The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 quarterfinals officially kicked off on Friday, as teams continue their pursuit of a spot in the next round. Closing out the day’s action, Palmeiras and Chelsea are set to face off at 9 PM ET at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.
After a rocky group stage in which they advanced on goal difference, Palmeiras edged past reigning Copa Libertadores champions Botafogo with a narrow 1–0 win in the round of 16. Now, they face their second European opponent of the tournament, having previously drawn 0–0 against Porto.
Chelsea, on the other hand, have also had their share of struggles in the competition. They survived a tense round of 16 matchup against Benfica, ultimately winning 4–1. However, it took extra time and a red card for their Portuguese opponents to tilt the game, with Christopher Nkunku breaking a 1–1 deadlock in the 114th minute.
Fluminense, who advanced with a 2–1 victory over Al Hilal, await the winner of this clash in the semifinals. Chelsea enter this matchup with a recent blemish—a 3–1 loss to Flamengo earlier in the tournament. That result exposed flaws in Enzo Maresca’s side and gives Palmeiras reason to believe they can spring an upset.
A rematch of the 2022 edition
Chelsea and Palmeiras are two of the biggest clubs in their respective countries, England and Brazil. But they also share a recent history on the Club World Cup stage, having met in the 2022 final—under the tournament’s previous knockout format.
In that match, Chelsea, then led by Thomas Tuchel and fresh off their Champions League title, edged Palmeiras 2–1 after extra time. Kai Havertz scored the decisive goal from the penalty spot in the 117th minute. Now, three years later, Palmeiras head coach Abel Ferreira will get another shot at the English giants—this time, with a place in the semifinals on the line.
Confirmed lineups for Palmeiras and Chelsea
Palmeiras’ confirmed lineups (3-4-3): Weverton; Agustin Giay, Micael, Bruno Fuchs; Facundo Torres, Richard Rios, Emiliano Martinez, Vanderlan; Estevao, Vitor Roque, Allan.Head coach: Abel Ferreira.
Chelsea’s confirmed lineups (4-2-3-1): Robert Sanchez; Reece James, Trevor Chalobah, Levi Colwill, Marc Cucurella; Malo Gusto, Enzo Fernandez; Pedro Neto, Cole Palmer, Christopher Nkunku; Liam Delap.Head coach: Enzo Maresca.
