Brazilian side Fluminense had taken fans by surprise with their impressive journey through the FIFA Club World Cup 2025. From the round of 16 to the quarter-finals and into the semi-finals, it had felt like a dream campaign. Their fighting spirit and teamwork captured global attention. As they reached the semi-finals, hopes soared supporters dared to believe their team could pull off a shock upset against European giants Chelsea.
However, the dream came to a halt at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, where Chelsea defeated Fluminense 2-0 in the first semi-final on Tuesday night. The hero of the night was none other than João Pedro, a former Fluminense youth product, who scored both goals for Chelsea.
João Pedro Haunts His Old Club
Pedro, 23, who moved to Chelsea from Brighton in a £60 million deal, was surprisingly named in the starting XI. He quickly justified the decision by scoring a superb goal in the 18th minute. After starting the attack himself, Pedro collected a loose ball inside the box and curled it into the top right corner with a precise right-footed shot.
In the 56th minute, Pedro struck again. This time, he received a pass from Enzo Fernández, sprinted down the left flank, beat a defender, and fired a thunderous shot that left Fluminense goalkeeper Fábio helpless. It was a moment of brilliance that sealed Chelsea’s place in the final.
With the win, Chelsea booked their spot in the Club World Cup final, where they will face the winner of the second semi-final between Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain. That blockbuster clash is scheduled for Wednesday night.
The financial rewards are also significant. Chelsea stand to earn between $88.4 million and $103.8 million, depending on FIFA’s final prize breakdown, which remains to be officially confirmed.
Despite the defeat, Fluminense can hold their heads high. The Rio de Janeiro club was the last non-European team left in the tournament, representing Brazil with pride. This year, all Brazilian clubs in the competition made it to the knockout stages, with two reaching the quarter-finals.
It was also a bittersweet evening for Fluminense fans. João Pedro, the man who ended their journey, came up through their own academy. After playing 25 matches for the club in 2019, he moved to England first to Watford, then Brighton, and now Chelsea.
The match drew an impressive crowd of over 70,000 spectators at the NFL’s MetLife Stadium, home to the New York Jets and Giants, despite the scorching summer heat at 3:00 PM local time. The electric atmosphere reflected growing American interest in world football ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
As for Fluminense, their 2025 Club World Cup campaign may have ended in heartbreak, but their spirited performances have left a lasting impression.
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FAQ
1. Who scored the goals for Chelsea against Fluminense?
João Pedro scored both goals for Chelsea in their 2-0 win over Fluminense in the semi-final of the FIFA Club World Cup.
2. What is significant about João Pedro’s performance in this match?
João Pedro, a former Fluminense player, scored twice against his old club, leading Chelsea to the final and marking a standout moment in his early Chelsea career.
3. Who will Chelsea face in the FIFA Club World Cup final?
Chelsea will face the winner of the second semi-final between Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).