Chelsea FC begin their FIFA Club World Cup 2025 campaign tonight with a high-stakes opening match against Los Angeles FC at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. The kickoff between Chelsea and LAFC is set for 10:00 p.m. Eastern Africa Time.
This is the first competitive meeting between the two clubs and a key match in Group D, as both sides aim to advance to the knockout stage of the global tournament.
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FIFA Club World Cup | 16/06/25. 22:00
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Chelsea Eye Strong Start Under Maresca
Chelsea arrives in the U.S. with confidence after finishing fourth in the Premier League and winning the UEFA Conference League. Under new manager Enzo Maresca, the team has adopted a fluid style and looks to build momentum in this tournament.
Despite missing some senior players, such as Raheem Sterling and Axel Disasi, Chelsea still brings a strong squad featuring rising stars like Cole Palmer and new additions like Liam Delap and Dário Essugo. The Blues have won eight of their last nine matches and enter this tie as favorites.
In-Form LAFC Bring MLS Firepower
LAFC qualified after a dramatic win over Club América and entered the tournament on a 10-match unbeaten streak. The team boasts top scorer Denis Bouanga and veteran goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, who has been instrumental with five clean sheets in recent weeks.
Former Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud is also part of the LAFC squad, adding a personal edge to the encounter.
What to Expect Between Chelsea vs LAFC
Chelsea is expected to dominate possession, but LAFC’s counter-attacking style and individual talent could cause problems. Bookmakers favor Chelsea with a predicted 3–1 scoreline, but LAFC’s recent form suggests the match could be tighter than expected.
Both teams have been prolific in front of goal, so a high-scoring affair is likely.
Chelsea’s Previous Club World Cup Opening Match
Chelsea’s only earlier opening fixture at a FIFA Club World Cup came in December 2012, during the nine-team format in Japan:
- Date & Opponent: December 13, 2012 vs Monterrey
- Result: 3–1 victory (goals from Mata, Torres, and an own goal).
Following that, their second 2012 game was a narrow 0–1 loss to Corinthians in the final on December 16
Prediction: Chelsea vs LAFC Tonight
- Scoreline forecast: Most analysts expect a Chelsea win, with a 3-1 scoreline being widely tipped reflecting Chelsea’s form, squad quality, and LAFC’s attacking but defensively leaky style.
- Goals: Both teams are predicted to score, with over 3.5 total goals likely, given both sides’ offensive momentum
Prediction: Chelsea 3-1 LAFC
How to Watch Chelsea vs LAFC
The match will be streamed globally on DAZN. In the UK, it will be broadcast live on Channel 5 from 8 pm BST. For the Kenyan audience, you can watch all the FIFA Club World Cup matches on Sporty TV.
Final Word
Chelsea aims to make a statement in its opening match, while LAFC hopes to shock the European giants. With talent on both sides and plenty on the line, this Club World Cup fixture promises fireworks.
