Chelsea Draw Flamengo, Club Leon, and ES Tunis in 2025 Club World Cup Group Stage
The anticipation for the 2025 Club World Cup is building, and Chelsea now know their Group Stage opponents in this expanded and restructured tournament. As one of the 32 participants, the Blues are set to compete in Group D alongside Brazilian giants Flamengo, Mexican side Club León, and Tunisian champions ES Tunis (Esperance).
Chelsea’s Path in Group D
- First Match: Chelsea vs. Club León
Enzo Maresca’s side will look to kick off their campaign with a strong performance against the Mexican outfit. - Second Match: Chelsea vs. Flamengo
A marquee clash against Flamengo promises to be a high-stakes encounter as the Blues face off against one of Brazil’s most storied clubs. - Final Group Match: Chelsea vs. ES Tunis
The group stage wraps up with a game against the Tunisian champions, where Chelsea will aim to solidify their place in the knockout stages.
Tournament Background
- Qualification: Chelsea earned their spot by winning the Champions League in 2021 under Thomas Tuchel, a triumph that also brought them their first-ever Club World Cup title in 2022.
- New Format: For the first time, the competition will feature 32 teams and take place in the summer, offering a more streamlined format that avoids mid-season disruption.
- Participants: The tournament includes recent Champions League winners (Chelsea, Real Madrid, and Manchester City) and the best-performing clubs in global competitions over the past three years.
Key Matchups and Groups to Watch
- Group of Death: Group B promises fireworks, with PSG, Atletico Madrid, Botafogo, and the MLS’s Seattle Sounders all vying for supremacy.
- Defending Champions: Real Madrid finds themselves in Group H alongside FC Salzburg, Al-Hilal, and Pachuca.
- Manchester City: Group G sees Pep Guardiola’s team taking on Juventus, Moroccan side Wydad, and UAE’s Al Ain.
Full Group Stage Draw
Group | Teams |
---|---|
A | Palmeiras, FC Porto, Al Ahly, Inter Miami |
B | PSG, Atletico Madrid, Botafogo, Seattle Sounders |
C | Bayern Munich, Benfica, Boca Juniors, Auckland City |
D | Flamengo, Chelsea, Club León, ES Tunis |
E | River Plate, Inter Milan, Monterrey, Urawa Red Diamonds |
F | Fluminense, Borussia Dortmund, Ulsan Hyundai, Mamelodi Sundowns |
G | Manchester City, Juventus, Wydad, Al Ain |
H | Real Madrid, FC Salzburg, Al-Hilal, Pachuca |
Chelsea’s group presents challenges but is far from the most daunting in the competition. With the talent and depth at Enzo Maresca’s disposal, the Blues will look to make their mark in this revamped Club World Cup. Success in this tournament would further solidify Chelsea’s reputation as a dominant force on the global stage.
Chelsea Draw Flamengo, Club Leon, and ES Tunis in 2025 Club World Cup Group Stage