KLIK SAJA - Two cup-winning sides will clash in Group D of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup on Monday, as Chelsea and Los Angeles FC kick off their campaigns at the iconic Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
This opening encounter pits the reigning UEFA Conference League champions against the US Open Cup holders—who took an unexpected and dramatic route just to secure their spot in this home-soil tournament.
The Blues return to the global stage after asserting their dominance in Europe across both the elite and third-tier competitions over the past four years.
Chelsea secured their ticket to this year’s Club World Cup the moment the final whistle blew in the 2020–21 UEFA Champions League final.
Since lifting the biggest prize in European football, Chelsea have made further history—becoming the first club ever to win all four of UEFA’s major competitions: the Champions League, Europa League, Conference League, and Super Cup.
A resounding 4-1 victory over Real Betis in the Conference League final served as a fitting end to Enzo Maresca’s impressive debut season as head coach.
The Italian tactician exceeded early expectations by steering the West London club back into the Champions League spotlight.
Chelsea ended the 2024–25 season with eight wins from their last nine games in all competitions—almost ideal preparation for their third Club World Cup appearance.
The Blues currently boast a 50% success rate from their two previous outings.
They conquered the 2021–22 edition by edging past Palmeiras in extra time, but their first venture in 2013 ended in disappointment as they finished runners-up to another Brazilian powerhouse, Corinthians.
Ironically, Chelsea now face another test against a Brazilian club—Flamengo—in their quest to escape Group D.
Meanwhile, Tunisian side Espérance de Tunis will aim to cause an upset and shake up the group standings.
On the other hand, LAFC weren’t even supposed to be here.
Originally expected to watch the tournament from afar, the MLS side was handed a lifeline after Mexican giants Club León—winners of the 2023 CONCACAF Champions League—were disqualified for breaching FIFA’s multi-club ownership regulations.