Materazzi predicts Fluminense will defeat heavily favored Chelsea in the first semifinal. In the second semifinal, the 2006 World Cup winner admits it's a tough call, but he leans towards PSG.

"Real versus PSG is a big match, and it's not easy to predict who will reach the final," the former Italy defender said. "On the other side is Fluminense. They are playing very well and could make the final. My prediction is Fluminense and PSG will advance."

Fluminense defeated Al Hilal 2-1 in the quarterfinals on 4/7. Photo: Reuters

Fluminense defeated Al Hilal 2-1 in the quarterfinals on 4/7. Photo: Reuters

Fluminense qualified for the Club World Cup as the 2023 South American club champion. They finished second in Group F behind Dortmund, then defeated Inter 2-0 in the round of 16 and Al Hilal 2-1 in the quarterfinals.

Chelsea also finished second in Group D, behind Flamengo. They then beat Benfica 4-1 in the round of 16 and Palmeiras 2-1 in the quarterfinals. Fluminense will be the third Brazilian team Chelsea has faced in the tournament, after Flamengo (lost 3-1) and Palmeiras.

PSG lost to another Brazilian team, Botafogo, but still topped Group B. The newly crowned UEFA Champions League winners then defeated Inter Miami 4-0 in the round of 16 and Bayern 2-0 in the quarterfinals.

Real finished at the top of Group H. The Spanish side then defeated Juventus 1-0 in the round of 16 and Dortmund 3-2 in the quarterfinals.

Cafu, a 1994 and 2002 World Cup winner with Brazil, also predicts Fluminense will reach the final. He wants his fellow countrymen to raise the flag for South American football in the final of this world-class tournament.

"South Americans live and breathe football. This continent is passionate about the sport," Cafu said. "Having a club represent us in the first Club World Cup semifinal is incredible."

Chelsea and Real qualified for the Club World Cup as the 2021, 2022, and 2024 UEFA Champions League winners, while PSG qualified as one of the teams with the highest four-year UEFA coefficient. PSG's recent Champions League title will count towards qualification for the next Club World Cup in 2029.

Thanh Quy (according to Marca)