Chelsea will aim to kick off their FIFA Club World Cup campaign on a high note when they face LAFC at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Monday, June 16, 2025.
Chelsea, recent UEFA Conference League winners, enter Group D as favourites. Meanwhile, LAFC secured their spot in the tournament with a dramatic 2-1 extra-time victory over Club América in a play-off match on 31st May.
Match Preview
Referencing our current football stats, Chelsea, under the guidance of head coach Enzo Maresca, has been in fine form, showcasing their attacking prowess and defensive solidity in the Premier League and Europa Conference League.
The Blues, who won the FIFA Club World Cup in 2022 against Palmeiras, are no strangers to success, boasting six league titles and two Champions League titles. Their recent performances include a strong showing in the Premier League, where they are poised to return to the Champions League for season 2025/26.
However, Chelsea have struggled to keep clean sheets consistently, managing only three in their last seven matches across all competitions. Despite this, their attacking unit, led by the sensational Cole Palmer, has been prolific, with the England forward scoring and creating chances with ease.
LAFC, making their first-ever appearance in the FIFA Club World Cup, are one of three MLS teams in the tournament, alongside Inter Miami and Seattle Sounders. The Black & Gold, coached by Steve Cherundolo, have established themselves as a powerhouse in MLS, with two Supporters’ Shields, one MLS Cup, and a US Open Cup to their name since their inception in 2018. Their recent 2-1 victory over Club América, sealed by Denis Bouanga’s extra-time goal, highlights their ability to perform under pressure.
LAFC have been clinical in attack, with Bouanga leading the line after back-to-back 20-goal seasons in MLS. Their defensive record in recent competitive games has also been good, having kept clean sheets in five of their last seven competitive matches.
Historically, Chelsea and LAFC have never met in a competitive fixture, making this an intriguing clash between a European giant and an ambitious MLS side. Chelsea’s experience on the global stage gives them an edge, but LAFC’s fearless approach and home-soil advantage in the US could make this a competitive encounter.
Chelsea’s Group D campaign continues with matches against Flamengo and Espérance de Tunis, both at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, while LAFC will face Espérance in Nashville and Flamengo in Orlando. The top two teams from the group will advance to the Round of 16.
Team News
Chelsea: Enzo Maresca is likely to field a strong side, with Cole Palmer expected to start in attack, supported by Nicolas Jackson and Noni Madueke. Midfielders Enzo Fernández and Moisés Caicedo could anchor the engine room, while Marc Cucurella may feature at left-back. Former LAFC goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic, now with Chelsea, could face his old club, adding an emotional subplot.
LAFC: Steve Cherundolo will rely on Denis Bouanga’s goal-scoring prowess, with the Gabon international likely to lead the attack. World Cup winners Olivier Giroud and Hugo Lloris bring experience, with Giroud potentially facing his former club. Midfielder Ilie Sánchez and defender Aaron Long are expected to provide stability, though LAFC may rotate to manage the quick turnaround from their play-in match.
Chelsea possible starting lineup:
Sánchez; James, Chalobah, Colwill, Cucurella; Fernández, Caicedo; Madueke, Palmer, Neto; Jackson
LAFC possible starting lineup:
Lloris; Palencia, Long, Chanot, Hollingshead; Igor Jesus, Tillman, Delgado; Bouanga, Giroud, Yeboah
We Say: Chelsea 2-1 LAFC
Chelsea’s superior quality and experience in high-stakes competitions make them favourites, but LAFC’s attacking threat, led by Bouanga, and their familiarity with the US environment could pose problems. Expect a tight match, with Chelsea’s depth and Palmer’s flair likely to secure a narrow victory.
