Chelsea booked their place in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup final with a commanding 2-0 win over Fluminense at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, ending South America’s dream of a first Club World Cup title since 2012.
The Premier League giants were led by Brazilian forward Joao Pedro, whose brace proved too much for his former club on a night when the Blues flexed their European muscle.
The victory sends Chelsea into their second ever Club World Cup final, as they await the winner between Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain in what promises to be a blockbuster title showdown.
Joao Pedro strikes early against old club
It was a night of emotional and professional significance for Joao Pedro. Making his first start for Chelsea, the Brazilian forward opened the scoring in stunning style against the club that launched his career. In the 18th minute, a Pedro Neto cross was half-cleared by the Fluminense defence, falling kindly to Pedro on the edge of the box. The 22-year-old needed no second invitation, bending a curling effort around goalkeeper Fábio and into the top corner.
Alla prima da titolare e da ex ⚽
Si presenta così JOAO PEDRO #FluminenseChelsea è LIVE su #DAZN #FIFACWC pic.twitter.com/bHGDvyXOJl— DAZN Italia (@DAZN_IT) July 8, 2025
The goal not only stunned the Brazilian side but also showcased the quality Chelsea possessed in the final third. Joao Pedro refused to celebrate out of respect for his former club, but the impact of the goal was huge – psychologically and tactically.
Fluminense threatened but lacked the finish
Despite going behind, the Brazilian champions didn’t shrink. Renato Gaúcho’s men carried their 11-match unbeaten run into the clash and showed glimpses of why they were South America’s last hope. Hércules nearly levelled the match after bursting into the box, slipping the ball past Chelsea keeper Robert Sánchez, only for Marc Cucurella to clear off the line with a goal-saving slide.
Controversy followed soon after when Fluminense were awarded a penalty after a free-kick struck Trevor Chalobah on the arm. But a VAR review led to the decision being overturned, as the referee deemed Chalobah’s arm position to be natural.
The Brazilian side remained aggressive, but lacked the cutting edge required to convert their few big moments into goals.
Chelsea control second half, Pedro strikes again
After the break, Enzo Maresca’s side began to take more control. Moisés Caicedo and Cucurella both tested Fábio from distance, while Nkunku and Gusto kept the Brazilian backline on alert.
But it was another quick transition that saw Chelsea double their lead. In the 55th minute, Cole Palmer picked up the ball deep in his own half, holding off a challenge before releasing Enzo Fernández. The Argentine sprayed a pass to Joao Pedro, who drove into the box and unleashed a powerful finish that cannoned in off the crossbar.
Un altro CAPOLAVORO ⚽
JOAO PEDRO raddoppia COSÌ #FluminenseChelsea è LIVE su #DAZN #FIFACWC pic.twitter.com/8cluf34wUg— DAZN Italia (@DAZN_IT) July 8, 2025
It was a world-class counter-attack and the perfect moment for Chelsea to kill the game. Fluminense, who had relied heavily on late goals throughout the tournament, looked deflated.
Fluminense fade late, Chelsea waste no chances
Fluminense had scored half their Club World Cup goals in the final 20 minutes of matches, but this time, their comeback never materialized. Lima tried his luck from distance in the 71st minute, but Sánchez was barely troubled.
Chelsea, meanwhile, could have added more. Substitute Nicolas Jackson missed two golden chances to put the result beyond any doubt, while Nkunku also came close.
But with their defence holding firm and Fluminense offering little resistance in the final moments, Chelsea cruised to the finish line, keeping a clean sheet and making a strong statement ahead of the final.
End of the South American charge
This defeat marks the second time in three years that a Brazilian team has been eliminated by an English side at the Club World Cup, highlighting the gap that still exists between the continents at the top level. For Fluminense, it was a campaign filled with hope and exciting moments, but ultimately one that ends in disappointment.
Joao Pedro’s man-of-the-match performance was a poetic twist — once a Fluminense prodigy, now the destroyer of their global dreams. As Chelsea march confidently into the final, their eyes are set on lifting the Club World Cup trophy once more.
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