Chelsea will face Los Angeles FC (LAFC) in a high-stakes Club World Cup quarterfinal that is sure to be whatever combination of spectacle and tension the sport can offer. Taking place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, it will be for Enzo Maresca’s first competitive game in charge of the Blues and LAFC will look to become the first MLS side to ever beat a Premier League side at the tournament.
Chelsea were eligible to compete in the 2025 Club World Cup as winners of the 2021 UEFA Champions League in FIFA’s revised format which permits the participation of several former continental champions. Though the Blues placed 6th in the Premier League last term, their historical UCL success has ultimately earned them a place in the expanded, 32-team competition.
Chelsea is going head to head with Los Angeles FC starting on 16 June 2025 at 19:00 UTC at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta city, USA. The match is a part of the FIFA Club World Cup, Group D. pic.twitter.com/rExtaJHDqR
LAFC, on the other hand, earned their place after finishing as runners-up in the 2023 CONCACAF Champions Cup. With manager Steve Cherundolo in charge, LAFC bring a high-intensity, pressing style that has helped them dominate MLS Western Conference standings. The jump from domestic into international competition is steep, but the side includes a number of players with experience in Europe, such as former Leeds United midfielder Mateusz Bogusz and Mexico international Carlos Vela.
On the squad front, long-term absentees Wesley Fofana and Romeo Lavia remain sidelined for Chelsea, but there should be a number of returnees including Reece James, and Christopher Nkunku will be in contention. LAFC head on the road with a strong team, with red-hot forward Denis Bouanga leading the way after notching 20+ goals in MLS over the last season.
Chelsea definitely have the better players on paper, but LAFC’s chemistry and tactical grounding might make this game a lot closer than some expect. Maresca’s preference for playing out from the back and controlling the rhythm of the midfield will be put to the test by LAFC’s aggressive pressing. The midfield duel—which will see Enzo Fernández and Moises Caicedo take on LAFC’s Ilie Sánchez and Timothy Tillman — may very well determine the lion’s share of the game’s tempo.
The attacking blueprint at Chelsea is Cole Palmer, whose breakout 2024–25 campaign ended with 25 combined goals and assists. He might have a key duel with LAFC’s left-back Diego Palacios. At the same time, the pace of Bouanga will be called upon to get in behind Chelsea’s defense often, especially if Axel Disasi or Marc Cucurella start at fullback there.
🚨🏆 Starting XI’s for Chelsea (🏴) vs LAFC (🇺🇸) pic.twitter.com/mWkhe4yq6D
Recent form gives Chelsea a slight edge, having won five of their last seven games in all competitions. But LAFC come in confident, having won their group at the MLS is Back Cup and having averaged more than two goals a game since the beginning of May. Fitness and acclimatization to local conditions might also have a say, with travel and different climates presenting difficulties for both sides.
While Chelsea enter this tie as favourites, underestimating LAFC would be a grave mistake. The MLS side is drilled and fearless and enjoys matches in which they are not expected to have the lion’s share of possession. LAFC’s pressing might be a lot to cope with if Chelsea get in trouble during buildup, particularly in the first half.
Nevertheless, Chelsea have the advantage of individual quality, European pedigree and a stronger bench. Maresca has yet to fully embed his system, but Palmer, Nkunku, and Fernández give the Blues enough talent to create and convert chances when under pressure. LAFC will be expected try to sit deep, win the ball and make the most of its chances.
Smart money is on a close, stress-filled affair, one much closer than neutral fans expect. This is not just about Chelsea’s route in the Club World Cup; it’s about the character of the Maresca era. For LAFC, it’s an opportunity to make history and break open the European stronghold. Whatever the outcome, it will provide a stern test of the two sides’ credibility on the European stage.
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