Suspended Players for Club World Cup Semi-Finals: Who Misses Out and What It Means for Their Teams
The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 has already dished out plenty of drama, goals, and moments of magic but as we head into the semi-finals, some key players will be watching from the stands rather than the pitch. Thanks to yellow card accumulation, red cards, and all the usual chaos, seven players from four major teams are officially suspended for the Club World Cup semi-finals.
Let’s break down who’s missing, which clubs will feel the heat, and how these suspensions could tip the scales.
Full List of Suspended Players for the Club World Cup 2025 Semi-Finals
| Player | Club | Reason for Suspension |
| David Martínez Freytes | Fluminense | Yellow card accumulation |
| Matheus Martinelli | Fluminense | Yellow card accumulation |
| Levi Colwill | Chelsea | Yellow card accumulation |
| Liam Delap | Chelsea | Yellow card accumulation |
| Willian Pacho | PSG | Straight Red card |
| Lucas Hernandez | PSG | Straight Red card |
| Dean Huijsen | Real Madrid | Straight Red card |
What These Suspensions Mean for Each Team
Fluminense: Missing Freytes and Martinelli
Fluminense, the Brazilian side known for their composed midfield play, will be without David Freytes and Matheus Martinelli, both integral to their ball progression. Martinelli’s suspension, in particular, is a hammer blow. He’s been one of Flu’s most consistent performers, and his absence might give their semi-final opponents, Chelsea, a free run in midfield.
Chelsea: No Colwill, No Delap
Levi Colwill’s yellow card was as avoidable as it was damaging. The young English defender had looked solid throughout the tournament until his rash tackle meant no semi-final for him. Adding to Chelsea’s woes, striker Liam Delap also saw a yellow card in the quarter-final. Chelsea’s spine is broken, missing a defender and a striker means reshuffling both ends of the pitch. Pressure’s on the midfield to dominate.
PSG: Without Pacho and Lucas Hernandez
PSG’s backline takes a double hit. Both Willian Pacho and Lucas Hernandez are out due to straight Red cards in the high voltage clash against Bayern Munich, leaving Enrique’s side scrambling for a defensive plan B. Against attacking threats of Real Madrid, that’s dangerous ground to be standing on.
Real Madrid: Huijsen Out
Real Madrid’s rising defensive talent Dean Huijsen got himself sent off and now misses the semi-final. With Madrid’s depth, they can plug the gap, but his absence might be felt if things go into extra time and legs start tiring. Minor disruption, but Madrid have enough bench strength to ride it out. Raul Asencio will join in Tchouameni and Rudiger at the backline.
When Are the Club World Cup 2025 Semi-Finals?
Mark your calendars:
- Chelsea vs Fluminense – Tuesday, July 8
- Real Madrid vs PSG – Wednesday, July 9
Both matches will kick off at 20:00 BST and are expected to be electric, even with some stars missing.
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