The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup has reached a thrilling juncture as Chelsea secured their spot in the final after a commanding 2-0 victory over Fluminense on July 8 at MetLife Stadium. The London club's triumph was powered by a spectacular double from their newest signing, Joao Pedro, who made an immediate impact by scoring both goals in his first start for the Blues.
Joao Pedro, who recently joined Chelsea from Brighton for a hefty £60 million ($81.5 million), was handed the starting role due to the suspension of Liam Delap. The Brazilian forward wasted no time making his mark, opening the scoring in the 18th minute with a sublime curling effort that found the top corner of the net. Notably, Pedro chose not to celebrate against his boyhood club, showing respect for Fluminense, the club where he began his professional career.
The match showcased Chelsea's tactical discipline and attacking prowess, with Pedro again proving decisive in the second half. Eleven minutes after the break, he doubled Chelsea's lead with another stunning finish, a venomous strike that crashed off the underside of the crossbar before crossing the line. His performance not only silenced critics questioning Chelsea's firepower but also highlighted his potential as a key figure in the club's forward line.
Chelsea's journey to this semi-final had been marked by resilience and skill, having previously dispatched Benfica and Palmeiras in earlier knockout rounds. Their win against Fluminense sets up a tantalizing final against either European giants Real Madrid or Paris Saint-Germain, who are scheduled to face off in the other semi-final on July 9 at the same venue.
Fluminense, the surprise package of the tournament, had impressed by remaining unbeaten in the group stage and overcoming formidable opponents such as Inter Milan and Al Hilal. However, against Chelsea, they struggled to capitalize on their chances. Despite efforts that included a goal-line clearance and a disallowed penalty, the Brazilian side couldn't breach Chelsea's defense. The spirited support from their fans remained unwavering, with their section of the stadium still packed and vibrant at the final whistle.
One of the more concerning moments for Chelsea was the injury scare involving Moises Caicedo. The Ecuadorian midfielder limped off late in the game with an ankle injury after a bad twist but was able to return and finish the match. His condition remains a worry for Chelsea as the final looms just five days away, with fans and the club hoping for a swift recovery.
Enzo Maresca, Chelsea's manager, expressed his satisfaction with the team's performance and the season's progress. Speaking to DAZN after the match, he said, “Everything, to be honest. It's a great achievement. It has been a fantastic season; top four in the league, (winning) the Conference League and now we are in the final of this competition. We are so, so happy.” This season marks Maresca's debut at Chelsea, and he has already steered the team to significant success.
The victory also puts Chelsea in a position to join an elite group of clubs that have won the FIFA Club World Cup more than once. They previously lifted the trophy in 2021 under former coach Thomas Tuchel. Among the other multiple winners are Real Madrid, who have claimed the title five times, Barcelona with three titles, and Bayern Munich and Corinthians, each with two.
Financially, Chelsea's run in the tournament has been lucrative. Their progression to the final guarantees them at least $104 million in earnings, a figure that could rise to $114 million should they win the title. This impressive haul comes despite the club's qualification stemming from their 2021 Champions League triumph, highlighting the long-term benefits of that success.
On the pitch, Chelsea's squad depth and tactical execution were evident. Joao Pedro's arrival has addressed a long-standing need for a consistent goal scorer, a role that has been elusive since Diego Costa's 2016-2017 campaign. Nicolas Jackson, who has been a reliable option in recent seasons, was among the substitutes, underscoring the competition for places in the attacking lineup.
The match also featured strong midfield performances, notably from Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez, whose partnership has been instrumental in Chelsea's recent form. Despite the injury concerns, Caicedo's influence on the game was undeniable, contributing both defensively and offensively.
Fluminense's captain Thiago Silva, the only player who featured in Chelsea's 2021 Champions League-winning side still on the pitch, faced his former club with pride but ultimately could not prevent the defeat. The Brazilian veterans and young talents alike showed spirit, but Chelsea's professionalism and clinical finishing proved decisive.
As the tournament edges closer to its climax, Chelsea will relish the extra day of rest before the final, as Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain battle it out for the other spot. The final, scheduled for Sunday, July 13 at 3 p.m. ET at MetLife Stadium, promises to be a high-stakes encounter between two European heavyweights and a club eager to cement its legacy on the global stage.
For fans around the world, the 2025 Club World Cup has delivered drama, skill, and emerging stars like Joao Pedro, who have captivated audiences. Chelsea's journey reflects a blend of strategic investment, managerial acumen, and player dedication, setting the stage for a memorable finale.
In the meantime, the focus will be on Moises Caicedo's recovery and how Chelsea will prepare tactically to face either Real Madrid or Paris Saint-Germain. The stakes are high, but Chelsea’s recent form and newfound attacking threat provide plenty of reasons for optimism as they chase their second Club World Cup title.
