The semi-final match of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup between Fluminense (Brazil) and Chelsea (England) will take place on July 8 at the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, USA. Fluminense vs. Chelsea: prediction, betting odds, and statistics.
Fluminense
Renato Gaúcho's team remains unbeaten in the 2025 Club World Cup. During the group stage, they secured one victory and two draws. In the playoffs, the Brazilians stepped up their game and defeated their opponents in regular time: first overcoming Inter (2-0) and then defeating Al-Hilal (2-1). It's also worth noting that the South Americans have conceded only three goals in this Club World Cup.
- Fluminense has not lost in regular time in 6 of their last 7 matches in the Club World Cup (4 wins and 2 draws).
- At least one team failed to score in regular time in 5 of Fluminense's last 7 matches in this tournament.
- In the last 15 matches in the Copa Libertadores and the Club World Cup, the South Americans have suffered only 2 defeats in 90 minutes (9 wins and 4 draws).
Predicted lineup for Fluminense (3-5-2)
Fabio – Gabriel Fuentes, Samuel Xavier, Ignacio – Samuel Xavier, Gabriel Fuentes, Mateus Lima, Nonato, Facundo Bernal – John Arias, German Cano.
Defender Juan Pablo Freites and midfielder Mateus Lima will miss the match due to suspensions, while forward Riquelme Felipe and midfielder Isaque are out due to injuries.
Chelsea
In the previous stage of the tournament, the English side faced another representative of Brazil's Serie A, eventually defeating Palmeiras 2-1. Before that, in the round of 16, the Londoners overcame Benfica (1-1, extra time 3-0). Notably, this upcoming match will be Enzo Maresca's team's third encounter with Brazilian championship opponents in this tournament. Recall that during the group stage, they also faced Flamengo and lost 1-3.
- The English team has not drawn in regular time in 12 of their last 13 matches in the Club World Cup and UEFA Champions League (8 wins and 4 losses).
- No more than three goals were scored in 90 minutes in 14 of Chelsea's last 15 games in these tournaments.
- Overall, the Londoners have played 9 matches in the Club World Cup, suffering only two defeats in regular time (5 wins and 2 draws).
Predicted lineup for Chelsea (4-3-3)
Robert Sánchez – Malo Gusto, Levi Colwill, Trevoh Chalobah, Marc Cucurella – Andrey Santos, Enzo Fernández, Cole Palmer – Christopher Nkunku, Pedro Neto, Liam Delap.
Defender Levi Colwill and forward Liam Delap are out due to suspensions, while midfielder Romeo Lavia is injured. Due to injuries, defender Benoit Badiashile and midfielder Andrey Santos may also miss the match.
Referee
François Letexier (France)
Matches – 14 (International matches, 2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 69;
Average yellow cards per match – 4.9;
Red cards shown – 3;
Average fouls per match – 22;
Penalties – 36%.
Fluminense vs. Chelsea: Match Prediction
I believe that bookmakers continue to underestimate Renato Gaúcho's side. This coach took charge of the Brazilian club in April this year, and under his leadership, the team has played 20 official matches, suffering only 3 defeats (13 wins and 4 draws). Moreover, Fluminense has only once lost by more than one goal during this period. Additionally, the South Americans are currently on a 10-match unbeaten run at the official level (7 wins and 3 draws).
Meanwhile, the Londoners do not often secure convincing victories on the international stage. In their last 11 matches in the UEFA Champions League and the Club World Cup, the team has only won by more than one goal on three occasions. In 8 previous matches in the Club World Cup, the English side has only won by two goals or more in two games. Considering all these factors, I believe the Brazilians can avoid defeat, or if they do lose, it will be by a minimal margin.
My prediction: Fluminense with a handicap (+1)
