That opened the door for a dramatic play-in match between LAFC and Club América. A hard-fought 2-1 extra-time victory sent the Black and Gold to their first-ever Club World Cup appearance.
Coming in as the reigning US Open Cup champions, LAFC arrive in top form. A 3-1 win over Sporting Kansas City on June 9 extended their unbeaten run to 10 games in all competitions, during which they have impressively scored at least twice in every match.
However, Steven Cherundolo’s squad still trail the Vancouver Whitecaps by nine points at the top of the MLS Western Conference table.
For now though, domestic ambitions are on pause as their focus shifts to this historic global debut.
Chelsea’s 28-man traveling squad includes exciting new signings Liam Delap, Dario Essugo, and Mamadou Sarr—each potentially set for their club debuts as Maresca looks to rotate throughout the summer tournament.
Star names are fully present too—Cole Palmer, Nicolas Jackson, Enzo Fernández, and Moisés Caicedo are all expected to play key roles. However, Wesley Fofana remains sidelined with a hamstring injury.
Ukrainian winger Mykhaylo Mudryk is still under a provisional doping suspension, while goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic has been left out of the squad as he looks to finalize a move away during the transfer window.
From Chelsea’s current stars to a familiar face from their past, LAFC are led by former Blues striker Olivier Giroud. Now 38, the Frenchman is still going strong and recently scored in their win over SKC.
Also in the LAFC squad is on-loan Celtic midfielder Odin Holm, though the Norwegian playmaker is a doubt for the opener due to a recent leg injury.
Predicted Chelsea Starting XI (4-2-3-1):
Penders; James, Adarabioyo, Badiashile, Cucurella; Lavia, Essugo; Madueke, Palmer, Neto; Delap
Predicted Los Angeles FC Starting XI (4-3-3):
Lloris; Palencia, Segura, Marlon, Hollingshead; Tillman, Jesus, Delgado; Yeboah, Giroud, Bouanga