Mon 16 Jun 2025
‧ FIFA Club World Cup – Group Stage – Group D
Full-time: Chelsea 2–0 Los Angeles FC
Half-time: Chelsea 1–0 LAFC
Venue: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta
Attendance: 22,137
Goalscorers
- Chelsea: Pedro Neto (34’), Enzo Fernández (79’)
- Assists: Nicolas Jackson (34’), Liam Delap (79’)
Match Report
Chelsea opened their FIFA Club World Cup campaign with a composed 2-0 victory over Los Angeles FC, though the match was played in front of a disappointingly sparse crowd at the massive Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
Pedro Neto gave Chelsea the lead in the 34th minute, finishing smartly at the near post after being slipped through by Nicolas Jackson. The London club doubled their advantage late in the second half when Enzo Fernández tapped home from close range, courtesy of a pinpoint cross by debutant Liam Delap.
The win keeps Chelsea on track in Group D, but the game’s surprisingly low attendance became the biggest post-match talking point. Only 22,137 fans attended the match in a stadium that holds over 71,000—raising concerns about local interest and promotion of the tournament.
Delap’s Debut Delight
All eyes were on 21-year-old Liam Delap, Chelsea’s £30 million summer signing from Ipswich, and he didn’t disappoint. Making his debut in the 64th minute, Delap made an instant impact. His clever movement, direct dribbling, and final delivery were vital in setting up Chelsea’s second goal.
Delap drove fearlessly at the LAFC defence, nearly scoring himself before laying on the assist for Fernández’s 79th-minute goal. His 30-minute cameo showcased exactly why Chelsea moved quickly to secure his signature.
Empty Seats Raise Eyebrows
The low turnout sparked concerns about fan engagement for this expanded Club World Cup. Despite Atlanta being an MLS stronghold—home to Atlanta United, who average over 44,000 fans—local enthusiasm was lacking.
High ticket prices, poor local promotion, a weekday afternoon kickoff (3 PM local time), and competing events like a Power Rangers convention and a UFC bout all contributed to the low attendance.
It’s a stark contrast from 2023, when over 70,000 packed the same stadium for a Chelsea vs Newcastle preseason friendly. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup set to visit North America, questions are now being asked about the region’s readiness and appetite for hosting world-class international football.
LAFC Show Promise, But Lack Cutting Edge
Los Angeles FC showed flashes of quality with World Cup winners Olivier Giroud and Hugo Lloris bringing experience and calm to the side. But despite a few chances—most notably falling to Denis Bouanga and David Martinez—they lacked the composure needed in the final third.
Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sánchez was rarely troubled, as the Premier League side’s defence remained organized and unbothered for most of the match.
What’s Next?
- Chelsea will face Brazilian giants Flamengo in Philadelphia on Friday (19:00 BST).
- LAFC will look to bounce back against Tunisian side ES Tunis in Nashville on Friday (23:00 BST).
Group D concludes the following Tuesday with Chelsea meeting ES Tunis, and LAFC facing Flamengo in what could be a decisive round of fixtures.
Player of the Match: Liam Delap (Chelsea)
- Rating: 7.21
- Strong debut featuring a brilliant assist and confident attacking display.
Top Rated Players (Chelsea)
- Liam Delap – 7.21
- Pedro Neto – 7.02
- Enzo Fernández – 6.57
- Moisés Caicedo – 6.45
- Cole Palmer – 6.23
Watch the full highlights here.
