FIFA Club World Cup 2025: Benfica vs Chelsea Match Preview, Betting Odds, and Predictions.
Benfica and Bayern Munich are set to face each other in the FIFA Club World Cup round of 26. With the knockout stage set to commence, the stakes are high for both teams. After an intense group stage showing, these two European powerhouses will be determined to grab that spot in the quarter-final. The match will take place at the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte.
The winner of the match will progress to face either Palmeiras or Botafogo in the last eight. Benfica stunned many by topping Group C ahead of Bayern Munich. This includes a narrow 1-0 win against the German side. Chelsea are looking to recapture their 2021 Club World Cup glory but a win this match won’t come easy.
Chelsea in Charlotte. 🔴⚔🔵#SLBCFC • #FIFACWC • #TakeItToTheWorld pic.twitter.com/Ib8co56yHD
— SL Benfica (@SLBenfica) June 27, 2025
Making their Club World Cup debut, Benfica impressed by collecting seven points from three matches in Group C. This includes a shock 1-0 win over Bayern Munich. Andreas Schjelderup netted the winner in that clash, while goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin delivered a heroic display in scorching conditions.
Coach Bruno Lage praised his side’s underdog spirit and urged fans to believe in their progress. Key players Angel Di Maria and Vangelis Pavlidis are expected to start again, while Andrea Belotti will be returning from suspension. However, Florentino Luis, Alexander Bah, and Manu Silva will remain out because of their respective injuries.
Also Read: Which Clubs Have Qualified for the 2025 Club World Cup Round of 16 So Far?
Chelsea bounced back from a defeat to Flamengo with a commanding 3-0 win over Esperance Tunis. With that win, they booked their place in the knockout phase. Manager Enzo Maresca praised Benfica as “a top club” and knows that the Blues will absolutely need to be sharp at all times in the match.
With Nicolas Jackson still suspended, Liam Delap is set to start again in attack. Cole Palmer and Pedro Neto could rejoin the starting lineup, while Enzo Fernandez prepares for a midfield reunion with his former club. Wesley Fofana remains out, but Reece James and Marc Cucurella are in line for defensive returns.
Whole both Benfica and Chelsea are strong teams from Europe, there is a heavy chance that this match will be an open, high-scoring game. Both European heavyweights have shown attacking intent during the Club World Cup. Benfica finished the group stage with nine goals scroed and only two conceded.
Especially highlighted by their 6-0 thrashing of Auckland City. Chelsea managed six goals but also let in three, including a 3-1 defeat to Flamengo. Hence, each side’s willingness to push forward makes the over 3.5 goals market plausible. Expect goals from both ends and potentially fast-paced exchanges throughout the match.
Pedro Neto has caught the eye of Chelsea fans and beyond at this tournament. He has found the net a total of two times in two of Chelsea’s three group games. He scored against LAFC and then against Flamengo before his team fell behind.
His pace, positional intelligence, and chemistry with teammates, enhance his appeal in the anytime scorer market. He even has been backed by the Chelsea staff with some ‘eye-catching’ descriptions. At +400, the odds look risky but it also reflects a decent payout.
Di María’s three goals from two of Benfica’s group stage games in this tournament have all come from penalties. Even so, he remains Benfica’s designated spot-kick taker and continues to dictate in the final third. At age 37, he’s still producing personal bests. He registered 18 goals and 10 assists last season.
He also remains central to Benfica’s momentum after his vintage performance in their win over Bayern Munich. Given his role and historic accuracy from 12 yards, backing him to score at any time at +525 appears risky but justified.
Expect a thrilling 5‑goal affair with Chelsea getting awar with the win by a narrow margin. Both teams have conceded regularly, and their explosive offenses suggest a shootout atmosphere. Chelsea’s firepower is powered by Neto’s form and Delap pressing high. That combined with Benfica’s attacking prowess, led by Di Maria, should deliver goals at both ends.
It can be expected that considering their open styles, over 3.5 goals looks smart. Recent results including Benfica’s 6-0 and Chelsea’s emphatic displays, support the idea of a +5-goal thriller, with Chelsea finishing narrowly on top.
soccer Football writer at The Playoffs. I’ve been obsessed with the beautiful game since I was a kid.. Eventually, I realized I could combine my passion for writing with my love for football, and I’ve never looked back. My favorite part of the job is everything—when you’re doing what you love, even a late-night deadline feels like extra time in a thrilling cup final. Lastly, Lionel Messi is the GOAT.
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