Chelsea and Palmeiras have history, and it’s a recent one too. These two sides clashed in the 2022 FIFA Club World Cup Final in Abu Dhabi, where Chelsea edged out a hard-fought 2-1 win thanks to Kai Havertz’s extra-time penalty. Now, with a place in this year’s semi-finals on the line, they meet again and the stakes might be even higher this time.
Palmeiras vs Chelsea preview
A place in the Club World Cup semi-finals is on the line, so who will prevail in Pennsylvania? Fair to say, Chelsea were made to work hard to be here, their round of 16 tie against Benfica kicking off at 4 o'clock local time on Saturday, but not finishing until four hours and 39 minutes later. That's because, with the Blues leading 1-0, courtesy of Reece James' outrageous free-kick, the match was suspended in the 85th minute, due to lightening in the North Carolina area. Once the game resumed, deep into stoppage time, referee Slavko Vinčić penalised Malo Gusto for handball, pointing to the penalty spot, and Ángel Di María slotted past Robert Sánchez, meaning extra time was required.
In a match that would seemingly never end, Benfica were reduced to ten men and paid the price, with Christopher Nkunku, Pedro Neto and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall all scoring during a nine minute spree in Charlotte to, eventually, see them advance. Enzo Maresca's team believe they can go all the way this summer, although they will not be taking their opponents here lightly, having been beaten by Brazilian opposition in Philadelphia during the group stages, namely defeated 3-1 by Flamengo a fortnight ago. So, this time back at Lincoln Financial Field, will the Blues book their spot in the last four?
As for Palmeiras, they too required extra time to prevail in an all Brasileirão tie on Saturday. On an afternoon short on quality, the Verdão's clash with Botafogo finished goalless after 90 minutes, only until Paulinho's cooly taken finish broke the deadlock, this enough to see them advance.
Abel Ferreira's side remain unbeaten at this Club World Cup. During the group phase, Palmeiras held Porto to a goalless draw, then beat Al Ahly 2-0, before battling back from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 with Inter Miami in their third fixture, thereby topping Group A, crucially avoiding PSG in the last 16. This though will be a very tough task, so can the Verdão upset the odds in Philadelphia on Friday? Well, after a pair of huge upsets on Monday, the winners will face either Fluminense or Al-Hilal in the semi-finals at MetLife Stadium on Tuesday.
Palmeiras vs Chelsea head-to-head record
- Matches Played: 1.
- Palmeiras Wins: 0. Draws: 0. Chelsea Wins: 1.
Palmeiras team news
Captain Gustavo Gómez was sent off deep into extra time on Saturday, meaning he is suspended, while left-back Joaquín Piquerez is also banned due to yellow card accumulation.
With centre-back Murilo also sidelined due to a hamstring injury, Micael and Vanderlan are expected to come into Abel Ferreira's depleted back-line. Further forward, he does have options, with last weekend's match-winner Paulinho hoping to come into the lineup, while record-signing Vitor Roque could once again get the nod over Flaco López in attack.
Palmeiras predicted lineup vs Chelsea: (4-3-3): Weverton; Giey, Micael, Fuchs, Vanderlan; Martínez, Ríos, Estêvão, Veiga, Maurício; Vitor Roque.
Palmeiras player to watch vs Chelsea
Here's some narrative for you. Estêvão Willian will join Chelsea for £29 million after this tournament, so this could be his last game for Palmeiras, or can he help dump out his future club?
Chelsea team news
Nicolas Jackson can return, having served his two-match ban following his red card against Flamengo, although Liam Delap is expected to keep his place up front, having scored his first goal for the club during the rout of Espérance Sportive de Tunis.
Elsewhere, Moisés Caicedo is banned, having been shown his second caution of the competition last weekend, which is a blow, albeit Roméo Lavia alongside Enzo Fernández is not a bad midfield duo.
At the back, Enzo Maresca has deployed four different centre-back combinations at this Club World Cup in four matches, so it would be a fool's errand to forecast who he'll go for in Philly.
Chelsea predicted lineup vs Palmeiras: (4-3-3): Sánchez; James, Adarabioyo, Colwill, Cucurella; Lavia, Fernández, Madueke, Neto, Palmer; Delap.
Chelsea player to watch vs Palmeiras
Pedro Neto scored during the Blues' first two fixtures at this competition, breaking the deadlock against LAFC and Flamengo, so can he fire Chelsea into the semi-finals.
Palmeiras vs Chelsea prediction
It certainly will not be easy, but we are backing Chelsea for victory at Lincoln Financial Field, backing them to advance, although don't be surprised if extra time is required: Palmeiras 1-2 Chelsea.
Palmeiras vs Chelsea FAQs - FIFA Club World Cup
How to watch Palmeiras vs Chelsea FIFA Club World Cup game on TV channel?
Palmeiras vs Chelsea FIFA Club World Cup game will be available on the following TV channels;
- UK: DAZN UK
- USA: DAZN USA.
- Canada: DAZN Canada
How to watch Palmeiras vs Chelsea FIFA Club World Cup game on live streaming?
Palmeiras vs Chelsea FIFA Club World Cup game will be available on the following streaming services;
- UK: DAZN UK
- USA: DAZN USA.
- Canada: DAZN Canada
What is the date and kick-off time for Palmeiras vs Chelsea in the FIFA Club World Cup?
Palmeiras vs Chelsea takes place on Friday 4 July 2025, with kick off at 2:00am (BST), 21:00 (EDT) & 18:00 (PDT).