Chelsea Set for Blockbuster Summer Friendly Against LAFC: Date, Tickets & Star Players Revealed

Atlanta, GA — Chelsea FC and Los Angeles FC collide today in the opening Group D fixture of the expanded 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, a meeting that blends Premier League pedigree with Major League Soccer ambition and is already spiking search interest under the phrase “Chelsea vs LAFC.” Kick-off is set for 3 p.m. ET (12 p.m. PT) at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, with live coverage on TBS, truTV and global streaming via DAZN. Why this match matters • Group-stage tone-setter: With only two of four teams progressing, a fast start is essential. • Premier League vs MLS narrative: Chelsea look to prove English depth, while LAFC chase an era-defining upset that would electrify North American soccer. • Fresh-look rosters: Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino has omitted Raheem Sterling, João Félix and Axel Disasi, opting instead for academy talents Mamadou Sarr, Dário Essugo and Liam Delap in his 28-man list. LAFC’s Steve Cherundolo counters with new loan signing Javairô Dilrosun after a playoff triumph over Club América that clinched the final CONCACAF berth. Key storylines fans are Googling 1. How to watch Chelsea vs LAFC live • TV: TBS, truTV • Stream: DAZN (free trial available in many regions) • Radio: SiriusXM FC 2. Chelsea injury report and predicted XI Reece James returns after late-season rest, while Enzo Fernández anchors midfield beside Moisés Caicedo. Cole Palmer is tipped to start wide right, with Nicolas Jackson leading the line in a 4-2-3-1. Academy centre-back Sarr could debut if Pochettino rotates Thiago Silva. 3. LAFC lineup questions Veteran keeper Hugo Lloris marshals a back four of Diego Palacios, Jesús Murillo, Giorgio Chiellini and Sergi Palencia. Denis Bouanga and Dilrosun provide pace on the flanks, feeding captain Carlos Vela in a fluid 4-3-3. 4. Tactical chess match Chelsea will press high and funnel attacks through Palmer’s half-spaces, testing LAFC’s ability to play through a midfield anchored by Ilie Sánchez. Cherundolo may counter with quick diagonal transitions to Bouanga to exploit Chelsea’s advanced full-backs. 5. Predictions and betting odds European bookmakers list Chelsea as heavy favorites at –475, with LAFC around +900 and a draw near +525. Over/Under is 3.5 goals, reflecting expectations of an open contest. Match-day facts at a glance • Date: Monday, 16 June 2025 • Venue capacity: 71,000 (roof closed, natural turf overlay) • Weather in Atlanta: 82°F / 28°C, humid, thunderstorms possible pre-game • VAR: in operation with semi-automated offside technology What a result would mean Chelsea: Three points would preserve momentum after a fourth-place Premier League finish and Conference League title run, while moving the Blues closer to a second Club World Cup crown. LAFC: A shock win would echo Seattle Sounders’ 2023 semifinal berth and stake MLS’s bold claim on the global stage, massively boosting the league’s visibility ahead of the 2026 North American World Cup. Quote board • Mauricio Pochettino: “We respect LAFC’s speed in transition; we must be ruthless in both boxes.” • Steve Cherundolo: “No one expects us to dominate possession, but we believe in our identity and our city’s swagger.” Search-friendly takeaway Fans looking for Chelsea vs LAFC kickoff time, TV channel, live-stream details, predicted lineups and betting odds will find all the essential information above—bookmark this page for updates through the final whistle as Group D drama unfolds in Atlanta.