Palmeiras vs Chelsea: Club World Cup 2025 Quarter-Final Preview

Palmeiras will face Chelsea in the quarter-finals of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup on July 4 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, with kick-off at 9 PM ET. Chelsea enter the match after a dramatic 4‑1 extra-time win over Benfica, while Palmeiras secured their spot with a narrow 1‑0 extra-time victory over Botafogo. This is only their second-ever meeting, the first being the 2021 Club World Cup Final, which Chelsea won 2‑1. Chelsea are considered favorites, though they’ll be without key players like Moisés Caicedo (suspended) and several others left in England. Palmeiras also suffer suspensions to captain Gustavo Gómez and Joaquín Piquerez. The match will be streamed live for free on DAZN, and Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has raised concerns about the tournament’s repeated weather delays. With Chelsea’s attacking form and Palmeiras’ solid defense, the quarter-final promises to be a tense and competitive encounter.

A detailed breakdown of Palmeiras vs Chelsea ahead of their 2025 FIFA Club World Cup quarter-final clash:

Recent Team Form

Chelsea

• Chelsea come into this match on a strong run of form, with 11 wins in their last 13 matches across all competitions.

• They defeated Benfica 4-1 in extra time in the Round of 16, despite a long two-hour weather delay.

• Under new manager Enzo Maresca, the team is showing attacking fluidity and improved discipline.

• Key players like Pedro Neto have been in excellent form, scoring in three consecutive matches.

• Chelsea have already claimed a UEFA Europa Conference League title earlier in 2025, giving them momentum and silverware confidence.

Palmeiras

• Palmeiras are one of the most in-form sides from South America, with 10 clean sheets in their last 14 matches.

• They secured a 1‑0 extra-time win over Botafogo in the previous round.

• The team is tactically disciplined and defensively solid, though less attacking than Chelsea.

• Palmeiras have not lost in regulation time in their last 15 matches, showing great tournament resilience.

• Managed by Abel Ferreira, they play structured, balanced football with strength in midfield and wide areas.

Team Details

Chelsea

• Coach: Enzo Maresca

• Key Players: Cole Palmer, Pedro Neto, Enzo Fernández, Levi Colwill

• Injuries/Suspensions:

Moisés Caicedo – suspended

Benoît Badiashile, Ben Chilwell, Petrovic, Raheem Sterling – not with the squad (rested/injured)

• Recent Success: UEFA Europa Conference League 2025 winners

• Strengths: Quick transitions, dynamic attacking players (especially Palmer and Neto), strong goalkeeper (Robert Sánchez)

Palmeiras

• Coach: Abel Ferreira

• Key Players: Weverton (GK), Raphael Veiga, Richard Ríos, Estêvão

• Injuries/Suspensions:

Gustavo Gómez (Captain) – suspended

Joaquín Piquerez – suspended

• Recent Success: Regular contender for Copa Libertadores

• Strengths: Defensive structure, disciplined midfield, strong youth development (Estêvão, Vitor Roque)

Predicted Lineups

The predicted lineups for the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 quarter-final: Palmeiras vs Chelsea (July 4):

Chelsea (4-2-3-1)

Manager: Enzo Maresca

GK:    Robert Sánchez 
RB:    Malo Gusto 
CB:    Trevoh Chalobah 
CB:    Levi Colwill 
LB:    Marc Cucurella 
CDM:   Enzo Fernández 
CDM:   Roméo Lavia 
RW:    Reece James 
CAM:   Cole Palmer 
LW:    Pedro Neto 
ST:    Nicolas Jackson

Bench Options:

• João Pedro (may debut)

• Alfie Gilchrist, Cesare Casadei, Deivid Washington, Bashir Humphreys

Not Available:

• Moisés Caicedo (suspended)

• Ben Chilwell, Raheem Sterling, Djordje Petrovic (rested or not included)

• Benoît Badiashile (injured)

Palmeiras (4-2-3-1)

Manager: Abel Ferreira

GK:    Weverton 
RB:    Agustin Giay 
CB:    Luan Garcia 
CB:    Naves 
LB:    Vanderlan 
CDM:   Richard Ríos 
CDM:   Fabinho 
RW:    Estêvão 
CAM:   Raphael Veiga 
LW:    Mauricio 
ST:    Rony

Bench Options:

• Endrick (potential sub), Bruno Rodrigues, Breno Lopes, Jailson

Not Available:

• Gustavo Gómez (captain, suspended)

• Joaquín Piquerez (suspended)

Importance of the Match : Palmeiras vs Chelsea

For Chelsea:

• An opportunity to win the Club World Cup for the second time (after 2021).

• A major title to validate the team’s rebuild under Maresca.

• A global platform to showcase the squad’s depth and young stars.

• Vital morale boost ahead of the Premier League season.

For Palmeiras:

• Chance to avenge their 2021 Club World Cup Final loss to Chelsea (2‑1 AET).

• Representing South America against European giants—critical for regional pride.

• A test of their defensive and tactical solidity on the world stage.

• Showcase for young stars like Estêvão, who is linked with Chelsea’s future plans.

Conclusion: Palmeiras vs Chelsea

As Palmeiras and Chelsea prepare to clash in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup quarter-final, the match promises to be a compelling contest between South American resilience and European firepower. Chelsea arrive with strong form, squad depth, and attacking talent, despite some key absences. Palmeiras counter with defensive organization, tournament grit, and rising stars like Estêvão. With both sides missing key players due to suspension, adaptability and tactical discipline will be crucial. While Chelsea are favorites, Palmeiras have the tools to frustrate and potentially surprise. Ultimately, this match is more than just a battle for a semi-final spot—it’s a showcase of global club football’s emerging narratives and a high-stakes test for both sides.

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