Chelsea vs LAFC: Club World Cup Prediction, kick-off time

Chelsea will take on LAFC in their first game of the new Club World Cup.

The Europa Conference League winners arrive in the United States buoyed by their top-five finish in the Premier League, which guaranteed them Champions League football next term.

Enzo Maresca has made some big calls regarding his squad ahead of this tournament, leaving some notable names at home, while including a couple of new signings.

New no9 Liam Delap could feature for the first time in Chelsea blue, while Dario Essugo, the midfielder signed from Sporting, is also involved.

Cole Palmer will wear his the no10 shirt for the first time, while Andrey Santos is among the 28-strong squad that includes other new signings – goalkeeper Mike Penders and defender Mamadou Sarr.

The big absentees are Joao Felix, Raheem Sterling, Djordje Petrovic, Axel Disasi, and Wesley Fofana.

Date, kick-off time and venue
Chelsea vs LAFC is scheduled for an 8pm BST kick-off time tonight, Monday, June 16 2025.

The match will take place at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia.

Chelsea vs LAFC prediction
It depends on whether Enzo Maresca will take the tournament seriously, but if he does, the Premier League side should have far too much for the spirited Americans, even if they are playing in their home country.