Flamingo defeated Chelsea 3-1 at Club World Cup in Philadelphia
Lincoln Financial Field, PA (June 20, 2025) — Chelsea’s Club World Cup chances took a serious hit Friday with a heavy defeat to Flamengo.
The Club World Cup continued in full force on Friday, with a number of exciting results. Group stage play for Group C and D put Bayern Munich and Flamengo in a strong position for the knockout round heading into the final game next week.
We will update this file throughout each matchday with the latest reporting, analysis and fun from the competition, so check back regularly for the latest news as we follow the fun leading up to the tournament final at MetLife Stadium on July 13.
It took only six minutes for Chelsea’s Club World Cup campaign to be thrown into serious jeopardy on Friday.
While leading Flamengo 1-0 in the Philadelphia early-afternoon heat, the Blues were closing in on becoming the first team to book their place in the round of 16. Plans included an extended training camp in Miami as they honed their preparations for a sustained assault on the competition’s latter stages and the £97 million first prize that would be a welcome boost to Chelsea’s balance sheet.
And then, just after the hour mark, everything changed. The lead given to them by Pedro Neto’s well-taken 13th-minute strike evaporated as Bruno Henrique and then Danilo converted from close range to turn the game on its head, before Nicolas Jackson got himself sent off for an idiotic challenge on Ayrton Lucas. Wallace Yan added a late third to give Flamengo a win they thoroughly deserved both on and off the pitch, as a combative and dynamic display was mirrored by the passion and fury of thousands clad in red and black stripes predominantly gathered behind the end that brought them such second-half joy.
Chelsea without a clear way of going from back to front. They took an early lead when Wesley and Danilo failed to deal with a speculative punt from James, enabling Pedro Neto to race through and score, but there was no flow to their football. Delap, who was handed his full debut, faded after drawing a save from Agustín Rossi.
Chelsea collapsed. They were 2-1 down when Danilo, the former Manchester City defender, volleyed in after a corner was flicked on by Bruno Henrique. It was game over when Jackson went off. Wallace Yan, another Flamengo substitute, made it 3-1 with seven minutes left.
Maresca must respond. Chelsea have work to do when they face the Tunisian side Espérance in their final group game. Finishing second leaves them at risk of facing Bayern Munich in the last 16. Their stay in the US could be over sooner than expected.
