With the tournament offering a substantial $1 billion prize pool, the stakes are higher than ever.
As club legend John Terry put it:
“Winning your league or the UEFA Champions League is great, but the FIFA Club World Cup is the big test... against everybody in the world.”
Can Chelsea survive South America’s chaos? Can they break down Africa’s discipline? Can they prove their Premier League pedigree on a world stage?
Group D Overview🗓️📍🕐
No Stamford Bridge. No cozy 3PM kick-offs. Just jet lag, heat, and three unpredictable teams standing between Chelsea and the knockouts. Mark your calendars. Here’s when it all kicks off:
🗓️ June 16 – Chelsea vs Los Angeles FC
📍 Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta
🕐 8:00 PM BST
🗓️ June 20 – Chelsea vs Flamengo
📍 Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia
🕐 7:00 PM BST
🗓️ June 24 – Chelsea vs Espérance de Tunis
📍 Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia
🕐 1:00 AM BST
Group D Opponent Profiles🇺🇸🇧🇷🇹🇳
That’s where we come in. Here’s your guide to who Chelsea is up against, what they’ve done, and who to watch — so you’re not googling mid-match.
1. Los Angeles FC (USA) 🇺🇸 ⚫️🟡:
Location: Los Angeles, California
League: Major League Soccer (MLS)
Founded: 2014
Manager: Steve Cherundolo
Official Number of Trophies: 9
Star Player: Olivier Giroud
2025 MLS Record: 6W-5D-4L
Players to Watch: Denis Bouanga & Hugo Lloris
How They Qualified: Defeated Club América in a playoff to secure their spot
2. Flamengo (Brazil)🇧🇷⚫️🔴
Location: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
League: Campeonato
Brasileiro Serie A
Founded: 1895
Manager: Filipe Luis
Official Number of Trophies: 65
Star Player: Alex Sandro
Série A Record: 7W-3D-1L
Players to Watch: Gerson & De Arrascaeta
How They Qualified: Champions of the 2022 Copa Libertadores
3. Esperance de Tunis (Tunisia)
Location: Tunis, Tunisia
League: Tunisian Ligue Professionnelle 1
Founded: 1919
Manager: Maher Kanzari
Official Number of Trophies: 68
Star Player: Youcef Belali
Série A Record: 19W-9D-2L
Players to Watch: Yan Sasse & Rodrigo Rodriques
How They Qualified: Champions of the 2023 CAF Champions League.
Chelsea Team News and Transfers 📝🔄
Liam Delap, welcome to our house. 🏡 pic.twitter.com/EO3GIT0mlv
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) June 4, 2025
The Blues moved quickly in the special June transfer window, bringing in striker Liam Delap from Ipswich Town and midfielder Dário Essugo from Sporting Lisbon.
One high-profile deal that collapsed was the permanent transfer of Jadon Sancho, which cost the club a £5 million penalty to Manchester United after personal terms broke down.
Chelsea are also eyeing AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan, though nothing is official.
Chelsea are also eyeing AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan, though nothing is official.
🤕Injury & Absence Report; Wesley Fofana (knee), Aaron Anselmino (hamstring). Marc Guiu (Spain U19 duty), Mykhailo Mudryk (doping violation)
The final 23-man squad will be confirmed by June 10, with several academy names expected to fill in.
Match Previews 🔍⚽🏹
1️⃣Chelsea vs Los Angeles FC: Trap Game in Atlanta🔵🟡;
Chelsea’s opener is a culture clash — Premier League precision meets West Coast swagger. LAFC might lack Chelsea’s pedigree, but not their bite. Chelsea are expected to go 4-2-3-1, while LAFC stick with their fluid 4-3-3. Expect an open game — Chelsea average 3.2 big chances per match, LAFC 2.8. Between them, they’ve scored 91 league goals in 53 games.
💰Prediction: Chelsea win at 1.39 odds on MSport.
2️⃣Chelsea vs Flamengo: Samba Heat vs West London Flair🔵⚫️;
Chelsea’s toughest test in Group D. Flamengo bring flair, fire, and a trophy-winning squad that knows how to rattle nerves. Both teams use the 4-2-3-1, but Flamengo play faster and thrive in chaos. They average 2.2 goals per game, with De Arrascaeta pulling the strings.
💰Prediction: Chelsea win at 1.89 odds on MSport.
3️⃣Chelsea vs Esperance: Finesse vs Steel 🔵🔴;
The final group game will test Chelsea’s focus. Espérance may sit deep, but they’re smart, physical, and won’t go down easy. Chelsea will likely rotate, but will still dominate the ball. The key will be unlocking space behind a compact 4-3-3. Keep an eye on Belaïli’s counters.
💰Prediction: Chelsea win at 1.22 odds on MSport.
Path to the Knockouts 🧭🔵🥊
MSport: Chelsea’s Official Regional Betting Partner🟡⚫️👏
🔹 Real-time odds on all Chelsea matches
🔹 Multiple bet types: 3-way, BTTS, corners, handicaps
🔹 Player markets: Goals, assists, cards
🔹 Live in-play updates for every match moment
Whether it’s Palmer to score or Chelsea to win both halves, MSport has you covered.
Join the action now. Let your football brain pay off.
Final Word 🎙️🔥🦁
The badge says “The Pride of London.” This summer, Chelsea have a chance to prove they belong among the elite of the world.
“This is the big test,” said John Terry. “Different countries. Different styles. It’s what makes the Club World Cup special.”
Let’s see if Chelsea are ready.
