Background and Significance of Chelsea’s Journey
At the start of the 2025 Mundial de Clubes, Chelsea was considered the sixth favorite to win with 8.4% probability, according to Opta’s statistical system. Now, they hold a 41.1% chance of winning with only 90 minutes left in their campaign.
Chelsea secured their spot in the final by defeating Fluminense of Brazil 2-0, thanks to a brace from 23-year-old striker Joao Pedro (18’ and 56’), who was developed precisely in the Brazilian club.
Chelsea’s Past Mundial de Clubes Finals
With 70,556 spectators at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, which will also host the 2026 World Cup Final, Chelsea imposed conditions to reach their third Mundial de Clubes final in club history.
The Blues first reached the final in 2012, recalling that under the previous tournament format, only seven teams played over less than two weeks.
That year, Chelsea represented Europe after winning the UEFA Champions League. They defeated Monterrey of Mexico 3-1 in the semifinals but lost 0-1 to Corinthians of Brazil, the reigning South American (CONMEBOL) champion, in the final.
Their redemption came in 2021. After defeating Manchester City in the Champions League final, Chelsea triumphed 1-0 over Al Hilal of Saudi Arabia in the Mundial de Clubes and then beat Palmeiras of Brazil 2-1 in extra time.
Chelsea’s Successful Season and Upcoming Challenges
Under Italian manager Enzo Maresca, Chelsea’s season has been marked by notable results. The team recently won the Conference League title, defeating Real Betis of Spain 4-1 on May 28. This is the third most important European club competition.
Chelsea also finished in the top 4 of the Premier League table, securing their spot in the 2025-26 Champions League, a tournament they haven’t played since the 2022-23 season.
Player Perspectives
“Reaching the final is a great achievement. It’s been an amazing season: we finished among the top four in the Premier League, won the Conference League, and now we’re in this competition’s final. We’re very, very happy to have the last match of the season and hopefully win the tournament,” said Maresca.
Joao Pedro added, “I’m happy to score my first goals for Chelsea, but I also know this tournament is important for Fluminense. I can only apologize, but I have to be professional. I play for Chelsea and am paid to score goals.”
Fluminense’s Mundial de Clubes Journey
Fluminense entered the 2025 Mundial de Clubes with an unbeaten record (two draws and three wins) and aspired to reach their second final in club history.
Their first final was in 2023, but they lost 0-4 to Manchester City in Saudi Arabia. This time, they surprised everyone by eliminating European runners-up Inter Milan in the round of 16.
“Undoubtedly, we leave with our heads held high for all we’ve achieved in this Mundial de Clubes. We knew it would be a tough match against a very skilled team, and the goals gave our opponent more confidence,” said Fluminense coach Renato Gaúcho.
Financial Implications and Future Opportunities
Despite the loss, Fluminense left the Mundial de Clubes with $60.83 million, according to FIFA’s official ranking for reaching the semifinals.
Chelsea has accumulated $58.43 million in prize money so far. If they win, they’ll receive an additional $40 million; if they finish as runners-up, they’ll earn $30 million. This means Chelsea aims for nearly $90 million in bonuses this summer.
Chelsea’s opponent in the 2025 Mundial de Clubes final will be determined on Wednesday when Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) face off in the other semifinal at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
Chelsea seeks their eleventh international title, following one Mundial de Clubes title (2021), two Champions League titles (2012 and 2021), two Europa League titles (2013 and 2019), two European Super Cups (1998 and 2021), two European Recopa titles (1971 and 1998), and one Conference League title (2025).
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the Mundial de Clubes? The Mundial de Clubes is an annual international club football tournament organized by FIFA, contested by representatives of each confederation.
- Who are Chelsea’s opponents in the 2025 Mundial de Clubes semifinals? Chelsea will face the winner of the match between Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in the other semifinal.
- What are Chelsea’s previous Mundial de Clubes finals? Chelsea has reached the Mundial de Clubes final three times before, winning in 2021 and losing in 2012 and 2013.
- What is the significance of Chelsea’s current season? Chelsea has had a successful season, winning the Conference League and securing a top-four Premier League finish, qualifying them for the 2025-26 Champions League.
- What are the financial implications of winning or losing the Mundial de Clubes? Winning the tournament would earn Chelsea nearly $90 million in bonuses, while a runner-up finish would still provide them with $68.43 million.
