Chelsea booked their place in the semi-finals of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup with a narrow but hard-earned 2–1 victory over Palmeiras in Philadelphia.

Goals from Cole Palmer and a late own goal by Weverton were enough to edge out the spirited Brazilian side, who had drawn level through teenage sensation Estêvão Willian.

Palmer Gives Chelsea Early Advantage

Chelsea began the match on the front foot, dictating the tempo and pressing high up the pitch. Their dominance paid off in the 16th minute when Cole Palmer opened the scoring.

The midfielder picked up a loose ball on the edge of the area and guided a low, left-footed shot into the bottom corner, leaving Palmeiras goalkeeper Weverton with no chance.

The Premier League side continued to create chances, with Nicolas Jackson and Noni Madueke threatening down both flanks. However, Palmeiras stood firm and went into the break trailing by just a single goal.

Estêvão Shines with Stunning Equalizer

Palmeiras emerged from the break with renewed energy and got their reward in the 53rd minute. Estêvão Willian, the 18-year-old forward set to join Chelsea in 2026, produced a moment of brilliance. Receiving the ball on the right, he cut inside and unleashed a curling left-footed strike from outside the box that flew past Djordje Petrović to make it 1–1.

It was a fitting goal on a big stage and a reminder of the immense talent Chelsea have secured for the future.

Weverton Own Goal Seals Chelsea Win

As the match appeared to be heading for extra time, Chelsea found a breakthrough in the 83rd minute in bizarre fashion. Right-back Malo Gusto whipped in a low cross that deflected off Palmeiras defender Agustín Giay, ricocheted off Weverton, and trickled into the net for an own goal. It was a cruel blow for the Brazilian side after a resilient second-half performance.

Palmeiras pushed for another equalizer in the final minutes, but Chelsea’s defence stood tall, with Levi Colwill and Axel Disasi clearing multiple dangerous deliveries into the box.

Up Next

Chelsea will now face Fluminense in the semi-finals at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey, on Tuesday. Palmeiras exit the tournament at the quarter-final stage but leave with pride intact, especially thanks to Estêvão’s standout performance.

Final Score:

Palmeiras 1–2 Chelsea

Scorers:

Chelsea: Cole Palmer (16’), Weverton (own goal, 83’) Palmeiras: Estêvão Willian (53’)

Man of the Match: Cole Palmer

Venue: Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia

Attendance: 65,782

Brazilian giants Fluminense booked their place in the semifinals of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup with a gritty 2–1 victory over Saudi Arabian champions Al Hilal at the Camping World Stadium in Orlando.

Under intense Florida heat, Fluminense combined experience and flair to overcome a determined Al Hilal side, who had shocked Manchester City earlier in the tournament.

Martinelli Opens the Show

The breakthrough came five minutes before halftime. Midfielder Matheus Martinelli found space on the edge of the area and curled a brilliant left-footed strike into the top corner, leaving Al Hilal keeper Bono rooted. It was a goal worthy of the occasion and gave the Brazilians a crucial edge heading into the break.

Hilal’s Rapid Response

Al Hilal came out firing in the second half and equalized in the 51st minute. Marcos Leonardo, one of the tournament’s standout forwards, pounced during a penalty-box scramble to fire home the equalizer, sending the Saudi fans into raptures.

Hércules Seals It

But Fluminense were not done. In the 70th minute, substitute Hércules—already a game-changer in earlier matches—delivered again. He latched onto a clever through ball and calmly slotted it past Bono to restore the lead, and ultimately, to seal the win.

A Game of Emotion and Experience

The match opened with a minute’s silence in memory of Diogo Jota, and the emotion was visible—especially among Al Hilal’s Portuguese players João Cancelo and Rúben Neves.

Veterans Thiago Silva (40) and goalkeeper Fábio (44) marshaled the Fluminense defense with composure, frustrating Al Hilal’s attacking play late in the game and preserving the lead.

What’s Next

Fluminense will now face the winner of Chelsea vs Palmeiras in the semifinals as they chase their first-ever Club World Cup title. With momentum on their side, the Brazilian outfit has sent a clear message: they’re here to make history.

Former Arsenal and Ghana Black Stars midfielder Thomas Partey has been officially charged with multiple counts of rape and sexual assault in the United Kingdom.

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) confirmed that Partey faces five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault, linked to incidents involving three different women between 2021 and 2022.

According to UK media reports, two of the complainants have accused the footballer of rape, while a third alleges he sexually assaulted her.

The charges come after a lengthy investigation by the Metropolitan Police, and Partey is now scheduled to appear before Westminster Magistrates’ Court on August 5, 2025.

In a statement, the CPS emphasized that the case is now active and warned the public, especially on social media, to refrain from making comments that could jeopardize the legal process or undermine the defendant’s right to a fair trial.

Partey, 32, who last played for Arsenal and has been a key figure for Ghana’s national team over the past decade, has not publicly responded to the charges as of the time of this publication.

This development marks a significant turn in the footballer’s career and raises fresh discussions around the conduct and accountability of public figures both on and off the pitch.