This Tuesday, MetLife Stadium in New Jersey will host a thrilling semifinal of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, where Fluminense will aim to make history against a confident and favored Chelsea. It’s a clash that not only pits two teams against each other but also showcases two different football cultures: South American passion versus European structure.

Joao Pedro makes his starting debut in record time

Just six days after his signing was made official by the Blues, Brazilian forward Joao Pedro will start under Enzo Maresca, replacing the suspended Liam Delap. After getting minutes in the quarterfinal against Palmeiras, the young striker now has his first opportunity in the starting XI. Also returning is Ecuadorian Moisés Caicedo, who missed the previous match due to suspension.

Chelsea’s starting lineup: Robert Sánchez; Malo Gusto, Chalobah, Adarabioyo, Cucurella; Moisés Caicedo, Enzo Fernández; Pedro Neto, Cole Palmer, Nkunku and Joao Pedro.

On the other side, Fluminense coach Renato Gaúcho has made defensive adjustments by including Guga and Thiago Santos, while Hércules steps in for the suspended Matheus Martinelli. The Brazilian team lines up with: Fábio; Guga, Ignacio, Thiago Silva, Renê, Thiago Santos; Hércules, F. Bernal, G. Nonato; Jhon Arias and Germán Cano.

A final within reach and passion in the stands

The lead-up to the match has been full of excitement among both fanbases. Chelsea supporters, encouraged by their recent European title and solid tournament performance, believe the final is within reach. “We’re improving and this team is ready to go all the way,” said Marcus Emig, a Chelsea fan from Washington, DC.

Meanwhile, Fluminense fans are rallying around their star Jhon Arias. “Today is the day of the ‘Colombian Pelé,’ he’s going to take us to the final,” said Raphael Rodrigues, a New Jersey-based supporter.

With a capacity of 82,500, MetLife Stadium will be buzzing. A large Brazilian community in the New York area will help balance the crowd. While Chelsea is one of the most followed clubs in the U.S., Fluminense fans are hopeful of making a mark.

The match kicks off at 3:00 p.m. local time and will decide the first finalist of the Club World Cup. No matter the outcome, fans can expect a battle filled with pride, passion, and top-level football.

Here’s a look at all the goals from the match: