Chelsea vs. Los Angeles FC | Club World Cup | Group Stage | Pre Match
Chelsea vs. Los Angeles FC
In a highly anticipated Group D clash at the 2025 Club World Cup, Chelsea and Los Angeles FC (LAFC) kicked off their campaigns on Monday at the state-of-the-art Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, setting the stage for a fascinating encounter between two cup winners from vastly different footballing landscapes. Chelsea, the reigning UEFA Conference League champions and a global powerhouse with a storied history in continental competitions, arrived as heavy favorites, boasting a squad brimming with talent and a track record of success on the world stage. LAFC, the US Open Cup holders, earned their place in the tournament through a dramatic play-in victory, marking their debut in the Club World Cup and bringing a sense of unpredictability to the matchup. The clash, pitting the West London giants against the ambitious MLS side, was a study in contrasts—European pedigree versus North American grit, established stars versus emerging talents, and a manager in Enzo Maresca, who has revitalized Chelsea, against Steven Cherundolo, who has steered LAFC to new heights. As the two teams took to the field under the bright lights of Atlanta, the match promised to be a captivating chapter in the expanded 32-team tournament, with both sides eager to lay down a marker in a competitive group that also includes Flamengo and Esperance de Tunis.
Chelsea’s journey to the Club World Cup was paved with triumph, as their qualification was secured the moment they lifted the 2020-21 Champions League trophy, a victory that cemented their status as one of Europe’s elite clubs. Since that historic night, the Blues have etched their name into UEFA history, becoming the first team to win all four major continental competitions: the Champions League, Europa League, Conference League, and Super Cup. Their latest triumph, a commanding 4-1 victory over Real Betis in the Conference League final, capped a remarkable first season under Enzo Maresca, whose tactical acumen and ability to galvanize a young squad exceeded expectations. Maresca, who guided Chelsea back into the Champions League with a near-flawless run of eight wins in their final nine games across all competitions in the 2024-25 season, has instilled a sense of belief and cohesion in the team. This scintillating form provided the perfect preparation for their third Club World Cup appearance, where they boast a 50% success rate, having won the 2021-22 edition against Palmeiras in extra time but falling to Corinthians in the 2013 final. As they faced LAFC, Chelsea were determined to draw on their experience and depth to navigate a tricky Group D, which also features Brazilian giants Flamengo and Tunisian underdogs Esperance de Tunis, both capable of springing surprises.
In contrast, LAFC’s path to the Club World Cup was anything but straightforward, marked by a unique and dramatic route that underscored their resilience and ambition. Originally set to miss out on the tournament, LAFC seized their opportunity when Mexican club Leon, the 2023 CONCACAF Champions League winners, were expelled due to violations of FIFA’s multi-club ownership rules. This paved the way for a high-stakes play-in match against Club America, which LAFC won 2-1 in extra time, securing their maiden appearance in the Club World Cup. The victory was a testament to the club’s growing stature under Steven Cherundolo, who has transformed LAFC into a formidable force in North American football. The reigning US Open Cup champions entered the tournament on a wave of confidence, riding a 10-game unbeaten streak in all competitions, with a 3-1 MLS victory over Sporting Kansas City on June 9 showcasing their attacking potency. Having scored at least twice in each of those 10 matches, LAFC demonstrated a firepower that could trouble even the most seasoned defenses. However, their domestic campaign has been less dominant, as they trail Vancouver Whitecaps by nine points in the Western Conference standings, a gap that underscores the challenges of balancing MLS commitments with their Club World Cup aspirations. For LAFC, the match against Chelsea represented a chance to make history on the global stage, with their passionate fanbase dreaming of an upset against one of football’s giants.
Chelsea’s 28-man traveling squad was a blend of established stars and exciting new additions, reflecting Maresca’s commitment to building a team for both the present and the future. Key players like Cole Palmer, Nicolas Jackson, Enzo Fernandez, and Moises Caicedo were expected to play pivotal roles, their creativity and dynamism central to Chelsea’s attacking philosophy. New signings Liam Delap, Dario Essugo, and Mamadou Sarr were also included, offering Maresca the chance to rotate his resources during the grueling summer schedule. The absence of Wesley Fofana, sidelined by a hamstring injury, and Mykhaylo Mudryk, serving a provisional doping suspension, posed minor challenges, while goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic was omitted as he seeks a move elsewhere. Despite these absences, Chelsea’s squad depth and quality made them formidable opponents, with Maresca’s tactical flexibility allowing him to adapt to LAFC’s physical and direct style. The Italian manager, known for his meticulous preparation, was expected to deploy a possession-based system, aiming to control the tempo and exploit LAFC’s defensive vulnerabilities while remaining wary of their counter-attacking threat.
LAFC, meanwhile, brought their own star power to the contest, headlined by former Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud, who continues to defy age at 38. Giroud, who scored LAFC’s third goal in their recent win over Sporting Kansas City, remains a lethal presence in the box, his aerial ability and clinical finishing making him a constant danger. The French veteran’s experience against top-tier opposition, including his time at Chelsea, added an intriguing subplot to the match, as he faced his former club with a point to prove. LAFC’s squad also included on-loan Celtic midfielder Odin Holm, though the Norwegian was unlikely to feature due to a recent leg injury. Cherundolo’s game plan was likely to focus on absorbing Chelsea’s pressure and hitting them on the break, with Giroud serving as the focal point of their attacks. LAFC’s recent scoring form suggested they could pose a threat, but their defensive organization would need to be flawless to contain Chelsea’s array of attacking options. For Cherundolo, the match was an opportunity to showcase LAFC’s progress and test his players against one of the world’s best, a challenge that could define their Club World Cup campaign.
The matchup at Mercedes-Benz Stadium was more than just a Group D opener; it was a clash of footballing cultures, with Chelsea’s European pedigree pitted against LAFC’s North American ambition. For Chelsea, the game was a chance to build momentum and assert their dominance in a group that promises to be fiercely competitive. A victory over LAFC would set the tone for their upcoming matches against Flamengo and Esperance de Tunis, both of whom will present unique challenges. Flamengo, with their passionate fanbase and attacking flair, loom as Chelsea’s primary rivals in the group, while Esperance’s defensive resilience and counter-attacking threat make them dangerous underdogs. For LAFC, a positive result against Chelsea would be a statement of intent, boosting their confidence as they navigate uncharted territory in the Club World Cup. The Black and Gold know that every point is crucial in a group where margins are razor-thin, and their ability to compete against elite opposition will be a measure of their growth as a club.
As the teams took to the field, the atmosphere in Atlanta was electric, with fans from both sides creating a vibrant backdrop for what promised to be a memorable encounter. Chelsea, with their rich history and star-studded squad, carried the weight of expectation, but LAFC’s underdog spirit and recent form ensured they would not be overawed. The match was a microcosm of the Club World Cup’s appeal, bringing together clubs from different continents and contexts in a celebration of football’s global reach. For Maresca and Cherundolo, it was a test of their managerial credentials, as they sought to outwit each other in a high-stakes environment. Whether Chelsea’s quality would prevail or LAFC’s resilience would spring a surprise remained to be seen, but the stage was set for a contest that would captivate fans and shape the narrative of Group D. As the whistle blew, both teams knew that their Club World Cup dreams were on the line, with every moment carrying the potential to define their tournament journey.
