Philadelphia, June 15: Fresh off their triumphant UEFA Conference League campaign, Chelsea have landed in the United States with their sights firmly set on more silverware — this time at the prestigious FIFA Club World Cup.
The Blues, under new head coach Enzo Maresca, arrived at their base in Philadelphia on Friday, naming a 28-man squad to begin their preparations for a tournament that promises both challenge and opportunity.
Chelsea are scheduled to kick off their campaign against Major League Soccer side LAFC, who will enjoy the home advantage of familiar conditions in Los Angeles.
The match marks the beginning of what is expected to be a demanding summer for the West London club, with little breathing space between the end of the domestic season and the start of international commitments.
Speaking ahead of Monday’s clash, Maresca acknowledged the tight turnaround his squad has had to endure. “We had a few days off after the Conference League final,” he said in an interview with Chelsea’s in-house media. “But then we returned and started preparing immediately for this competition. It came around so quickly — we had to be ready. The good thing is that we ended both the Premier League and Conference League campaigns on a high. That has helped bring positive energy into the camp, and now we’re fully focused on the Club World Cup.”
The Club World Cup represents a new test for the recently appointed Italian manager, who will be eager to stamp his philosophy on a Chelsea side undergoing significant transition.
Several new faces could be in line for their first taste of action in blue, with summer signings Liam Delap, Mamadou Sarr, and Dario Essugo all named in the travelling squad.
Their inclusion suggests that the club may use the tournament not only to contend for glory but also to blood fresh talent as part of a longer-term project.
For Chelsea, the Club World Cup serves as a critical checkpoint — not just in terms of silverware, but in establishing rhythm, chemistry and tactical clarity ahead of the new season. The players have had limited recovery time, yet the hunger within the camp appears undiminished. With the memory of European victory still fresh, the squad seems poised to channel that momentum onto a new international stage.
As anticipation builds for Monday’s opening fixture, fans and pundits alike will be watching closely to see how Maresca’s side fares against LAFC — a formidable opponent on home soil and one that epitomises the growing strength of football in the United States. For Chelsea, it’s more than just a match. It’s a statement of intent. (Agencies)
