Credit: Amanda Perobelli-Reuters via Imagn Images

Joao Pedro Brace Fires Chelsea Into FIFA Club World Cup Final

The Brazilian’s Brace Downs Fluminense As Blues Book a Showdown in the Final.

Credit: Amanda Perobelli-Reuters via Imagn Images

Chelsea have become the first finalists of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup with a commanding 2-0 win against Fluminense at MetLife Stadium. It was largely thanks to a sensational brace from Joao Pedro. The 23-year-olpd Brazilian striker stole the spotlight in his first appearance for the Blues.

Now, Enzo Maresca’s side will face either Real Madrid or Paris Saint-Germain in Sunday’s final. Joao Pedro’s debut for Chelsea was one to remember. Facing the club where he began his career, the Brazilian forward showed no mercy. He fired the Blues into the lead in the 18th minute.

Dancing their way to the Final 🕺 @ChelseaFC | #FIFACWC pic.twitter.com/fJKojLjWdr
— FIFA Club World Cup (@FIFACWC) July 8, 2025

After a cross from Pedro Neto was partially cleared, Joao Pedro picked up the ball 20 yards out. He then curled an unstoppable shot into the far corner past the Fluminense goalkeeper Fabio. Out of respect for his former club, the forward refrained from celebrating. He struck again in the 57th minute with a goal of equal brilliance.

A ball set free down the left by Enzo Fernandez, Pedro cut inside. He danced past two defenders and unleashed another equally powerful shot that rattled the crossbar before crossing the line. With two goals in his debut for the club, Pedro became the first Chelsea player to score a brace in his full debut since Michy Batshuayi in 2016.

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Chelsea Control Amid Heat and Pressure

Despite sweltering conditions in New Jersey, Chelsea dominated possession and carved out several chances. Malo Gusto and Christopher Nkunku both came close to adding to the lead. Meanwhile, Marc Cucurella proved to be key in the back for the Blues.

His alert defending prevented a Fluminense equalizer in the first half. VAR also overturned a Fluminense penalty claim after Trevoh Chalobah was judged not to have handled the ball intentionally. Fluminense, the tournament’s oldest squad, struggled to match Chelsea’s pace and intensity.

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Especially after Pedro’s second goal. Robert Sanchez remained largely untested in the second half as Maresca’s men comfortably saw out the win and a qualification to the final of the new-look tournament. £97 million in prize money is at stake for the Blues.

That is, along with the chance for a second Club World Cup title. Chelsea will now prepare for a monumental final clash on Sunday against one of the strongest sides. For Joao Pedro, he will have to wait and see if he proved enough with his heroics today to potentially become Maresca’s first-choice striker.

Chelsea

Club World Cup

Fluminense

Fluminense vs Chelsea

Joao Pedro

Moumita Dutta

soccer

Football writer at The Playoffs. I’ve been obsessed with the beautiful game since I was a kid.. Eventually, I realized I could combine my passion for writing with my love for football, and I’ve never looked back. My favorite part of the job is everything—when you’re doing what you love, even a late-night deadline feels like extra time in a thrilling cup final. Lastly, Lionel Messi is the GOAT.