Last updated on June 14, 2025
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LAFC will look to disrupt with their aggressive, attacking play — but can their defense hold up against Chelsea’s superior talent and depth?
Image credit: CFCDaily
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Date: Monday, June 16, 2025
Venue: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta
Group D, 2025 Club World Cup
Two trophy-winning titans are set to collide as Chelsea and Los Angeles FC open their 2025 Club World Cup campaigns in what promises to be an electric showdown in Atlanta.
Chelsea enter the tournament not just as former Champions League winners, but as history makers.
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The London club has now completed UEFA’s grand slam — having won the Champions League, Europa League, Conference League, and Super Cup within the span of just four years.
Their most recent triumph? A 4-1 demolition of Real Betis in the Conference League final.
That emphatic victory crowned a successful first season in charge for Enzo Maresca.
He exceeded expectations by returning Chelsea to the Champions League and ending the campaign with eight wins in their last nine matches.
Now, the Blues aim to reclaim Club World Cup glory after lifting the trophy in 2022, following their maiden run in 2013 where they lost to Corinthians.
But there’s no smooth path forward. Chelsea must navigate Group D, which also includes Brazilian giants Flamengo and Tunisia’s Esperance de Tunis. First stop: LAFC.
LAFC’s Unexpected Journey
Major League Soccer’s Los Angeles FC weren’t even expected to be here.
But when Mexico’s Club León were disqualified for breaching FIFA’s multi-club ownership rules, LAFC took their chance.
In a play-in clash with Club América, Steve Cherundolo’s men emerged 2-1 winners after extra time, booking their ticket to their first-ever Club World Cup.
The reigning U.S. Open Cup champions are in red-hot form, riding a 10-game unbeaten streak across all competitions.
They’ve scored at least twice in each of those games, including a 3-1 victory over Sporting Kansas City just last week.
LAFC may be outsiders, but they’re not lacking momentum or firepower.
Team News & Lineups
Chelsea’s 28-man squad includes a mix of familiar stars and fresh faces.
Cole Palmer, Nicolas Jackson, Enzo Fernandez, and Moises Caicedo are all expected to feature prominently.
There’s also room for new signings like striker Liam Delap, midfielder Dario Essugo, and young defender Mamadou Sarr — all keen to impress on the international stage.
Notably absent are Wesley Fofana (injury), Mykhaylo Mudryk (doping suspension), and goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic (seeking a move).
Chelsea predicted XI:
Penders; James, Adarabioyo, Badiashile, Cucurella; Lavia, Essugo; Madueke, Palmer, Neto; Delap
LAFC, meanwhile, will be led by none other than Olivier Giroud, the 38-year-old former Chelsea striker who’s still delivering the goods — most recently netting in their win over SKC.
However, Norwegian midfielder Odin Holm is a doubt due to a leg injury.
LAFC predicted XI:
Lloris; Palencia, Segura, Marlon, Hollingshead; Tillman, Jesus, Delgado; Yeboah, Giroud, Bouanga
What to Expect
Chelsea may field a rotated side, but Maresca’s team will be eager to maintain momentum and set the tone for a deep tournament run.
LAFC will look to disrupt with their aggressive, attacking play — but can their defense hold up against Chelsea’s superior talent and depth?
Prediction: Chelsea 3-1 LAFC
Expect LAFC to find the net — they always do — but Chelsea’s quality should shine through.
