 44-year-old goalkeeper Fabio, a veteran of the game, made a series of crucial saves to preserve a 2-1 victory. This win followed their quarter-final heroics against Inter Milan, where Hercules also scored the decisive goal, underscoring Fluminense’s knack for late drama. Having finished as Group F runners-up—behind a win over Ulsan HD bookended by two goalless draws—Fluminense are now unbeaten in 11 matches, with their defense, marshaled by the evergreen Thiago Silva, conceding just one second-half goal in the tournament. Silva, the 40-year-old former Chelsea stalwart, brings a wealth of experience to a backline that has kept clean sheets in five of their last seven games, making them a tough nut to crack. Notably, four of Fluminense’s eight goals in the United States have come after the 70th minute, highlighting their ability to stay composed and capitalize on tiring defenses. Despite their heroics on the global stage, Fluminense’s domestic form tells a different story; they finished just four points above the relegation zone in the 2024 Campeonato Brasileiro and currently sit sixth in the 2025 season. Yet, under the guidance of Renato Gaucho, who recently became only the fourth coach in the club’s history to reach 100 wins, Fluminense are a side reborn, and their dream of being crowned world champions remains tantalizingly within reach. Both teams face selection challenges heading into the semi-final, with suspensions and injuries forcing tactical adjustments. For Chelsea, the absence of Liam Delap and Levi Colwill—both suspended after picking up yellow cards against Palmeiras—necessitates changes to the starting lineup. Joao Pedro, who made an impressive debut in the quarter-final, is the frontrunner to replace Delap up top, bringing a fresh dynamic to the attack. Nicolas Jackson, back from his own suspension, could also feature, though Maresca may opt for continuity with Pedro. In defense, Tosin Adarabioyo is likely to step in for Colwill, bringing his physical presence to the backline. The Blues were dealt further blows with captain Reece James suffering an injury during the warm-up against Palmeiras, joining Romeo Lavia on the sidelines. Their availability for the semi-final remains uncertain, though the return of midfield linchpin Moises Caicedo from a one-match ban provides a significant boost. New signing Jamie Gittens, unfortunately, remains ineligible for the tournament, limiting Maresca’s options on the wings. Despite these setbacks, Chelsea’s squad depth and Maresca’s flexible system—often switching between a 4-2-3-1 and a 4-3-3—give them the tools to adapt. The potential return of James, a dynamic right-back whose overlapping runs and pinpoint crosses are integral to Chelsea’s attacking play, could prove pivotal if he’s deemed fit to play. Fluminense, too, must navigate their own personnel challenges. Center-back Juan Pablo Freytes and midfielder Martinelli are suspended, with the latter’s absence opening the door for Hercules, whose goal-scoring exploits off the bench have made him a strong candidate for a starting role. Renato Gaucho has favored a back-three system in the knockout rounds, with Thiago Silva—despite nursing a nose injury—anchoring the defense alongside Freytes and Ignacio. With Freytes unavailable, Gaucho may revert to a back four or introduce a new face, such as Manoel, to maintain defensive solidity. Up front, veteran striker German Cano and the electric Jhon Arias are expected to lead the line, with Arias standing out as the tournament’s livewire. The Colombian tops Fluminense’s charts for shots, chances created, and dribbles completed, making him a constant threat to Chelsea’s defense. His ability to exploit tight spaces and create opportunities out of nothing will test the Blues’ backline, particularly if Adarabioyo is tasked with filling Colwill’s shoes. Fluminense’s attacking output, combined with their defensive resilience, makes them a balanced outfit capable of going toe-to-toe with their Premier League opponents. The tactical battle in New Jersey promises to be fascinating. Chelsea’s high-pressing, possession-based style under Maresca emphasizes quick transitions and exploiting wide areas, with players like Cole Palmer and Pedro thriving in fluid attacking roles. Fluminense, by contrast, are likely to adopt a more pragmatic approach, absorbing pressure and striking on the counter through Arias and Cano. Thiago Silva’s familiarity with Chelsea’s system—he spent three years at Stamford Bridge, winning the Champions League in 2021—gives Fluminense an edge in anticipating their opponents’ moves. However, Chelsea’s superior squad depth and recent trophy-winning pedigree make them the favorites, particularly if Caicedo can dominate the midfield battle. The Blues’ ability to manage the game’s tempo and avoid late lapses will be crucial, given Fluminense’s penchant for scoring in the final 20 minutes. For Fluminense, keeping Chelsea’s attackers at bay while capitalizing on set pieces or counterattacks could tilt the game in their favor. As the two sides prepare to clash, the stakes could not be higher. Chelsea aim to cap their resurgent season with a second Club World Cup title, while Fluminense seek to etch their name in history as the first South American side to win the tournament since Corinthians in 2012. The neutral setting of New Jersey levels the playing field, but Chelsea’s Premier League pedigree and Fluminense’s underdog spirit ensure a contest that could go down to the wire. With Thiago Silva facing his former club and young stars like Palmer and Arias ready to shine, this semi-final is a microcosm of football’s global appeal—a clash of continents, styles, and ambitions, with a place in the final hanging in the balance.