Chelsea advances to Club World Cup semifinals with 2-1 win over Palmeiras

Chelsea scored the go-ahead goal on Malo Gusto’s 83rd-minute shot that went in after a pair of deflections, beating Palmeiras 2-1 for a spot in the Club World Cup semifinals

DAN GELSTON — AP Sports Writer | July 5, 2025

Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez reacts at the end of the Club World Cup quarterfinal soccer match between Palmeiras and Chelsea in Philadelphia, Friday, July 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)


PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Chelsea scored the go-ahead goal on Malo Gusto's 83rd-minute shot that went in after a pair of deflections, beating Palmeiras 2-1 on Friday night for a spot in the Club World Cup semifinals.

Cole Palmer put Chelsea ahead in the 16th minute but Estêvão, an 18-year-old who will transfer to Chelsea this summer, tied the score against his future club with an angled shot in the 53rd.

Gusto’s shot following a short corner kick appeared to deflect off defender Agustin Giay and goalkeeper Weverton and sent the Chelsea portion of 65,782 fans into a frenzy. FIFA credited Weverton with an own goal.

Chelsea won’t travel far for its next match, facing Fluminense on Tuesday at East Rutherford, New Jersey. Hércules came off the bench and scored in the 70th minute to lift Fluminense past Al Hilal 2-1 in Friday’s earlier quarterfinal.

With Chelsea’s win, three of the four semifinal teams will be from Europe, with one from Brazil.

The 23-year-old Palmer scored his first goal in the Club World Cup, and showed why he’s widely considered one of the top attacking midfielders. He took a pass from Trevoh Chalobah and slipped the ball inside the far post.

Fans made it to Lincoln Financial Field on a holiday weekend that included a strike by nearly 10,000 city workers in Philadelphia, competition from an earlier Phillies game, and a concert and fireworks show near the Philadelphia Museum of Art. FIFA had slashed tickets to as low as $11.15.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino attended the game, the eighth of the tournament at the home of NFL Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles.

...

Palmeiras' goalkeeper Weverton gestures during the Club World Cup quarterfinal soccer match between Palmeiras and Chelsea in Philadelphia, Friday, July 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)


There was a pregame pregame tribute for Liverpool player Diogo Jota and his brother, André Silva, who were found dead near Zamora in northwestern Spain after the Lamborghini they were driving crashed and burst into flames on an isolated stretch of highway.

Key moments

Forward Liam Delap and defender Levi Colwill each got their second yellow cards of the tournament and will be suspended for the semifinal.

Takeaways

Estêvão agreed to a deal with Chelsea last summer that moved him to Chelsea afterhe turned 18.

___

AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

Palmeiras' Emiliano Martinez, left, falls challenged by Chelsea's Joao Pedro during the Club World Cup quarterfinal soccer match between Palmeiras and Chelsea in Philadelphia, Friday, July 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)

Palmeiras' Vitor Roque breaks away during the Club World Cup quarterfinal soccer match between Palmeiras and Chelsea in Philadelphia, Friday, July 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Derik Hamilton)

Palmeiras' Facundo Torres, left, and Chelsea's Malo Gusto fight for the ball during the Club World Cup quarterfinal soccer match between Palmeiras and Chelsea in Philadelphia, Friday, July 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)

Recommended For You.

Hottest Sneaker Releases | Made for Outside
Sneakers
Hottest Sneaker Releases | Inspired By Culture
Sneakers
Weekly Celebrity Birthday Roundup | 6/16 - 6/22
Celebrities
11 Products that Promote Your Mental Wellness
Wellness
Business Casual Work Clothes for Travel or the Office
Shopping
7 Must See Places to Visit in Italy
Travel
Shrubs You Should Never Prune in Spring
Home & Garden
6 Reasons Quinoa is Good for You
Food & Drink
9 Queer Characters from the Best Animated TV Shows
TV & Film
7 Ways to Stimulate Your Brain as You Age
Health
Most Popular Lap Dogs in the U.S.
Lifestyle
Self-seeding Fruits That Cause Less Work For You
Home & Garden
Gorgeous African National Parks to Visit this Summer
Travel
Mesmerizing Views of the Night Sky
Photography
Unusual Ingredients You Can Add to Potato Salad
Food & Drink
Master the Trend | Trench Coats for Men
Fashion
MSCHF x Mercedes-AMG Limited Edition Furniture Collection
Art & Design
Unusual Skincare Hacks for Healthier Looking Skin
Lifestyle
Jordan Tatum 3: Continuing Greatness
Sneakers
11 Must See Summer Movies
TV & Film
How to Get Rid of Fleas in Your House
Home & Garden
10 Food Focused Cities to Visit in Latin America
Travel
The Most Handy Gadgets to Buy for Your Home
Shopping
Master The Trend | Retro Athleisure
Fashion
New Balance Grey Days: A Monochrome Movement
Sneakers
How to Add Protein to Your Smoothies
Food & Drink
Fascinating Tidbits About Independence Day
Lifestyle
Nike A'One: A Superstar's Arrival
Sneakers
More than You Ever Wanted to Know About Dragonflies
Home & Garden
Never Miss on a Fit with These Kicks
Sneakers
Consider These Eastern European Travel Destinations
Travel
Hottest Sneaker Releases | Artwork on Footwear
Sneakers
Nike Air Max Craze: Brought Back to Life
Sneakers
7 Herbs You Probably Never Thought to Grow
Home & Garden
Adidas x Kith SS25: Football for the Streets
Fashion
Pistachio: The Color Defining Spring
Fashion
Ways to Enjoy a Long July 4th Weekend
Lifestyle
Best Workout Equipment for Small Spaces
Wellness
7 Kitchen Gadgets you Can Toss Right Now
Home & Garden
Incredible Gift Ideas for the Moms in Your Life
Lifestyle
6 Ways to Enjoy Green Tea
Food & Drink
The Pros Skip these Tools and So Can You
Home & Garden
7 Fun Memorial Day Weekend Activities
Lifestyle
How to Keep Your Dog Out of the Garden
Home & Garden
9 Quick Trips to Take from Latin American Cities
Travel
7 of the Most Nutrient-Dense Foods
Food & Drink
The Types of Volcanoes That Frame Landscapes
Photography
7 Common Uses for Tea Tree Oil
Home & Garden
Smart Gadgets on Amazon That Simplify Pet Care
Shopping
Hottest Sneaker Releases | Neutral But Bold
Sneakers