Tonight, the football world turns its attention to Charlotte, North Carolina, as Chelsea take on Benfica in a high-stakes Round of 16 battle at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.
Match Overview
- Fixture: Chelsea vs Benfica
- Competition: FIFA Club World Cup – Round of 16
- Date: Saturday, June 28, 2025
- Kick-off: 21:00 BST | 20:00 Nigerian Time
- Venue: Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, USA
- Broadcast: SuperSport Premier League (Nigeria), DAZN (UK), FOX Sports (USA)
What’s at Stake?
The winner of this knockout tie moves into the quarterfinals of the revamped, expanded FIFA Club World Cup. A golden opportunity awaits both clubs—not only to lift a prestigious global title but to take home a share of the $13 million prize pot.
For Chelsea, this is a chance to add to their growing international legacy. For Benfica, it’s about shaking off decades of European heartbreak and proving their resurgence on a global scale.
Team News & Line-ups
Chelsea – Hungry and Rebuilding
- Probable XI: Sánchez; James (c), Badiashile, Colwill, Cucurella; Caicedo, Lavia; Enzo, Neto, Palmer; Delap
- Manager: Enzo Maresca
Chelsea enter the match on the back of a convincing group stage performance. With captain Reece James back from injury, and Enzo Fernández facing his former club, the Blues will be firing on all cylinders. Young striker Liam Delap, who netted in his last outing, leads the line in the absence of Nicolas Jackson.
Benfica – Ready to Rewrite History
- Probable XI: Trubin; Bah, Otamendi, António Silva, Aursnes; Florentino, João Neves; Di María, Kokçu, Neres; Tengstedt
- Manager: Roger Schmidt
Benfica surprised the world by topping their group ahead of Bayern Munich. Now, legends like Ángel Di María and rising stars like João Neves will aim to break their historical “curse” and take down an English powerhouse.
Head-to-Head
- Chelsea have won all previous encounters with Benfica, including the 2013 UEFA Europa League Final.
- This marks their first-ever meeting outside Europe.
Key Battles
- Enzo Fernández vs João Neves – Former teammates at Benfica, now rivals in midfield.
- Delap vs Otamendi – Youth vs experience in the heart of Benfica’s defense.
- Palmer’s creativity vs Benfica’s high press – Can Chelsea unlock the backline?
What to Expect
Chelsea, under new management, have found momentum. Their blend of youth and returning stars could overpower Benfica—but the Portuguese side has proven doubters wrong before. Benfica will need composure, especially if Chelsea strike early.
Expect tactical discipline, flashes of brilliance from Palmer and Di María, and a fiercely contested 90 minutes.
Final Word
This isn’t just another Club World Cup match—it’s legacy vs redemption, talent vs tenacity, and possibly a statement victory on the road to global glory.
Don’t miss the kick-off at 9:00 PM (Nigerian time)—and prepare for fireworks in Charlotte.
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