Chelsea will aim to secure their place in the knockout stages of the FIFA Club World Cup when they take on Espérance de Tunis at the Lincoln Financial Field stadium in Philadelphia on Wednesday, June 25th, 2025, at 02:00 GMT.
The West London-based team will aim for a win as they aim to finish in the top two of Group D, but a draw will be enough for Enzo Maresca’s team, as they have a better goal difference than their Tunisian opponents.
Match Preview
Espérance de Tunis, one of four CAF representatives, earned their spot through consistent performances in continental competitions, boasting a record 34 Tunisian Ligue Professionnelle 1 titles and four CAF Champions League crowns. However, according to our football facts their recent form in the Tunisian league has been strong, as they are unbeaten in nine league outings. In their last Club World Cup appearance in 2019, they finished sixth, and no African club has ever won the tournament, making them as underdogs in Group D.
Historically, Chelsea have faced African opposition in the Club World Cup once before, defeating Al Ahly 1-0 en route to their 2021 title. Espérance has no prior competitive meetings with Chelsea, but their disciplined, counter-attacking style could pose a challenge if the Blues are wasteful in front of goal.
Head coach Enzo Maresca will be wary of complacency, as Chelsea’s high-pressing game has occasionally left gaps at the back, with two losses in their last five away matches, including their games in the World Club Cup. Added to that, the straight red card for Jackson last time out would not have been pleasing for the head coach, but it allows new signing Liam Delap to impress.
Espérance de Tunis FIFA Club World Cup form:
- CR Flamengo: 0-2 (L) 17/06/2025
- LAFC: 1-0 (W) 20/06/2025
Espérance de Tunis form (all competitions):
- Espérance de Tunis form (all competitions):
- W (H) 1-0 against Stade Tunisier (Tunisian Cup) 01/06/25
- W (A) 3-0 against USBG (Tunisian Cup) 25/05/25
- W (H) 3-1 against ESZ (Tunisian Cup) 18/05/25
- D (H) 0-0 against Monastir (Ligue One) 15/05/25
- W (A) 5-0 against Olympique Beja (Ligue One) 11/05/25
Chelsea FIFA Club World Cup form:
- Bayern Munich: 2-0 (W) 16/06/2025
- CR Flamengo: 1-3 (L) 20/06/2025
Chelsea form (all competitions):
• W (N) 4-1 against Real Betis (Europa Conference League) 28/05/25
• W (A) 1-0 against Nottingham Forest (Premier League) 25/05/25
• L (A) 0-2 against Newcastle United (Premier League) 11/05/25
• W (A) 4-1 against Djurgarden (Europa Conference League) 01/05/25
• A (A) 2-1 against Fulham (Premier League) 20/04/25
Team News
Espérance could see Rodrigo Rodrigues and Youcef Belaïli leading the attack, with the latter’s 13 goal contributions this season making him a key threat. Midfielder Khalil Guenichi may anchor the midfield, while defenders Mohamed Amine Tougai and Yassine Meriah are expected to form a solid backline in front of goalkeeper Bechir Ben Said. Injuries are not a major concern, but fatigue from a congested schedule could affect their intensity.
Chelsea’s Maresca is likely to go with his preferred 4-2-3-1, with Cole Palmer pulling the strings behind striker Liam Delap. Wingers Noni Madueke and Pedro Neto are in contention to start, while Enzo Fernández and Moisés Caicedo may form the midfield pivot. Defenders Trevoh Chalobah and Levi Colwill are expected to return to the starting XI, with Robert Sánchez in goal. Wesley Fofana will miss out through injury, while striker Nicolas Jackson is suspended.
Espérance de Tunis possible starting lineup:
Ben Said; Ben Ali, Tougai, Meriah, Ben Hamida; Konate, Ogbelu, Guenichi, Mokwana; Belaïli; Rodrigues
Chelsea possible starting lineup:
Sánchez; Gusto, Chalobah, Colwill, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernández; Madueke, Palmer, Neto; Delap
We Say: Espérance de Tunis 0-2 Chelsea
Espérance’s organised setup and counter-attacking threat could frustrate Chelsea early, but the Blues’ superior quality and depth should shine through. If Palmer can find his top form and Chelsea’s attack clicks, they are likely to secure a comfortable victory, provided they avoid defensive errors. A clean sheet would be a bonus for Maresca’s side as they look to cement their place at the top of Group D.
