"Chelsea face Fluminense in Club World Cup semi-final showdown"

The potential for yellow-card suspensions ahead of the final is no longer a concern. FIFA has reset disciplinary records after the quarterfinals, meaning players will only miss the final if they receive a red card in today’s match. Discipline will be crucial.

Chelsea have made three changes to their lineup following their 2-1 quarterfinal victory over Palmeiras. Tosin Adarabioyo, Moises Caicedo, and Joao Pedro—the latter making his first start since joining—replace Levi Colwill, Liam Delap, and Andrey Santos, who are unavailable.

Fluminense have adjusted their squad with four changes after their 2-1 quarterfinal win against Al-Hilal. Guga, Renê, Hércules, and Thiago Santos come into the starting lineup, while Samuel Xavier and Gabriel Fuentes move to the bench. Juan Freytes and Matheus Martinelli are not part of the squad. Thiago Silva, who helped Chelsea win this tournament in 2021, will face his former team.

Brazilian clubs have approached this competition with far greater enthusiasm than most of their European counterparts. Fluminense, having already eliminated Champions League runners-up Internazionale and Saudi side Al-Hilal—who gave Real Madrid trouble—are now two matches away from becoming the first Brazilian team to claim this title since 2012, when Corinthians defeated Chelsea.

For Chelsea, the journey through this edition of the tournament has been a gradual process, but they now stand two victories away from securing their second world title in four years. While Fluminense’s pursuit of their first global trophy carries a sense of national and continental pride, Chelsea and their supporters are equally hopeful as the possibility of success draws nearer.

The match will take place in East Rutherford, New Jersey, beginning at 8 PM (UK time) and will be broadcast live.