Chelsea Set for Club World Cup Quarter-Final Clash Against Palmeiras

Chelsea have reached the Club World Cup quarter-finals. They will play Brazilian team Palmeiras after beating Benfica in a long, dramatic match.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Chelsea won 4-1 against Benfica in extra time. The match lasted nearly five hours because of a weather delay in Charlotte. Reece James scored late, but a thunderstorm stopped play for nearly two hours. Christopher Nkunku, Pedro Neto, and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall scored in extra time to help Chelsea progress. Coach Enzo Maresca was upset with the delay but praised his players’ focus and control.

CLUB FORM AND RECENT PERFORMANCES

Chelsea’s win against Benfica comes after an inconsistent Premier League season where they finished 4th, showing some growth under new coach Maresca. The team was led by Nkunku and Cole Palmer, who helped in the latest win. Palmeiras, their next rival, have also done well in Brazil’s Série A and beat Botafogo in their Round of 16 match.

WHAT’S NEXT?

The quarter-final between Chelsea and Palmeiras will take place at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, on July 4, 2025. Both teams want to reach the semi-finals of this expanded tournament with top clubs from around the world. Chelsea aim to continue their winning streak, while Palmeiras hope to surprise the European team. The winner moves closer to winning a top global club soccer title.