Chelsea made history as the first English team to advance to the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup quarterfinals with a 4-1 after-extra-time win over 10-man Benfica in North Carolina.
Reece James opened the scoring in the 64th minute with a spectacular free kick from a tight angle on the left wing.
Angel Di Maria equalized from the penalty spot in the fifth minute of stoppage time following a questionable handball decision against Malo Gusto.
Christopher Nkunku, Pedro Neto, and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall executed goals in extra time to win Chelsea’s matchup, setting a stage for a quarterfinal with Palmeiras.
Despite dominating the match from the start, Chelsea’s victory was nearly delayed by a two-hour weather halt due to a nearby lightning storm with only minutes left.
Unseasonably high temperatures contributed to the overall weather conditions, posing concerns for the FIFA 2026 World Cup safety protocols.
This interruption, due to bad weather, marks the sixth time a Club World Cup match faced such a delay.
Chelsea’s possession and chances held firm, with notable performances including Marc Cucurella’s effort and Cole Palmer’s saved shot.
Benfica’s equalizer after the delay came following a soft handball call, with Angel Di Maria scoring the penalty.
Benfica’s comeback was short-lived as Gianluca Prestianni received a second yellow card after only two minutes of extra time.
Reece James opened the scoring in the 64th minute with a spectacular free kick from a tight angle on the left wing.
Angel Di Maria equalized from the penalty spot in the fifth minute of stoppage time following a questionable handball decision against Malo Gusto.
Christopher Nkunku, Pedro Neto, and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall executed goals in extra time to win Chelsea’s matchup, setting a stage for a quarterfinal with Palmeiras.
Despite dominating the match from the start, Chelsea’s victory was nearly delayed by a two-hour weather halt due to a nearby lightning storm with only minutes left.
Unseasonably high temperatures contributed to the overall weather conditions, posing concerns for the FIFA 2026 World Cup safety protocols.
This interruption, due to bad weather, marks the sixth time a Club World Cup match faced such a delay.
Chelsea’s possession and chances held firm, with notable performances including Marc Cucurella’s effort and Cole Palmer’s saved shot.
Benfica’s equalizer after the delay came following a soft handball call, with Angel Di Maria scoring the penalty.
Benfica’s comeback was short-lived as Gianluca Prestianni received a second yellow card after only two minutes of extra time.
Palmeiras secures their CWC quarterfinals spot
Paulinho scored a crucial goal in extra time for Palmeiras against Botafogo, leading them to a 1-0 victory and the CWC quarterfinals.
Paulinho dribbled through the defense and sent a left-footed shot into the lower left corner, securing the goal.
Botafogo came close to an equalizer but ultimately fell short, with the match characterized by aggressive play and numerous shot attempts.
Palmeiras played much of the match shorthanded after Gustavo Gomez’s red card in the 116th minute.
Palmeiras defender Bruno Fuchs noted the team’s focus on their goal and the importance of continuous dreaming and hard work.
