Just weeks after lifting the UEFA Conference League trophy, Chelsea FC returns to action as they face Los Angeles FC in their Group D opener of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025. Set to unfold in Atlanta on Monday, June 16, this highly anticipated clash pits European pedigree against MLS ambition, with both teams eyeing early momentum in the global tournament.

Match Info

• Competition: FIFA Club World Cup 2025 – Group D
• Date: Monday, June 16
• Kickoff: 20:00 local time
• Venue: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta
• Broadcast: Free streaming available globally

Chelsea's Return: Fresh from Silverware, Focused on the Prize

Manager Enzo Maresca has rallied his squad quickly after a busy end to the Premier League and Conference League seasons. Chelsea enters the Club World Cup in high spirits, having closed out the 2024/25 campaign on a strong note.

“We’ve arrived with a good feeling and are fully focused,” said Maresca during pre-match interviews.

Argentina international Enzo Fernandez emphasized the emotional and competitive significance of the tournament, calling it a “beautiful” global football festival.

Chelsea Team News: New Faces and Familiar Absences

Chelsea fans will get their first glimpses of new signings:

• Mamadou Sarr (CB)
• Dario Essugo (MF)
• Liam Delap (FW)

The team will miss Wesley Fofana due to injury, while Kendry Paez is not part of the squad amid reports of a loan move to Strasbourg. Mykhailo Mudryk remains absent after a doping-related suspension, while Reece James and Trevoh Chalobah are the only squad members with direct links to Olivier Giroud, now of LAFC.

LAFC’s Rise: Underdogs with Bite

Founded just in 2018, Los Angeles FC enters its first Club World Cup campaign with measured expectations. The MLS side is currently fifth in the Western Conference, boasting a mix of youth and experience, including Hugo Lloris in goal and Golden Boot winner Denis Bouanga leading the frontline.

A major subplot is the return of Olivier Giroud, now in LAFC colors. The French striker spent three trophy-laden years at Stamford Bridge and spoke glowingly about facing his former club:

“Chelsea will always be in my heart — it’s going to be a special game.”

Chelsea vs LAFC: Key Stats & Player Watch

Key Players to Watch

• Denis Bouanga (LAFC): 8 goals, 5 assists in MLS 2025; leads the league in total shot attempts (78)
• Cole Palmer (Chelsea): Chelsea’s creative force and emerging leader
• Liam Delap (Chelsea): Poised to make his tournament debut after joining from Man City

Key Stats

• Chelsea has won its last 5 matches across competitions
• LAFC has 7 wins from 16 MLS matches this season
• Hugo Lloris has faced Chelsea 19 times in his career, conceding in 10 of those appearances

Related News: FIFA Club World Cup 2025: Full squad list for all 32 teams

Predicted Lineups

Chelsea Starting XI:

Jorgensen – Gusto, Acheampong, Badiashile, Cucurella – Dewsbury-Hall, Sarr, Essugo – George, Delap, Fernandez

LAFC Starting XI:

Lloris – Palencia, Marlon, Segura, Hollingshead – Igor Jesus, Tillman, Delgado – Dilrosun, Bouanga, Ebobisse

Match Prediction: Chelsea 3-1 LAFC

Despite potential rust after a long season, Chelsea’s depth and tactical quality should prevail against an LAFC side still adjusting to international tournament football. Expect LAFC to fight hard—especially with Bouanga’s pace and Giroud’s experience—but the Blues are strong favorites to open their Club World Cup campaign with three points.

Knockout Stage Path

Chelsea must finish top 2 in Group D to advance.

• R16: June 28 (Charlotte) if 2nd in Group D
• R16: June 29 (Miami) if 1st in Group D
• Quarter-final: July 5 (Philadelphia or Atlanta)
• Semi-final: July 8 or 9 (New Jersey)
• Final: July 13 (New Jersey)

Chelsea Full Squad – FIFA Club World Cup 2025

Goalkeepers: Jorgensen, Penders, Sanchez, Slonina
Defenders: Acheampong, Adarabioyo, Anselmino, Badiashile, Chalobah, Colwill, Cucurella, Gusto, James, Sarr
Midfielders: Caicedo, Dewsbury-Hall, Essugo, Fernandez, Lavia, Santos
Forwards: Delap, George, Guiu, Jackson, Madueke, Neto, Nkunku, Palmer

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