Chelsea Draw LAFC in Expanded Club World Cup

Chelsea will face Los Angeles FC (LAFC), Flamengo, and Esperance Sportive de Tunis in Group D of the expanded 32-team FIFA Club World Cup, with their opening match against LAFC scheduled for June 16 in Atlanta. LAFC qualified after a dramatic extra-time win over Club América, following Club León's disqualification due to shared ownership with Pachuca—a decision upheld by FIFA and the Court of Arbitration for Sport. Former Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud now plays for LAFC, adding intrigue to the matchup. The tournament features a record $1 billion prize pool, with LAFC set to receive $9.55 million for participation. Chelsea enters the competition on the back of a Europa Conference League victory and recent Champions League qualification. Both clubs are expected to strengthen their squads prior to the tournament.