Club World Cup 2025: LAFC vs Chelsea Match Preview, Injury News, Where to Watch, & More

Chelsea's talisman Cole Palmer will be looking to make his mark in his first major international tournament for the club.

Chelsea will kick off their 2025 FIFA Club World Cup campaign with a high-stakes clash against LAFC on Monday. The Blues arrived in Philadelphia over the weekend and wasted no time as they hit the training pitch immediately in preparation for what promises to be a fiercely contested opener.

Chelsea are coming fresh off their 2025 UEFA Europa Conference League triumph against Real Betis. Meanwhile, LAFC secured their place by winning the 2024 U.S. Open Cup and then earned a dramatic play-in victory over Club America just two weeks ago.

LAFC also bring momentum from domestic league MLS, having beaten Sporting Kansas City 3-1 in their most recent league outing. As both sides prepare to launch their Club World Cup campaigns, all eyes will be on Philadelphia to see which side starts strong.

Getting the touches in. 👍 pic.twitter.com/dBgFV12oRG
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) June 16, 2025

LAFC Injury News

LAFC head into their Club World Cup opener with a fully fit squad. Striker Olivier Giroud, who wore the Chelsea blue from 2018 to 2021 and won the UEFA Champions League during his time at Stamford Bridge, will lead the line against his former club.

LAFC will be hoping that Denis Bouanga, the talismanic forward and top scorer of the 2023 Concacaf Champions Cup, can continue his red-hot form. Bouanga enters the tournament with eight MLS goals already this season and was the hero in LAFC’s play-in win. He netted the all-important goal in extra time against Club America. His ability to stretch defenses with pace will be key if LAFC are to pull off an upset. With all key players available, LAFC enter Monday’s clash well-prepared and eager to make a statement on the global stage.

LAFC Predicted Lineup

LAFC Predicted XI: Lloris; Palencia, Segura, Marlon, Hollingshead; Tillman, Jesus, Delgado; Yeboah, Giroud, Bouanga

Chelsea Injury News

Chelsea also head into their FIFA Club World Cup opener with a fully fit squad, providing head coach Enzo Maresca with a welcome selection headache. New signings Liam Delap, Mamadou Sarr, Dario Essugo, and goalkeeper Mike Penders all featured in the team’s first training session. There’s a strong possibility that some of them could make their club debuts during the tournament.

Returning from international duty in South America, Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez, Andrey Santos, and Aaron Anselmino also took part in full training. Maresca is expected to field a strong lineup for the clash against LAFC. Chelsea’s talisman Cole Palmer will be looking to make his mark in his first major international tournament for the club.

Chelsea Predicted Lineup

Chelsea Predicted XI: Sanchez; James, Adarabioyo, Colwill, Cucurella; Fernandez, Caicedo, Neto, Palmer, Madueke; Nicolas Jackson

Where to Watch LAFC vs Chelsea

Fans can catch the LAFC vs Chelsea match live on multiple platforms, as the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup is broadcast globally for free. Here’s how to watch:

Streaming: DAZN is the exclusive global broadcaster, streaming all 63 matches live for free. New users can sign up at DAZN.com to watch the game.
TV: In the US, select matches, including this one, may be available on TNT, TBS, or truTV.
International: In Brazil, check local listings for potential broadcasts on Globo or SporTV. In the UK, TNT Sports and DAZN will cover the match.

2025 FIFA Club World Cup

Chelsea

FIFA Club World Cup 2025

LAFC

Abhinav Goel

soccer

I am a soccer writer at The PlayOffs, covering everything from match analysis to transfer buzz and tactical deep dives. Ever since I was a kid, soccer has been more than just a sport to me—it’s been an obsession. Playing and watching the game from a young age fueled my passion, eventually leading me into the world of sports media and betting. Now, I get to analyze the sport I love and bring the latest updates to fans worldwide.