The Matchday 1 clash of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup between Chelsea (England) and Los Angeles (USA) will take place on June 16 at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, USA. Chelsea vs. Los Angeles: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Chelsea
The Londoners qualified for the FIFA Club World Cup as the winners of the 2021 UEFA Champions League. This marks the third participation for the English side in this tournament: in 2012, they reached the final but lost 0-1 to Corinthians, and in 2021, they won the Club World Cup trophy by defeating Palmeiras 2-1 in the decisive match. This season, Enzo Maresca's team finished 4th in the English Premier League and also won the Europa Conference League.
Among the Londoners, Cole Palmer stands out, having scored 15 goals and provided 8 assists in the past Premier League season.
- Exactly two or three goals were scored in regular time in 8 of Chelsea's last 9 UEFA Champions League matches.
- At least one team failed to score in 6 of Chelsea's last 8 UEFA Champions League games over 90 minutes.
- The Londoners avoided defeat in regular time in 15 of their last 20 matches in the UEFA Champions League and Club World Cup (12 wins and 3 draws).
Predicted lineup for Chelsea (4-2-3-1)
Robert Sanchez – Reece James, Levi Colwill, Tosin Adarabioyo, Marc Cucurella – Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez – Cole Palmer, Pedro Neto, Noni Madueke – Nicolas Jackson.
Los Angeles
The team represents North America and is making its debut in this tournament. In 2023, Los Angeles reached the final of the CONCACAF Champions League but lost both legs to Leon (0-1 and 1-2). Notably, the Californians earned their spot in the Club World Cup following the disqualification of Leon, who violated FIFA rules. Steven Cherundolo's team secured the final Club World Cup berth by defeating Mexico's America in a playoff match on June 1 (1-1, extra time 1-0).
Recent successes of the club are linked to Steven Cherundolo, who has been managing the team for over three years. Among the Americans, Deni Buanga is noteworthy. The Californian forward has been among the top three scorers in MLS for the past two seasons.
- The team's uncompromising series in regular time in the CONCACAF Champions League spans nine matches (4 wins and 5 losses).
- Exactly two or three goals were scored in 11 of Los Angeles' last 15 games in this tournament over 90 minutes.
- The team did not lose the second half in 12 of their last 14 CONCACAF Champions League matches (9 wins and 3 draws).
Predicted lineup for Los Angeles (4-3-3)
Hugo Lloris – Ryan Hollingshead, Marlon, Eddie Segura, Sergi Palencia – Timothy Tillmann, Mark Delgado, Igor Jesus – Deni Buanga, Jeremy Ebobisse, Yo Yeboah.
Referee
Jesus Valenzuela (Venezuela)
Matches – 18 (International matches, 2024–2025);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 98;
Average yellow cards per match – 5.4;
Red cards shown – 3;
Average fouls per match – 28;
Penalties – 17%.
Chelsea vs. Los Angeles: Match Prediction
The Londoners have reached the final of this tournament twice and won the trophy once. Only in these two editions were there seven participants, and the English side played just two matches in each tournament. Notably, in their four Club World Cup matches, Chelsea won only once with a margin greater than one goal.
Enzo Maresca's side will find it challenging to defeat the Californians with a convincing scoreline. Los Angeles is currently in a strong 5th position in the MLS, having lost only four times in 16 rounds, with just one defeat by more than one goal. Furthermore, the American team has not lost by more than one goal in 18 of their last 19 CONCACAF Champions League matches.
In my opinion, if Chelsea wins, it will be by a minimal margin. The team has won by two or more goals in only four of their last 21 Premier League and Conference League matches. Moreover, the Club World Cup will be held in the USA, meaning Steven Cherundolo's side will likely receive strong support from the fans.
My prediction: Los Angeles with a handicap (+1.5)
