Los Angeles FC (LAFC) and Chelsea are set to embark on a significant journey as they both arrive on the east coast of the United States on Friday for their upcoming clash in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025. LAFC will train at Mercer University in Macon, Georgia, while Chelsea will be at the Philadelphia Union’s facility in Chester, Pennsylvania.
LAFC Co-President and General Manager John Thorrington emphasized the team’s underdog status but expressed confidence in their abilities, stating, “What I hope that Chelsea and Flamengo and Tunis and all these teams – I hope they walk off the field with a great level of respect as to the quality of our players and the intensity and the commitment of our players.”
The matchup on Monday will highlight a longstanding Premier League clubs facing off against an ambitious American team that has excelled since joining Major League Soccer (MLS) in 2018. LAFC has achieved impressive stats, being the MLS team with the most wins, points earned, and goals scored since its inception.
In their group, LAFC faces Chelsea, Espérance de Tunis, and CR Flamengo. The group consists of 32 teams competing for advancement to the Round of 16 based on points earned.
LAFC will kick off their campaign against Chelsea FC in Atlanta, Georgia, which is anticipated to be a competitive match. The team boasts a strong midfield led by Igor Jesus and a formidable defense anchored by goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, providing the squad with experience and stability amid their undefeated streak of ten games across all competitions.
Chelsea enters the tournament with new signings like Liam Delap and Mamadou Sarr and is coming off a solid Premier League season. They finished fourth and secured a spot in the 2026 UEFA Champions League. Players like Reece James, who has faced injury challenges, and rising stars such as Levi Colwill and Cole Palmer have bolstered the team’s performance.
The historical context of the match adds excitement, with LAFC’s Olivier Giroud reminiscing about his time with Chelsea, expressing appreciation for the club while anticipating a memorable game.
As both teams prepare for this pivotal moment, LAFC’s record at Mercedes-Benz Stadium has been mixed, but they aim to capitalize on their recent experience and momentum to make a strong statement in this prestigious tournament.
In conclusion, the anticipation builds as LAFC and Chelsea gear up for a dynamic face-off, showcasing talent and passion in one of the world’s premier football competitions. The increasing presence of MLS teams on the global stage signifies a positive trend for American soccer, offering hope for the future of the sport in the U.S.