Amidst sweltering heat and intense competition, Chelsea have secured their spot in the knockout stages of the FIFA Club World Cup, with striker Liam Delap making a notable impact since his £30 million transfer from Ipswich earlier this month. The Blues navigated a challenging group phase, overcoming the likes of Los Angeles FC and ES Tunis, while suffering a tactical setback against Brazilian powerhouse Flamengo. As they prepare to face Portuguese giants Benfica in the Round of 16, the tournament has offered both financial rewards and valuable experience for the London club.
Chelsea’s journey in the Club World Cup has been a mixed bag but ultimately positive. The team earned a comfortable 2-0 victory over Los Angeles FC in their opening match, with Delap contributing an assist through a clever chipped cross that set up Enzo Fernandez’s second goal. Despite a disappointing 3-1 defeat to Flamengo, where tactical experiments did not pay off and Nicolas Jackson was sent off just minutes after coming on, the Blues bounced back strongly in their final group game.
On June 25, 2025, at Philadelphia’s Lincoln Financial Field, Chelsea faced ES Tunis needing at least a draw to reach the last 16. The match was played under oppressive conditions, with temperatures reaching 33°C and high humidity making it feel like an "airless hotel room," as some described. Yet Chelsea adapted well, with defender Tosin Adarabioyo opening the scoring in first-half stoppage time via a well-placed header from an Enzo Fernandez free kick. Just minutes later, Delap scored his first goal for Chelsea with a stunning solo effort. The 22-year-old turned sharply, fended off defenders, and coolly slotted the ball past goalkeeper Bechir Ben Said, doubling Chelsea’s lead and effectively sealing the win.
Delap’s goal was a highlight not just for the fans but also for the club’s management, as he begins to justify the £30 million fee paid for his services. Speaking after the game, Delap expressed his delight: "We knew we had to win tonight to get through, and we’re pleased to get the job done. It’s a really happy feeling [to score] and hopefully it’s the first of many. I love playing football and to play for such a good team is a great feeling." He also credited Enzo Fernandez for his assist, saying, "I spoke to Enzo and he told me that when he gets the ball that I should run, and it was a great pass, and luckily it went in." The Blues wrapped up the 3-0 victory with a late goal from substitute Tyrique George, whose powerful shot squirmed through the Tunisian goalkeeper’s grasp during added time.
Manager Enzo Maresca, who had rotated his squad significantly for the encounter, was pleased with the result and the progress made by his players. "We are in the last 16 and the target for us is to be in the quarter-finals," he said. Maresca’s tactical approach included giving debuts to midfielders Andrey Santos and Dario Essugo, as well as defender Mamadou Sarr, reflecting his intent to blend youth with experience. Notably, Christopher Nkunku made his first start since April 2025, while Delap was afforded a starting role following Nicolas Jackson’s suspension.
Jackson’s red card against Flamengo was a significant blow for Chelsea. The 24-year-old forward was dismissed after a studs-up challenge on Flamengo defender Lucas Ayrton, just four minutes after entering the match. FIFA extended his ban to two games, ruling he would miss the crucial last-16 tie against Benfica. Jackson had also been sent off in the Premier League just last month, compounding concerns about his discipline. Delap’s emergence as the leading striker during Jackson’s absence has provided Chelsea with a reliable option up front, as the club looks to build momentum.
The Club World Cup has also been a financial boon for Chelsea. Having qualified for the Champions League earlier in the season, which itself promises earnings between £80 million and £100 million, the Blues have capitalized on FIFA’s most lucrative club competition on a per-match basis. Chelsea have earned approximately £28 million ($38 million) so far, including prize money for qualifying and group stage victories. With the upcoming match against Benfica in the round of 16, they stand to add another $7.5 million, bringing their total earnings close to $49.5 million. Further progression could lead to additional payouts, with $13.1 million for the quarter-finals, $21 million for the semi-finals, and $30 million for reaching the final. The tournament winner pockets a staggering $40 million, making this competition highly lucrative for clubs willing to endure its physical demands.
However, the tournament has not been without challenges. Chelsea have contended with extreme heat conditions in Philadelphia, with temperatures reaching 40°C, the highest in the area in 13 years. Manager Maresca described it as "impossible" to train under such conditions, leading to very short training sessions supplemented by giant fans spraying cold water and frequent hydration breaks. The team’s base has since moved to Miami, 750 miles south, ahead of their last-16 match in Charlotte, North Carolina. Should they advance further, a move to New York is anticipated.
Fan reactions have been mixed. Attendance at the Lincoln Financial Field for the final group game was 32,967 in a stadium capable of holding 67,000. Bharat, a local Chelsea supporter, praised the organization but expressed concerns about player welfare, noting the tournament’s timing as a potential "dry run" for the next year’s World Cup. UK-based fan Cathy, who has not missed an away game in 47 years, criticized ticket pricing and the quality of some participating teams, suggesting it limited broader interest. She also voiced worries about the toll on players, citing the lack of rest and injury risks.
Looking ahead, Chelsea face a stern test against Benfica on June 28, 2025, in Charlotte. Benfica topped Group C with a shock 1-0 victory over Bayern Munich, avoiding a potential clash with Bayern in the last 16. Maresca acknowledged Benfica’s quality: "Benfica is a top club, with a top manager and top players. It will be tough but we are in the 16 from 32 and we hope to be in the last eight." Chelsea’s path could lead to a rematch with Brazilian opposition if Palmeiras or Botafogo progress, adding to the tournament’s intrigue.
Despite the physical and tactical hurdles, Chelsea’s progression to the knockout rounds signals a positive step in their campaign. Liam Delap’s early contributions, both a goal and an assist, have injected fresh energy into the squad, while the team’s ability to adapt to extreme conditions and integrate new players bodes well for the challenges ahead. With the knockout stages now underway, all eyes will be on the Blues as they aim to translate their promising performances into deep tournament success.
