Palmeiras 1–2 Chelsea: Blues Advance to Club World Cup Semi-finals After Late Own Goal

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