The expanded 2025 FIFA Club World Cup reaches its semifinal stage on the U.S. East Coast, with a blockbuster doubleheader at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. South American giants Fluminense, winners of the 2023 Copa Libertadores, will tackle England’s Chelsea on Tuesday, July 8 (8:00 PM WAT; 3:00 PM ET/2:00 PM CT). On Wednesday, July 9 (8:00 PM WAT; 3:00 PM ET/2:00 PM CT), two European heavyweights – Real Madrid (Spain) and Paris Saint-Germain (France) – clash for a place in the final. All four clubs earned their spots by continental conquest: Fluminense as Copa Libertadores champions, Chelsea via the 2020–21 UEFA Champions League, Real as 2021–22 European champions, and PSG by UEFA’s club ranking. (Chelsea’s official site notes the Blues “were one of the first teams to secure their place…thanks to our triumph in the 2021 UEFA Champions League”.)
Fluminense vs Chelsea: South American Flair vs English Grit
Fluminense enter the semis riding a wave of Brazilian pride. The Rio de Janeiro club lifted their first-ever Libertadores trophy in late 2023 and have carried that confidence into this tournament. In Group F they shared points with Borussia Dortmund and Mamelodi Sundowns (a 0–0 draw with Dortmund and a 4–2 win over South Korea’s Ulsan Hyundai), advancing as group runners-up. In the knockout stage the “Tricolor” continued their fine form, dispatching Italian side Inter Milan 2–0 on June 30 (goals by Germán Cano and Gabriel “Hércules” Barbosa) and then edging Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal in the quarters. Veteran defender Thiago Silva (Flu’s captain) and 44-year-old goalkeeper Fábio anchor a team rich in experience; creative spark comes from Colombian winger Jhon Arias and striker Germán Cano. (Indeed, Fluminense’s American-based preparations and deep Copa Libertadores run mean the Brazilians are match-fit, while many European teams were on off-season.)
Chelsea, under Mauricio Pochettino, take a contrasting route. The English side finished second in Group D behind Flamengo (6 points from 3 games), dropping only a 1–3 decision to the Brazilians. The “Blues” then rolled into the knockout rounds by thumping Benfica 4–1 after extra time in their round-of-16 match – Nicolas Jackson and Rafael Leão among the scorers – and then overcoming Brazilian side Palmeiras (2021 Libertadores winners) by 2–1 in extra time on July 4 to book their semi spot. Chelsea’s squad blends seasoned internationals with rising stars. Enzo Fernández and Moisés Caicedo hold midfield control, while young Cole Palmer and veteran Nicolas Jackson lead the attack. (Left-back Marc Cucurella and GK Robert Sánchez are defensive standouts.) Coach Pochettino has joked about the enormity of this new Club World Cup, but on the field he’ll demand high pressing and organization from his team.
This semi promises a classic South America vs Europe contest. Fluminense will look to counter Chelsea’s pressing game with quick transitions and set-piece threat (Leandro “Peixe” Fernández and non-stop workrate from Arias). Key to Fluminense’s hopes will be containing Chelsea’s creative onslaught – Ashley Cole’s signing of Cole Palmer and Enzo Fernández means plenty of forward drive, supported by wingbacks Marc Cucurella and Malo Gusto. Key players to watch: Fluminense’s captain Thiago Silva (anchoring the backline) and goalscorer Germán Cano; for Chelsea, playmaker Cole Palmer (already influential in attack) and midfield general Enzo Fernández.
Real Madrid vs Paris Saint-Germain: European Elite Collide
The other semi pits two European superpowers whose paths to the knockout stages were equally impressive. Real Madrid topped Group H with 7 points (a draw with Saudi champions Al-Hilal and wins over Mexico’s Pachuca) to advance. In the knockout rounds Real edged Juventus 1–0 in the round of 16 (goal by Gonzalo García) and then topped Borussia Dortmund to reach the last four. The reigning La Liga champions boast a star-studded roster: Vinícius Júnior, Jude Bellingham and Karim Benzema lead a fluid attack, while Thibaut Courtois guards the net. Coach Carlo Ancelotti’s side play possession-based, high-tempo football, using Madrid’s experience on the world stage (Real won the 2018 Club World Cup, the last pre-expansion edition).
PSG advanced as Group B winners with 6 points, heading a tight three-way tie. In the round of 16 the French giants demolished Inter Miami 4–0, with Marco Asensio, Vitinha and Achraf Hakimi among the scorers. PSG then defeated Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich 2–0 on July 5, underlining their credentials. The Paris lineup is packed with stars: Kylian Mbappé’s electric pace and finishing, Lionel Messi’s playmaking (if he plays – he was traded to Miami in 2023 and faces his former team), and midfield maestros like Vitinha. Manager Luis Enrique’s tactics favor fluid attacking football, quick passing and exploiting space wide.
This continental showdown is steeped in history. Real Madrid, with 14 European Cup wins, look to add another global trophy, while PSG chases its first World Cup title. The match will feature duels like Vinícius Jr. vs Hakimi on the flanks and midfield battles between Ancelotti’s veterans and Enrique’s dynamic squad. Key players: Real’s Jude Bellingham (midfield orchestrator) and Karim Benzema (veteran striker) against PSG’s Kylian Mbappé and Achraf Hakimi, who can turn defense into attack in seconds. Tactically, expect Real to control possession and tempo, probing PSG’s defense, while PSG will use bursts of pace and individual brilliance to break through.
Match Schedule (all times local)
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Tuesday, July 8, 2025 – Fluminense (BRA) vs Chelsea (ENG) – 8:00 PM WAT (3:00 PM ET, 2:00 PM CT)
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Wednesday, July 9, 2025 – Real Madrid (ESP) vs Paris Saint-Germain (FRA) – 8:00 PM WAT (3:00 PM ET, 2:00 PM CT)
Both semis kick off at East Rutherford’s MetLife Stadium, with the winners advancing to the July 13 final in the New York/New Jersey area. The stage is set for an electrifying end to the world’s most prestigious club competition.
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