Match Preview
Club World Cup Preview: Chelsea vs Los Angeles FC
📍 Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta | Monday, June 17, 2025
Two recent cup winners collide in Group D as Chelsea, fresh from their UEFA Conference League triumph, meet Los Angeles FC, who earned a dramatic late ticket to their first-ever Club World Cup. It's a classic European powerhouse vs. rising North American contender storyline in Atlanta.
Chelsea: A Trophy-Hungry Squad Back on the World Stage
Fresh off a dominant 4-1 win over Real Betis in the Conference League final, Chelsea return to Club World Cup action under the guidance of Enzo Maresca, whose debut season ended in silverware and Champions League qualification. The Blues made history by completing the full set of UEFA trophies—Champions League, Europa League, Conference League, and Super Cup.
Chelsea also ended the 2024–25 season in style, with eight wins from their last nine games across competitions. That momentum, plus their pedigree—2021 Club World Cup winners—makes them one of the tournament favorites.
🔍 Key Players:
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Cole Palmer – The breakout star and Betis final hero.
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Enzo Fernandez & Moises Caicedo – A dynamic midfield core.
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Christopher Nkunku – Fit again and sharp in front of goal.
Los Angeles FC: Late Entrants, But Full of Belief
LAFC weren’t even supposed to be here—a FIFA ruling against Club Leon opened the door for a playoff against Club America, which LAFC won 2-1 in extra time. Now, riding a 10-match unbeaten streak and fresh off a 3-1 win over Sporting KC, they arrive in Atlanta with confidence and goals in their boots.
Despite inconsistency in MLS (still 9 points behind leaders Vancouver), Steve Cherundolo’s men have scored 2+ goals in each of their last 10 matches. Their attacking style could pose questions—even to a Premier League defense.
🔍 Key Players:
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Denis Bouanga – The Golden Boot contender in MLS, a constant threat.
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Mateusz Bogusz – Pulling strings in midfield.
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Hugo Lloris – The experienced French keeper adds steel at the back.
Form Guide
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Chelsea: W W L W W W
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LAFC: D W D D W W
Group Dynamics
With Flamengo and Esperance also in Group D, the pressure is on both clubs to take three points here. For Chelsea, anything less than top spot will be seen as underachievement. For LAFC, a result here could ignite belief in a Cinderella run.
Prediction
Chelsea’s quality and experience should ultimately tell, but LAFC’s sharpness and chemistry—especially in attack—could make this tighter than expected. If LAFC defend well early and counter with intent, this could be a nervy opener.
🔮 Predicted Score: Chelsea 3–1 Los Angeles FC