This week marks the semi-finals of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, featuring two thrilling clashes that will determine which teams will face off in the final. The semi-finals are dominated by major European clubs, but South American—specifically Brazilian—passion is proving effective as well. Read all about it in this article.
Club World Cup: Semi-Finals
The matches take place at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey—one of the eleven host venues of the tournament. This stadium will host a total of nine Club World Cup matches, more than any other venue this year, and will also be the site of the final on Sunday, July 13. It’s also set to host the final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup for national teams.
The remaining four teams in this club World Cup include three European giants—Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, and Real Madrid—and one South American representative: Fluminense. The latter will face Chelsea in their semi-final on Tuesday, July 8. A day later, the marquee clash between PSG and Real Madrid will take place. The winners of these semi-finals will advance to the final. The victorious club stands to win a staggering $125 million (approximately €106 million).
Fluminense vs. Chelsea
Chelsea reached the semi-finals in their typical fashion: full of chaos. They beat Brazilian side Palmeiras 2-1 in a match decided by an own goal. Future Blues player Estevao scored against the London club, but ultimately posed no serious threat. Chelsea will be without two key players: striker Liam Delap and defender Levi Colwill, both suspended after yellow cards against Palmeiras. However, there is good news—midfielder Moises Caicedo returns from suspension, and new signing Joao Pedro will step in to replace Delap. Thanks to their deep squad, Chelsea is well-equipped to handle these absences. Portuguese winger Pedro Neto is currently one of their top performers, having scored in three consecutive matches in this tournament.
Fluminense, reigning Copa Libertadores champions, are considered one of the tournament’s biggest surprises. They reached the semi-finals after a 2-1 victory over Al Hilal, with goals from Matheus Martinelli and Hercules. The Brazilian team features a mix of experienced players, including 40-year-old Thiago Silva, a former Chelsea defender. They boast a solid defensive structure and are effective in front of goal as well. Fluminense have kept three clean sheets in the tournament—two of them against Dortmund and Inter Milan.
Paris Saint-Germain vs. Real Madrid
PSG are the reigning Champions League winners, and they advanced to the semi-finals in dramatic fashion by beating Bayern Munich 2-0. They did so with just nine men, after Willian Pacho and Lucas Hernandez were both sent off with red cards. As a result, they are suspended for this semi-final, potentially weakening PSG’s normally strong defense. PSG have kept four clean sheets in this tournament. Under Luis Enrique, the Parisians achieved a historic treble last year—winning Ligue 1, Coupe de France, and their first-ever Champions League title—and are now on track for a historic quadruple. Like Real Madrid, PSG draws strength from their goalkeeper: Gianluigi Donnarumma has made several outstanding saves.
Real Madrid, five-time Club World Cup champions, played a thrilling quarter-final, beating Borussia Dortmund 3-2. Gonzalo Garcia scored his fourth goal of the tournament, followed by a goal from Fran Garcia. Substitute Kylian Mbappé scored his first goal of the tournament with a stunning bicycle kick, after missing much of the competition due to illness. This semi-final marks Mbappé’s first encounter with former club PSG since his departure a year ago. Madrid will be without Dean Huijsen, who received a red card against Dortmund. Coach Xabi Alonso will need to choose between Raul Asencio, Eder Militao, or Jacobo Ramon to replace him. But they can certainly rely on Thibaut Courtois, who is in top form and helped carry Real to the semi-finals with several crucial saves.
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