Chelsea vs LAFC: Kickoff Time, TV Channel, Live Stream & Key Storylines for Blockbuster Pre-Season Clash

Chelsea vs LAFC: Club World Cup 2025 opener set to electrify Atlanta Kick-off, venue and broadcast details The first ball of the expanded 32-team FIFA Club World Cup 2025 rolls at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Monday, 16 June (3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT / 8 p.m. BST). Fans in the United States can stream Chelsea vs Los Angeles FC free via the FIFA+ app, while linear coverage is available on FS1 in English and TUDN in Spanish. UK viewers can watch on TNT Sports, and international audiences should check local listings. Why this match matters Group D also contains South American giants Flamengo and Tunisian champions Espérance. Only the top two sides progress, so a fast start is essential. Chelsea, UEFA’s allotted entrant after winning the 2021 Champions League, aim to add a second world crown after lifting the trophy in 2022. LAFC, MLS Cup winners in 2022 and CONCACAF Champions Cup runners-up in 2023, carry the hopes of the host nation. Team news and probable line-ups Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has taken a 26-man squad to the U.S. Christopher Nkunku (hamstring) and Reece James (knee) remain out, but Cole Palmer is expected to shake off a knock. Captain Conor Gallagher should anchor midfield beside Enzo Fernández, with emerging Brazilian talent Andrey Santos pushing for minutes after a standout loan at Strasbourg. Predicted Chelsea XI (4-2-3-1): Petrovic; Gusto, Disasi, Colwill, Chilwell; Gallagher, Fernández; Sterling, Palmer, Mudryk; Jackson. LAFC boss Steve Cherundolo will again lean on 2023 Golden Boot winner Denis Bouanga, whose 12 goals and league-leading 78 shots power LA’s attack. Club captain Ilie Sánchez returns from suspension, and veteran Giorgio Chiellini anchors a back three. Predicted LAFC XI (3-4-3): Crepeau; Maldonado, Chiellini, Palacios; Hollingshead, Sánchez, Tillman, Acosta; Vela, Bouanga, Olivera. Form guide • Chelsea arrive on an eight-wins-in-nine tear across all competitions, scoring 24 and conceding six. • LAFC sit fifth in the MLS Western Conference but have won four of their last five, including a 3-1 road victory at Sporting KC. Key battles to watch • Levi Colwill vs Denis Bouanga – The Blues’ left-footed centre-back must track Bouanga’s diagonal runs off the right channel. • Malo Gusto vs Diego Palacios – A duel of speed down Chelsea’s right flank could decide transition moments. • Raheem Sterling vs Sergi Palencia – If Sterling isolates the Spanish full-back, LAFC may be forced into a deeper block, freeing space for Jackson. Tactics snapshot Maresca’s 4-2-3-1 morphs into a 3-2-5 in possession, with left-back Ben Chilwell stepping high to pin LAFC wing-backs. Cherundolo’s 3-4-3 presses aggressively after turnovers, but the Black-and-Gold often leave space behind their wing-backs—fertile ground for Cole Palmer’s through balls. What’s at stake beyond three points Group winners face the Group C runners-up (likely Bayern, Benfica, Boca Juniors or Auckland City), while second place draws the Group C winners. Finishing third or fourth ends the tournament early, so Monday’s result shapes the entire bracket. Stat nuggets • This is Chelsea’s first competitive match against an American club in the men’s game. • English sides trail only Real Madrid for total Club World Cup appearances. • LAFC are unbeaten in six matches played on grass surfaces outside California. Expert prediction Chelsea’s superior depth and form make them favorites, but Atlanta’s fast turf and a partisan crowd could neutralize some Premier League firepower. Expect LAFC to threaten on the counter before Chelsea’s ball retention eventually tells. Scoreline pick: Chelsea 2-1 LAFC. How to follow live Minute-by-minute text commentary will run on ChelseaFC.com, the official LAFC app and FIFA+. Post-match highlights drop on YouTube within two hours of the final whistle.