Chelsea is set to begin their Club World Cup campaign against LAFC at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Monday, June 16. This marks the start of Group D play in the expanded competition, with the Blues hoping to build on their Conference League success from last season and mount a serious title challenge in the Premier League.

Under the guidance of Enzo Maresca, Chelsea has traveled to the United States with a youthful squad, including new signings like Liam Delap, Mike Penders, Dario Essugo, and Mamadou Sarr. Maresca has indicated his intention to utilize his full roster, viewing this tournament as a crucial opportunity to evaluate players in a high-stakes environment. It remains to be seen how strong a lineup Maresca will field, considering that many players have recently returned from international duties.

LAFC, managed by Steve Cherundolo, enters the match amidst their MLS season and boasts a ten-match unbeaten streak. The team features impactful players such as Denis Bouanga, a consistent goal scorer, and veteran French striker Olivier Giroud, who will be playing against his former club. This match presents a historic opportunity for LAFC to test themselves against top-tier European competition and make a statement in their Club World Cup debut.

Chelsea is considered the favorite for the match, with analysts pointing to their significant investment in transfers since 2022 and their strong finish to the previous season. However, LAFC is aiming to "shock the world" and secure a positive result in their first-ever Club World Cup experience.

The game kicks off at 3:00 pm ET and marks the beginning of Group D, which also includes Ulsan Hyundai and Al Ahly. A victory in this opening match is crucial for Chelsea to alleviate pressure in the subsequent group stage matches. For LAFC, securing a result would be a significant achievement in their inaugural Club World Cup appearance.