World Cup: Chelsea defeats Palmeiras 2-1 and faces Flu in the semi-finals

Chelsea (England) defeated Palmeiras 2-1 on Friday night (4) at Lincoln Financial Field, in Philadelphia (United States), to guarantee their presence in the semi-finals of the FIFA Club World Cup, where they will face Fluminense, who earlier defeated Al-Hilal (Saudi Arabia) 2-1 at Camping World Stadium, in Orlando.

⚽ @ChelseaFC wins and advances to the semi-finals of the #FIFACWC

— FIFA Club World Cup (@fifaworldcup_pt) July 5, 2025

Chelsea and Fluminense will compete for the privilege of being one of the finalists of the competition next Tuesday (8), when they face off at 4 pm (Brasília time) at MetLife Stadium, in New Jersey.

Palmeiras did not have a good first half against the English team. Despite counting on the talent of young striker Estêvão, who played his last match for Verdão (he will move to Chelsea after the competition), the Brazilian team created little in the first 45 minutes, while allowing the English team to open the scoring in the first few minutes. In the 15th minute, Cole Palmer received a pass at the edge of the area and, despite being marked, advanced and shot with precision to beat goalkeeper Weverton.

Even though they were at a disadvantage, Verdão managed to do little in the rest of the first half. The panorama only changed after the break, especially with the plays on the right wing with Estêvão. And it was in this way that the Brazilian team managed to equalize, in the 7th minute, when the young striker received a pass from Allan, got away from Colwill's marking and shot, even without an angle, to score a great goal.

Talent. #FIFACWC | @Palmeiras pic.twitter.com/1flC86aN0V

— FIFA Club World Cup (@fifaworldcup_pt) July 5, 2025

However, Palmeiras, who played with several reserve defenders, were unable to hold on and allowed Chelsea to score yet another opportunity to secure qualification. In the 37th minute, Gusto received the ball on the left wing and shot towards goal. The ball deflected off Giay and ended up deceiving goalkeeper Weverton.

From then on, the team led by coach Abel Ferreira no longer had the strength to try a new reaction and the spot went to the team from England.