Chelsea FIFA Club World Cup 2025 opponent update: Blues to face LAFC or Club América

Chelsea FC's opening opponent at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup has changed, following an official update from FIFA. Originally scheduled to face Mexican side Club León, the Blues will now begin their campaign against either Los Angeles FC or Club América in Group D of the global tournament.

FIFA confirmed the change after Club León withdrew from the competition. Their replacement will be determined via a playoff between Los Angeles FC—runners-up in the 2023 CONCACAF Champions Cup—and Club América, the top-ranked CONCACAF side in the Club World Cup ranking post-2024.

Chelsea’s Club World Cup Schedule

Chelsea’s first fixture is set for Monday, June 16, 2025, at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, where they will face the winner of the LAFC vs. Club América playoff. The date and venue for the playoff match will be announced soon.

The West Coast outfit LAFC features former Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud, adding an intriguing subplot to a possible reunion. Meanwhile, Club América is a familiar preseason opponent for Chelsea, most recently falling 3–0 to the London side earlier this season in the same Atlanta stadium—courtesy of goals from Christopher Nkunku, Noni Madueke, and Marc Guiu.

Following the opening match, Chelsea will play Brazilian side Flamengo on Friday, June 20, and Esperance Sportive de Tunis on Tuesday, June 24—both fixtures taking place in Philadelphia.

FIFA Club World Cup 2025: Group D Overview

Group D Teams:

• Chelsea FC (UEFA Champions League winners)
• Flamengo (CONMEBOL)
• ES Tunis (CAF)
• Winner of LAFC vs. Club América (CONCACAF)

How to Buy Chelsea Tickets for FIFA Club World Cup 2025

Dedicated ticket sections for Chelsea fans are available at each venue. Currently, tickets are on general sale until 10:00 AM ET, Tuesday, May 20, 2025, on a first-come, first-served basis—up to six tickets per person.

To purchase:

Visit FIFA’s official ticketing portal

Create or log in to your account.

Choose your desired matches under the “Events” section.

Note: Ticket availability may take up to 15 minutes to appear after registration.

Bonus: Ticket Pack Holders Get World Cup 2026 Perk

In April 2025, FIFA announced that buyers of the Club World Cup 2025 Ticket Pack or Super Ticket Pack will receive priority access to one FIFA World Cup 2026 match ticket hosted in the United States. Eligibility terms apply. Learn more here.

SportsLigue