Chelsea vs Los Angeles FC marks the opening clash of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, pitting the UEFA Europa Conference League winners against the resilient MLS side. The match, set for Monday, June 16, at 8:00 PM BST (3:00 PM ET), will take place at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium—a venue familiar to Chelsea after their 3-0 pre-season win over Club América in 2024 .
This encounter is more than just a group-stage fixture; it’s a meeting of contrasting football philosophies. Chelsea, with their European pedigree, face an LAFC side riding a 10-game unbeaten streak, including a dramatic extra-time victory over Club América to qualify .
🏆 Monday’s Fixtures in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup 🔥
— Match Spoots (@matchspoots) June 15, 2025
Get ready for epic clashes between the world’s top clubs! 🌍⚽️#ClubWorldCup #CWC2025 #FIFA #Football #SundayMatches #WorldFootball pic.twitter.com/2wns3Wr2tQ
How to Watch Chelsea vs Los Angeles FC
- UK: DAZN & Channel 5 (free-to-air)
- US: DAZN USA, TUDN, Univision
- Canada: DAZN Canada
- Rest of World: DAZN
Chelsea Team News: New Faces & Key Absences
Chelsea enter the tournament on a high after their 4-1 Conference League final win over Real Betis, becoming the first club to win all five UEFA trophies. Manager Enzo Maresca has a nearly full-strength squad, but key decisions loom:
- Potential Debuts: Midfielder Andrey Santos, returning from a stellar loan at Strasbourg, and new signing Liam Delap (a £30m arrival from Ipswich) could feature .
- Defensive Absence: Wesley Fofana misses out due to injury .
- Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Sanchez; James, Adarabioyo, Colwill, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Madueke, Palmer, Neto; Jackson .
Chelsea’s midfield trio of Enzo Fernández, Moisés Caicedo, and Cole Palmer will be crucial, with Palmer coming off a 23-goal-contribution Premier League season.
LAFC Team News: Giroud’s Emotional Reunion
For LAFC, this match is a historic moment—their first-ever competitive meeting with Chelsea. Key storylines include:
- Giroud vs Former Club: Striker Olivier Giroud, a Chelsea legend (39 goals in 119 appearances), could lead the line against his old team.
- Lloris’ Chelsea History: Goalkeeper Hugo Lloris faced Chelsea 19 times with Tottenham, losing nine.
- Bouanga’s Threat: Denis Bouanga, LAFC’s top scorer (8 goals, 5 assists this season), is their main danger man.
- Predicted XI (4-3-3): Lloris; Palencia, Segura, Marlon, Hollingshead; Tillman, Jesus, Delgado; Yeboah, Giroud, Bouanga .
Key Stats & Storylines
- Chelsea’s European Dominance: The Blues are the only club to win all five UEFA trophies.
- LAFC’s Late Qualification: Their 2-1 extra-time win over Club América secured their spot.
- Giroud & Lloris’ World Cup Connection: Both were part of France’s 2018 World Cup-winning squad.
- Unbeaten Runs: Chelsea have won 8 of their last 9, while LAFC are unbeaten in 10.
Chelsea vs Los Angeles FC Prediction
Chelsea are favorites, but LAFC’s attacking style could make this an open game. Expect Chelsea’s superior quality to shine, though Bouanga and Giroud may trouble their defense.
Prediction: Chelsea 3-1 LAFC (with over 2.5 goals).
Final Thoughts
Chelsea vs Los Angeles FC is more than just a group-stage match—it’s a test of MLS against Europe’s elite. For Chelsea, it’s a chance to add another trophy; for LAFC, a dream opportunity to prove themselves on the global stage.
Will Chelsea’s European pedigree prevail, or can LAFC pull off a historic upset? Tune in to find out!
