Senegalese forward Nicolas Jackson to lead Chelsea against LAFC in Club World Cup opener

Chelsea step into the Club World Cup spotlight on Monday as they take on Major League Soccer giants Los Angeles FC in their opening group stage fixture, with kick-off scheduled for 19:00 GMT.

The Blues enter the tournament as European representatives following their triumph in the UEFA Europa Conference League and are expected to field a strong side for their first match.

Among those anticipated to start is Senegalese international Nicolas Jackson, who is likely to spearhead Enzo Maresca’s attack as Chelsea seek to make an immediate impression on the global stage.

Their opponents, LAFC, come into the tie as one of the most prominent clubs in American football, known for their dynamic style and passionate following.

Monday’s clash promises to be a compelling encounter as the Premier League side looks to assert its dominance early in the group phase.

The match follows Sunday’s opening fixture, in which Bayern Munich defeated Auckland City, a game officiated by Senegalese referee Issa Sy.

Paris Saint-Germain also began their campaign with a victory, setting the tone for Europe’s strong start to the competition.

Chelsea’s involvement raises the stakes for the tournament, as the West London club carries not only the weight of European expectations but also the pedigree of a team seeking to reclaim its place among the world’s elite.

Under the guidance of newly appointed head coach Enzo Maresca, the Blues are expected to use the competition to both chase silverware and further embed a new tactical identity.

Nicolas Jackson, who has enjoyed an impressive rise since joining Chelsea from Villarreal, is seen as a key figure in this campaign.

The 23-year-old forward will be eager to make his mark against international opposition, and his performance could prove crucial in Chelsea’s ambitions to progress deep into the tournament.

Later in the evening, attention will shift to another highly anticipated group stage match, as Brazilian side Flamengo face off against Tunisia’s Espérance Sportive de Tunis.

That fixture is scheduled to begin at 22:00 GMT, rounding off a packed day of Club World Cup action.

With the group stage now in full swing, the global competition is set to provide a showcase of talent from across continents, as domestic champions and continental winners clash in pursuit of international glory.

Chelsea’s debut, particularly with stars like Jackson poised to play a central role, will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike.

A win over LAFC would not only put them in a strong position in their group but also send a clear message to their rivals that the Premier League outfit is here to compete for the title.

???? @LAFC in Atlanta! pic.twitter.com/GlCY1yuBJA

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) June 16, 2025