Chelsea vs LAFC: Two title-winning teams meet in an exciting Group D opener as Premier League giant Chelsea takes on MLS side Los Angeles FC in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. UEFA Conference League champions Chelsea face US Open Cup winners LAFC in a match full of intensity and high stakes.
Kick-off (Nepal Time): 12:45 AM, Monday, June 17
Venue: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta
Chelsea
Chelsea return to the FIFA Club World Cup stage after their last appearance in 2022. The Blues qualified by winning the 2023–24 UEFA Conference League, making history as the first club to win all four major UEFA trophies. Under new head coach Enzo Maresca, Chelsea ended the season strongly, winning eight of their last nine matches, including a convincing 4–1 victory over Real Betis in the Conference League final.
Key players like Cole Palmer, Moises Caicedo, and Nicolas Jackson are fit and ready to shine. Despite missing Wesley Fofana (injury) and Mykhaylo Mudryk (suspension), Chelsea look determined to make a strong impression in their third FIFA Club World Cup appearance.
LAFC
LAFC earned their spot in the tournament after Mexican club Leon was disqualified. They secured their place by beating Club América 2–1 in a dramatic play-in match. The MLS side is in excellent form, unbeaten in 10 games and scoring two or more goals in each match.
Led by former Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud and supported by fast attackers Denis Bouanga and Kwadwo Yeboah, LAFC are ready to challenge the Premier League giants. They face the likely absence of midfielder Odin Holm due to a leg injury.
Recent Form and Predicted Lineups
Chelsea’s last six matches: WWLWWW
LAFC’s last six matches: DWDDWW
Chelsea Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1)
- Goalkeeper: Robert Sánchez
- Defenders: Reece James, Tosin Adarabioyo, Benoît Badiashile, Marc Cucurella
- Midfielders: Romeo Lavia, Dário Essugo
- Attacking Midfielders: Cole Palmer, Enzo Fernández, Pedro Neto
- Striker: Liam Delap
LAFC Predicted Lineup (4-3-3)
- Goalkeeper: Hugo Lloris
- Defenders: Julian Palencia, Eddie Segura, Marlon, Steven Hollingshead
- Midfielders: Luca de la Torre, José Jesús, Iván Delgado
- Forwards: Kwadwo Yeboah, Olivier Giroud, Denis Bouanga
What to Expect Chelsea vs LAFC Match
Chelsea have the edge in quality and squad depth. They are likely to control the ball and create most of the chances. However, LAFC’s quick and skilled frontline has been scoring consistently and could surprise Chelsea with a fast counterattack. This FIFA Club World Cup Group D opener promises a thrilling battle between Premier League power and MLS passion.
