What Happened
On June 16, 2025, Chelsea FC faced Los Angeles FC (LAFC) in the opening match of the FIFA Club World Cup at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. This tournament marks a significant expansion from previous editions, featuring 32 teams, and is seen as a lucrative opportunity for clubs, with a potential prize pot of £97 million for the eventual winners. Chelsea qualified for this tournament as the 2021 UEFA Champions League winners and recently secured the UEFA Conference League title, while LAFC entered the competition following Club León’s disqualification due to violations of FIFA’s multi-club ownership rules.
Chelsea’s roster for the tournament reflects a period of transition, with several notable players, including Raheem Sterling and João Félix, omitted from the squad. Instead, Chelsea has integrated new signings such as Liam Delap, Dario Essugo, and Mamadou Sarr into their 28-man squad. The match against LAFC is seen as an opportunity for Chelsea to test their evolving squad under head coach Enzo Maresca, who aims to build on their recent successes and assess the capabilities of new players.
Key Details
- Match Date and Time: June 16, 2025, at 3 p.m. ET (12 p.m. PT).
- Location: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia, with a capacity of 75,000.
- Broadcasting: The match is available on TBS and truTV in the U.S., and can be streamed on DAZN.
- Chelsea’s Recent Achievements: Chelsea won the UEFA Conference League in May 2025 and qualified for the Club World Cup as the 2021 Champions League winners.
- LAFC’s Path to the Tournament: LAFC secured their spot after Club León was expelled from the tournament.
- Chelsea’s Squad Changes: Key omissions include Raheem Sterling and João Félix, while new signings include Liam Delap, Dario Essugo, and Mamadou Sarr.
Multiple Perspectives
The match has generated interest from various stakeholders, including fans and analysts. Supporters of Chelsea view the Club World Cup as a chance to showcase the club’s depth and adaptability, especially given the recent roster changes. Chelsea’s management appears focused on integrating new talent while maintaining competitive performance on the international stage.
Conversely, some analysts express skepticism about Chelsea’s ability to navigate the tournament successfully. Concerns have been raised regarding the team’s cohesion, given the rapid turnover of players and the absence of experienced figures like Sterling and Félix. Critics argue that while the new signings possess potential, their effectiveness in high-stakes matches remains to be seen.
LAFC supporters, on the other hand, are optimistic about their team’s chances, especially with the addition of Javairo Dilrosun, who is expected to play a pivotal role in the tournament. The match against Chelsea is viewed as a significant opportunity for LAFC to assert their competitiveness against a European powerhouse.
Context & Background
The FIFA Club World Cup has evolved significantly since its inception, transitioning from a smaller tournament to a major global event featuring top clubs from various confederations. Historically, European clubs have dominated the competition, with teams from UEFA consistently reaching the final stages. Chelsea’s participation underscores the club’s ambition to solidify its status as a leading force in international football.
The tournament also serves as a platform for clubs to engage with global audiences, particularly in the United States, where soccer’s popularity continues to grow. Chelsea’s American ownership, led by Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital, is likely to leverage this exposure to enhance the club’s brand and commercial prospects.
What We Don’t Know Yet
As the tournament progresses, several uncertainties remain. The immediate performance of Chelsea’s new signings and their ability to gel with existing players will be closely monitored. Additionally, the long-term implications of Chelsea’s roster decisions—such as the exclusion of high-profile players—are yet to be fully understood.
The outcome of the match against LAFC will also provide insights into Chelsea’s readiness for the challenges ahead, including potential matchups against other strong teams in the tournament. The broader impact of the Club World Cup on Chelsea’s upcoming domestic season and their strategy in the transfer market remains to be seen, particularly as they navigate the complexities of player contracts and squad depth.
In conclusion, the match between Chelsea and LAFC at the FIFA Club World Cup represents a critical juncture for both clubs, with implications that extend beyond the tournament itself. As Chelsea seeks to assert its dominance on the global stage, the evolving dynamics of its squad will play a crucial role in shaping its future trajectory.
