A goal in each half, one scored by Pedro Neto and another by Enzo Fernandez, secured Chelsea’s victory in their opening match of Group D against LAFC. Chelsea will now aim to maintain their winning start at the FIFA Club World Cup campaign when they face Brazilian giants Flamengo at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia on Friday, June 20, 2025, at 19:00 GMT.
Flamengo are also off to a good start, having beaten Espérance de Tunis 2-0 in their opening match on Tuesday. They are one of Brazil’s most decorated clubs and qualified for the tournament via their 2022 Copa Libertadores triumph, while Chelsea earned their spot as the 2021 UEFA Champions League winners.
Match Preview
Flamengo come into the match with a potent attacking reputation, having scored consistently in Brazil’s Série A, where they averaged 1.8 goals per game in the 2024 season, as reported on our own football facts. Their defence has also been strong of late, as they have kept clean sheets in seven of their last eight competitive games.
The Mengão have a strong home record at the Maracanã but faces a challenge adapting to a neutral venue. Under manager Filipe Luís, Flamengo have won their last five games, showcasing their attacking flair led by players like Giorgian de Arrascaeta and Pedro.
Chelsea, managed by Enzo Maresca, were in solid form in the 2024/25 Premier League season, finishing fourth with an average of 2.1 goals scored per match. The Blues have kept clean sheets in four of their last six games across all competitions, though they’ve struggled defensively on the road, conceding in four of their last five away matches in all competitions.
The two sides have never met in competitive action, making this a fresh tactical battle. Flamengo’s high-pressing style will test Chelsea’s ability to build from the back, while the Blues’ pace on the wings could exploit Flamengo’s occasionally exposed full-backs.
Flamengo FIFA Club World Cup form:
Flamengo’s recent form in all competitions:
• W (H) 5-0 against Fortaleza (Serie A) 01/06/25• W (H) 1-0 against Tachira (Copa Libertadores) 29/05/25
• W (A) 2-0 against Palmeiras (Serie A) 25/05/25
• W (H) 4-2 against Botafogo PB (Copa Do Brasil) 22/05/25
• D (H) 0-0 against Botafogo (Serie A) 18/05/25
Chelsea FIFA Club World Cup form:
Chelsea’s recent form in all competitions:
• W (N) 4-1 against Real Betis (Europa Conference League) 28/05/25
• W (A) 1-0 against Nottingham Forest (Premier League) 25/05/25
• L (A) 0-2 against Newcastle United (Premier League) 11/05/25
• W (A) 4-1 against Djurgarden (Europa Conference League) 01/05/25
• A (A) 2-1 against Fulham (Premier League) 20/04/25
Team News
Flamengo are likely to field a strong side, with goalkeeper Agustín Rossi expected to start behind a back four of Guillermo Varela, Léo Ortiz, Léo Pereira, and Aryton Lucas. Midfielders Jorginho and Pulgar could anchor the centre of the pitch, with De Arrascaeta pulling the strings in attack alongside Luiz Araújo, Gerson, and Pedro.
Chelsea may opt for a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Robert Sánchez in goal and a defensive line of Reece James, Tosin Adarabioyo, Levi Colwill, and Marc Cucurella. Moisés Caicedo and Enzo Fernández are expected to control the midfield, supporting Noni Madueke, Cole Palmer, and Pedro Neto. New striker Liam Delap is competing with Nicolas Jackson for the lone forward role.
Flamengo possible starting lineup:
Rossi; Varela, Ortiz, Pereira, Lucas; Jorginho, Pulgar; Araújo, De Arrascaeta, Gerson; Pedro
Chelsea possible starting lineup:
Sánchez; James, Adarabioyo, Colwill, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernández; Madueke, Palmer, Neto; Delap
We say: Flamengo 1-2 Chelsea
Flamengo’s attacking quality makes them a formidable opponent, but Chelsea’s depth and Premier League intensity could give them the edge in this neutral-venue clash. Expect a tight contest, with Chelsea’s clinical finishing from players like Cole Palmer potentially proving the difference.
