Chelsea will fight for their place in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup quarterfinal on Saturday evening when they face Benfica in the last 16.
Routine victories over Los Angeles FC and Espérance de Tunis during the group stage sandwiched an underwhelming defeat to Flamengo on Matchday 2, with their collapse against the Brazilians costing them top spot. However, finishing second has arguably proved a blessing as Chelsea avoid a last 16 clash with Bayern Munich.
Enzo Maresca rested key personnel during the 3–0 victory over ES Tunis last time out and relied on an array of fringe players to secure Chelsea’s place in the Club World Cup knockout stage. But the Italian should field his full-strength starting XI for the clash with Benfica.
Here’s how the Blues could line up in Charlotte.






