By Frank Ulom
NEW JERSEY (CONVERSEER) – Chelsea FC have booked their place in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup final after a commanding 2-0 victory over Brazilian side Fluminense in the semifinals on Tuesday afternoon at the MetLife Stadium, New Jersey, United States.
New signing João Pedro was the hero of the night, scoring both goals to secure the Blues’ progression to the final, where they will face either Real Madrid or Paris Saint-Germain on Sunday.
Despite being without Liam Delap and Levi Colwill – both suspended due to yellow card accumulation – Chelsea delivered a composed and dominant display to overcome the South American champions.
Manager Enzo Maresca handed João Pedro his first start since joining from Brighton, and the Brazilian forward responded with a performance that earned him the Player of the Match award.
Pedro opened the scoring in the 18th minute with a stunning curling strike from outside the box that nestled into the top right corner.
18' João Pedro, are you serious?! ⚽💥
First start, first goal, and it’s against his old club! Chelsea 1-0
Watch the @FIFACWC | June 14 – July 13 | Every Game | Free | https://t.co/i0K4eUtwwb | #FIFACWC #TakeItToTheWorld #FLUCHE pic.twitter.com/FCGpBnlBnc
— DAZN Football (@DAZNFootball) July 8, 2025
He doubled Chelsea’s lead 11 minutes into the second half, finishing emphatically off the underside of the crossbar following a precise assist from Enzo Fernandez.
56' JOÃO PEDRO HAS DONE IT AGAIN! ⚽️⚽️
A brace in his first @ChelseaFC start, two absolute bangers. The Brazilian wonderkid is making serious noise. 💫🇧🇷
Watch the @FIFACWC | June 14 – July 13 | Every Game | Free | https://t.co/i0K4eUtwwb | #FIFACWC #TakeItToTheWorld #FLUCHE pic.twitter.com/ornUPa0dUe
— DAZN Football (@DAZNFootball) July 8, 2025
Fluminense had moments of promise but failed to convert their chances. Their most notable opportunity came in the 26th minute when midfielder Hercules dribbled past two Chelsea defenders and goalkeeper Robert Sanchez, only to have his shot cleared off the line by Marc Cucurella.
The Brazilian club were briefly awarded a penalty in the 36th minute after a handball by Trevoh Chalobah, but a VAR review led to the decision being overturned, with the referee ruling Chalobah’s arm position as natural.
Chelsea maintained control for the remainder of the match, managing the tempo and creating several more opportunities.
The win propels the Premier League side into the final of the newly expanded 32-team Club World Cup format, as they aim for their second title in the competition’s history.
The final will take place on Sunday, with Chelsea awaiting the result of Wednesday’s semifinal clash between European giants Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain.
