Frank Christian
Chelsea is aiming for the significant prize pool of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup as they kick off the tournament in Atlanta against LAFC, an MLS team.
Coming off a fourth-place finish in the Premier League, the Blues have secured their spot in next year’s UEFA Champions League. Their 2021 victory in Europe granted them a place in this Club World Cup, which features continental champions and recurs every four years.
With Enzo Maresca’s squad just wrapping up the 2024/25 season, it’s highly probable that he will need to implement major changes to his lineup during the summer. This strategy is intended to prevent player fatigue both now and in anticipation of the upcoming season, which is just around the corner.
A deeper advancement in the tournament would result in a substantial financial boost due to the hefty rewards FIFA has allocated for this revamped event.
Although LAFC hails from the host country, they must travel across the United States for their opening match, with further games scheduled in Nashville and Orlando.
The extensive travel for professional athletes in the U.S. often hampers performance, meaning LAFC’s supposed home advantage will be diminished in this encounter far from their usual ground.
The Sporting News provides the latest updates on team status and injury reports as the match approaches.
Predicted Lineups for Chelsea vs. LAFC
Without clarity on whether Enzo Maresca will rotate his team—if at all—it’s challenging to determine the starting lineup, particularly with Chelsea’s often fluctuating player ranks.
New additions like Liam Delap, Dario Essugo, Mike Penders, and Mamadou Sarr are part of the traveling squad. Delap will need to earn the forward position from Nicolas Jackson, but he is expected to have opportunities to showcase his abilities in this tournament. Those who have recently returned from international play, such as Noni Madueke, Marc Cucurella, and Enzo Fernandez, may be candidates for rest.
Meanwhile, Chelsea left several returning loan players—Raheem Sterling, Joao Felix, Ben Chilwell, Djordje Petrovic, Axel Disasi, and Renato Veiga—back home rather than reintegrate them, although Andrey Santos has made the squad after returning from Strasbourg. Omari Kellyman and Wesley Fofana are not in the traveling group as they continue to recover from long-term injuries.
Chelsea’s Expected Formation (4-2-3-1, left to right): R. Sanchez (GK) — Gusto, Chalobah, Badiashile, Cucurella — Caicedo, E. Fernandez — Neto, Palmer, Madueke — Jackson.
Injury List: W. Fofana (muscle), Kellyman (hamstring).
Suspensions: None.
Complete Chelsea Roster
Goalkeepers: Filip Jorgensen, Mike Penders, Robert Sanchez, Gaga Slonina
Defenders: Josh Acheampong, Tosin Adarabioyo, Aaron Anselmino, Benoit Badiashile, Trevoh Chalobah, Levi Colwill, Marc Cucurella, Malo Gusto, Reece James, Mamadou Sarr
Midfielders: Moises Caicedo, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Dario Essugo, Enzo Fernandez, Romeo Lavia, Andrey Santos
Forwards: Liam Delap, Marc Guiu, Tyrique George, Nicolas Jackson, Noni Madueke, Pedro Neto, Christopher Nkunku, Cole Palmer
Understanding the tough challenge ahead with a formidable draw, LAFC is expected to field their strongest lineup in hopes of causing an upset, knowing that a possible elimination wouldn’t overly exhaust their squad.
The team’s starting goalkeeper is World Cup victor Hugo Lloris, while veteran forward Olivier Giroud primarily appears as a substitute as he nears the end of his career at 38.
This season, LAFC has significantly reshuffled their roster, parting ways with long-standing players like Carlos Vela, Ilie Sanchez, Mateusz Bogusz, Cristian Olivera, and Jesus Murillo, while introducing new talents including Igor Jesus, Mark Delgado (acquired from LA Galaxy), Marlon, Yaw Yeboah, Frankie Amaya, and Jeremy Ebobisse.
LAFC’s Expected Formation (4-3-3, left to right): Lloris (GK) — Palencia, Segura, Long, Hollingshead — Delgado, Jesus, T. Tillman — Yeboah, Ebobisse, Bouanga.
Injury Report: None.
Suspensions: None.
Complete LAFC Roster
Goalkeepers: Cabral Carter, Thomas Hasal, Hugo Lloris, David Ochoa
Defenders: Lorenzo Dellavalle, Maxime Chanot, Ryan Hollingshead, Aaron Long, Marlon, Kenny Nielsen, Sergi Palencia, Ryan Raposo, Eddie Segura, Artem Smoliakov, Nkosi Tafari
Midfielders: Frankie Amaya, Marky Delgado, Matt Evans, Odin Holm, Igor Jesus, Adam Saldana, Jude Terry, Timothy Tillman, Yaw Yeboah
Forwards: Denis Bouanga, Javairo Dilrosun, Jeremy Ebobisse, Olivier Giroud, David Martinez, Nathan Ordaz, Adrian Wibowo
Chelsea vs. LAFC Match Prediction
LAFC is likely to challenge Chelsea more than anticipated, boasting an experienced roster under the guidance of Steve Cherundolo. They benefit from being in the midst of their regular season, while Chelsea is adjusting post-international break after their last season ended.
Ultimately, however, the gap in talent between the two sides may be too significant, compelling LAFC to adopt a defensive approach for much of the match—a tactic they’re not accustomed to, considering their status as one of the top MLS clubs over the past five years.
Final Prediction: Chelsea 2-1 LAFC
How to Watch Chelsea vs. LAFC Live
All fixtures of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup can be viewed for free on DAZN worldwide.
Additionally, some games might be broadcast in specific areas due to DAZN’s agreements with local channels and networks.
Here’s the viewing information for the 2025 Club World Cup group stage match in various key regions around the globe:
| Date | Time | TV Channel | Streaming Services | |
| USA | Mon, Jun. 16 | 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT | TBS, truTV, TUDN, UniMas | DAZN, Sling, Fubo USA, TUDN app, Univision NOW |
| Canada | Mon, Jun. 16 | 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT | — | DAZN |
| UK | Mon, Jun. 16 | 8 p.m. BST | Channel 5 | DAZN |
| Australia | Tue, Jun. 17 | 7 a.m. AEST | — | DAZN, Kayo Sports, Foxtel Now |
| India | Tue, Jun. 17 | 12:30 a.m. IST | — | DAZN, tabii |
