Less than three weeks after lifting the UEFA Conference League trophy, Chelsea are back in competitive action as they kick off their FIFA Club World Cup campaign against Los Angeles FC in Atlanta.
The London club, managed by Enzo Maresca, are looking to carry their strong end-of-season momentum into the international tournament. Speaking ahead of the opener, Maresca acknowledged the short turnaround but expressed confidence in his squad’s preparation.
“We had a few days’ rest after the final,” he told Chelsea’s official media. “Then we quickly shifted focus to this competition. The break was brief, but the team is motivated. We ended the Premier League and Conference League campaigns exactly as we hoped, so we’re arriving in good spirits and fully concentrated.”
Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernández echoed that sentiment, describing the Club World Cup as “a beautiful tournament” and highlighting the global nature of the event.
“There will be teams from all over the world,” said Fernández. “It’s a special experience. We always get amazing support from Chelsea fans, no matter where we play. Hopefully, we can make them proud here in the United States.”
Their opponents, LAFC, are relative newcomers to the global stage. Founded in 2018, the Major League Soccer side is one of the youngest clubs in the competition. Yet, they boast a familiar face to Chelsea fans in former striker Olivier Giroud. The French international, who enjoyed a successful spell at Stamford Bridge from 2018 to 2021, winning three major trophies, shared his excitement about facing his old club.
“I only played with a couple of the current squad—Reece James and Trevoh Chalobah,” said Giroud. “But Chelsea is still very close to my heart. Meeting fans in the U.S. who remember my time there is always touching. It’s going to be a special occasion.”
LAFC Co-President and General Manager John Thorrington acknowledged the challenge of facing elite European opposition but encouraged his team to embrace the underdog role.
“We know we’re not the favourites,” he said. “But we see this as an opportunity to earn respect. If we can show our quality, commitment, and intensity, we’ll walk away proud—regardless of the outcome.”
Team News and Lineups
Chelsea head into the match with several new faces in the squad. Young signings Mamadou Sarr (centre-back), Dario Essugo (midfield), and Liam Delap (forward) are all available. However, defender Wesley Fofana remains sidelined with a long-term injury, and 18-year-old Kendry Páez is absent as he finalizes a loan move to Strasbourg. Winger Mykhailo Mudryk is also missing following a suspension announced last year.
For LAFC, midfielder Odin Holm continues to recover from a leg injury sustained in April. However, the squad has been bolstered by the arrival of winger Javairo Dilrosun on loan from Club América. Veteran goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, who faced Chelsea 19 times in the Premier League with Tottenham, is set to start.
Probable Lineups:
Chelsea: Jorgensen; Acheampong, Badiashile, Adarabioyo, Cucurella; Gusto, Dewsbury-Hall, Sarr, Essugo; Delap, George.
LAFC: Lloris; Segura, Marlon, Palencia, Hollingshead; Igor Jesus, Delgado, Tillman; Dilrosun, Bouanga, Ebobisse.
