On Tuesday, July 8th, at the Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, we’ll find out whether Fluminense or Chelsea will become the first finalist of the new 32-team edition of the FIFA Club World Cup. The winner of this first semi-final will go on to face either Paris Saint-Germain or Real Madrid in the highly anticipated final on Sunday, July 13th. Fluminense, the only non-European team to have reached this stage, has enjoyed a remarkable run. After finishing second in Group F behind Borussia Dortmund, they eliminated Inter 2-0 in the Round of 16 and defeated Saudi side Al Hilal 2-1 in the quarter-finals. The 2023 Copa Libertadores champions, as the sole remaining Brazilian representatives, are determined to reach their second Club World Cup final—having lost the previous one in December 2023 to another Premier League side: Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City. However, getting past Chelsea will be anything but easy. The Londoners, rejuvenated under the guidance of Enzo Maresca, are aiming to win their second international trophy of the season after claiming the 2024/25 UEFA Europa Conference League. Chelsea’s path has been less dominant than Fluminense’s: they finished second in Group D behind Flamengo, needed extra time to defeat Benfica 4-1 in the Round of 16, and edged Palmeiras 2-1 in the quarter-finals thanks to an own goal by Weverton. In this edition of the Club World Cup, Chelsea has already faced two Brazilian teams, recording one win and one loss (against Flamengo in the group stage). A win against Fluminense would bring their record to two wins and one loss—sending Maresca’s men to a second Club World Cup final after the 2021/22 triumph. If not, it will be Fluminense making history with a shot at glory against a European powerhouse: either Real Madrid or Paris Saint-Germain.

Fluminense Recent Form and Key Stats

The Brazilian side is currently unbeaten in their last 11 matches across all competitions, with 8 wins and 3 draws. In the Club World Cup quarter-finals, they defeated Al Hilal 2-1 thanks to goals from Martinelli (who will be suspended for the Chelsea clash) and Hercules. Marcos Leonardo's goal was the first Fluminense conceded after back-to-back clean sheets against Mamelodi and Inter.

Renato Portaluppi’s team—better known as Renato Gaucho—has registered 3 wins and 2 draws in this expanded Club World Cup edition, scoring 8 goals (1.6 per match) and conceding just 3 (0.6 per match). They’ve kept three clean sheets in five matches, only conceding against Ulsan HD and Al Hilal. Their top scorer in the competition is Hercules with two goals, including the decisive strike in the quarter-final.

Chelsea Recent Form and Key Stats

Chelsea are also in solid form, having lost just once in their last 8 matches in all competitions, collecting 7 wins (one after extra time) and 1 draw. In the quarter-finals, the Blues faced yet another Brazilian opponent—Palmeiras, coached by Abel Ferreira. After taking the lead through Cole Palmer in the 16th minute and conceding an equalizer from Estevao (set to join Chelsea after the Club World Cup), Maresca’s side won thanks to an unfortunate own goal by Palmeiras keeper Weverton.

The reigning 2024/25 Conference League champions have so far recorded 4 wins (including an extra-time victory over Benfica) and 1 loss in the group stage against Flamengo. Including their three extra-time goals against Benfica, Chelsea have netted 12 goals (2.4 per game) and conceded 5. They’ve kept clean sheets against Los Angeles FC and Esperance Tunis.

Fluminense vs Chelsea Prediction and Tactical Overview

Despite arriving at the semi-finals unbeaten, the Fluminense vs Chelsea prediction by BetMines tips the English side as favourites to win. However, Chelsea’s at times inconsistent performances under Enzo Maresca leave open the possibility of a draw in regulation time, potentially leading to extra time.

The Brazilian side has been defensively solid throughout the tournament, led by an in-form Thiago Silva, but it will be a real challenge to contain Chelsea’s attacking firepower. Maresca has an abundance of attacking options at his disposal, including new signing Joao Pedro (acquired from Brighton for over €60 million) as well as a dynamic group of wingers such as Palmer, Pedro Neto, Madueke, and Nkunku.

While the attack is flourishing, Chelsea's defence has shown vulnerability—conceding in each of their last three matches as the level of opposition increased. It's likely that they will concede again, especially if they struggle to contain Fluminense's explosive Colombian winger John Arias, one of the tournament’s breakout stars.

Also worth noting: Chelsea will be without suspended defender Levi Colwill. Other players ruled out due to suspension include Liam Delap (Chelsea), and Juan Pablo Freytes and Martinelli (Fluminense).

• BetMines Prediction for Fluminense vs Chelsea: Both Teams to Score
  
  
• BetMines Prediction for Fluminense vs Chelsea: Double Chance – X2

Probable Lineups Fluminense vs Chelsea

FLUMINENSE (3-5-2): Fabio; Ignacio, Silva, Fuentes; Xavier, Hercules, Bernal, Nonato, Rene; Arias, Cano.
Coach: Renato Gaucho

CHELSEA (4-2-3-1): Sanchez; Gusto, Tosin, Chalobah, Cucurella; Fernandez, Caicedo; Neto, Palmer, Nkunku; Joao Pedro. Coach: Enzo Maresca