The match is the first game of Group D in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, which is a new tournament with 32 teams from six different confederations.
Match Prediction
Chelsea, who represent European football, got their spot by winning the 2021 Club World Cup and having a great 2024/25 season.
LAFC secured their place as the last team to qualify after winning 2-1 in extra time against Club América in a playoff on May 31, 2025. They took the place of Club León because of FIFA’s rules about owning multiple clubs.
This is the first time an English club and a USA club are competing against each other in this tournament, which makes it a big deal. Group D also has Flamengo and Espérance de Tunis, so it’s really important to start strong.
16.06.2025 21:00
FIFA Club World Cup – Round 1
Chelsea : Los Angeles FC
Chelsea: Having won the 2024/25 UEFA Conference League by beating Real Betis 4-1, and they finished fourth in the Premier League, which means they qualified for the Champions League. Recently, they have had eight wins in their last nine games, with their only loss being against Newcastle in the Premier League.
They have been scoring a lot, finding the net in nine of their last ten matches, including a big 3-0 win against Club América during pre-season at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in 2024. Under the guidance of Enzo Maresca, Chelsea has set up a game plan that focuses on control and exciting attacks.
LAFC: The MLS team hasn’t lost in their last 10 games in all competitions 5 wins, and 5 draws. Their latest competitive game was a 2-1 playoff victory against Club América, which was secured by a penalty from Dénis Bouanga and a goal from Olivier Giroud during extra time.
However, they have allowed goals in nine out of their last 11 matches, showing some weaknesses in defense. LAFC has been consistent in the MLS, but going up against a big Premier League team like Chelsea is a big challenge.
Chelsea is really good at attacking, especially with Cole Palmer leading the way, and their strategy under Maresca makes them likely to win. LAFC has Bouanga and Giroud who can be dangerous when they counterattack, especially since Chelsea sometimes makes mistakes in defense. But Chelsea’s better skills and ability to score from set pieces should help them win easily.
Our prediction:
1 & T1 3+ (Chelsea to Win & Chelsea Over 2.5)
Odds:1.85
Published: 16.06.2025 09:13
Kindly be advised that all odds are accurate as of the publication date and time indicated, and they may be subject to alterations.
All kick-off times and updates are provided in Central European Summer Time +2 (GMT+2).
How the Teams Might Line Up:
Chelsea (4-2-3-1):
Goalkeeper: Penders
Defense: Cucurella, Badiashile, Adarabioyo, James
Midfield: Essugo, Lavia
Attack: Neto, Palmer, Madueke
Striker: Liam Delap
Los Angeles FC (4-3-3):
Goalkeeper: Lloris
Defense: Hollingshead, Marlon, Segura, Palencia
Midfield: Delgado, Jesus, Tillman
Forwards: Bouanga, Olivier Giroud, Yeboah
Players Who Won’t Play:
Chelsea will miss Wesley Fofana (injury) and Mykhailo Mudryk (suspension). New signings Liam Delap and Dario Essugo might start.
LAFC are without Cengiz Ünder, while Odin Holm is doubtful due to a leg injury. Former Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud leads LAFC’s attack.