The venue for the Club World Cup final has been set: Fulminense will take on Chelsea this Tuesday in the first semi-final matchup. This marks Chelsea’s third encounter with a Brazilian team in the tournament, and after their previous defeat to Flamengo, the Blues are bracing themselves for the physical challenge ahead. Enzo Maresca’s squad will be without Liam Dellup due to yellow card accumulation, but they have a robust lineup including debutant Joan Pedro among their attacking options.
Former Chelsea defender Thiago Silva is a key figure in Fulminense’s defense, having led his team through various challenges. Fluminense is the last remaining non-European team in the competition and has adopted a unique approach compared to other Brazilian clubs, presenting a solid shot at victory in the final.
How to Watch Fluminense vs. Chelsea and Odds:
- Date: Tuesday, July 8th | Time: 3 PM
- Venue: Metlife Stadium – East Rutherford, New Jersey
- Live Stream: Available on Dazn (free)
- Odds: Fluminense +450; Draw +260; Chelsea -150
Previous Meetings
This will be the inaugural official matchup between the two teams.
Predicted Lineups
Fluminense: Fabio, Huang, Pablo Freites, Thiago Silva, Ignacio, Gabriel Fuentes, Nonato, Facundo Bernal, Matheus Martinelli, Samuel Xavier, Jhon Arias, German Cano
Chelsea: Robert Sanchez, Mark Worm, Levi Colwill, Trevoh Chalobah, Malo Gusto, Enzo Fernandez, Moises Caicedo, Christopher Nkunku, Cole Palmer, Pedro Neto, Nicholas Jackson
Players to Watch
Enzo Fernandez, Chelsea: The Blues are likely to rotate their squad throughout the tournament to maintain freshness. With a strong defense like Fulminense’s ahead, Fernandez will need to perform decisively, especially in set-piece situations, to prevent the opposing team from capitalizing on any hesitations.
A Storyline to Watch
Will an “ugly duck” turn into a swan? Fluminense manager Renato Gaucho has emphasized the financial significance of this tournament for his team, declaring, "We’re like ugly ducks when it comes to finances, but on the pitch it’s 11 against 11." A victory over Chelsea could be monumental, setting the stage for a Brazilian showdown against global competitors.
Prediction
Cole Palmer is predicted to score the lone goal of the match, leading Chelsea to yet another Club World Final. This would bring the Blues closer to repeating their 2022 triumph. Prediction: Fluminense 0, Chelsea 1.
Coverage on CBS Sports Golazo Network
Morning Footy (Weekdays 8 AM-10 AM): A flagship morning show offering highlights, interviews, and updates on major soccer storylines. It’s also available as a podcast.
The Third Attack (Monday, Thursday): A lively studio discussion covering women’s soccer and the NWSL as the season unfolds, with a special live stream every Wednesday.
Call It What You Want (Monday and Thursday): A podcast analyzing USMNT developments and other captivating soccer topics, streamed live on YouTube.
Scoreline (Daily): The best place to catch up on soccer news, results, and highlights, airing seven days a week.
Viewing Options: CBS Sports Golazo Network is a 24/7 channel providing extensive coverage of major soccer tournaments, available for free on CBS Sports app, Pluto TV, and Paramount+.
Fan Take: This matchup between Chelsea and Fulminense is crucial not only for the teams involved but also for showcasing the increasing competitiveness of non-European clubs on the global stage. A well-fought final could reshape perceptions about Brazilian soccer, inspiring fans and players alike and elevating the ‘beautiful game’ in the hearts of many.
