Chelsea head into Wednesday's decisive Group D clash against ES Tunis in Philadelphia knowing that a draw will be enough to book their place in the last 16 of the Club World Cup.
Their Tunisian opponents made a shaky start to the tournament with a 2-0 loss to Flamengo in their opening fixture but rebounded with a gritty 1-0 triumph over Los Angeles FC, keeping their hopes of progression alive. With the two sides sides locked on three points apiece, the stakes are high, victory for ES Tunis would send them through at Chelsea’s expense.
The Blues kicked off their campaign on a high, comfortably dispatching LAFC 2-0. But their second outing told a different story. Despite taking the lead against Flamengo, Enzo Maresca’s men suffered a second-half collapse, eventually falling 3-1 while also seeing forward Nicolas Jackson dismissed following a reckless challenge.
The Sporting News looks at the key details ahead of this game, including how to watch the match, kickoff times and the latest lineup news.
Where to watch Esperance vs. Chelsea: Live stream, TV channel
Here's how to watch this FIFA Club World Cup match in India:
TV channel: None
Live stream: DAZN
This game is not available for live TV broadcast in India. For fans who prefer to stream on the go, the tournament will also be shown live on DAZN.
All of the 63 matches throughout the tournament will be on DAZN and new users can sign up to watch every game for FREE.
Esperance vs. Chelsea start time
- Date: Wednesday, June 25, 2025
- Time: 6:30 a.m. IST
This FIFA Club World Cup clash between Esperance and Chelsea will kick off at 6:30 a.m. IST on Wednesday, June 25, from the Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Esperance vs. Chelsea predicted lineups, team news
ES Tunis are expected to stick with the same starting XI that delivered a strong showing against LAFC in their previous outing.
Veteran attacker Youcef Belaili, one of the standout figures in the squad, is set to feature once more in the forward line. Rodrigo Rodrigues is likely to lead the line through the centre again, continuing his role as the focal point of the attack.
On the flanks, Elias Mokwana will be one to watch, his pace and directness down the wing could cause plenty of problems for Chelsea. At the back, Yassine Meriah is expected to anchor the defence, bringing experience and composure to the heart of the backline.
ES Tunis predicted XI (4-4-1-1, right to left): Ben Said (GK) — Ben Ali, Tougai, Meriah, Ben Hamida — Mokwana, Guenichi, Ogbelu, Konate — Belaili — Rodrigo.
Injured: Kovacic
Suspended: None
Chelsea, meanwhile, will be without the services of striker Nicolas Jackson, who is suspended after receiving a red card in their heated clash with Flamengo.
The rest of the squad remains available, and new summer signing Liam Delap is likely to retain his place at the tip of the attack. Managerial tweaks could see Reece James shift back into his familiar right-back slot after featuring in midfield, potentially opening the door for Noni Madueke to slot into the front three and add more spark in the final third.
Chelsea predicted XI (4-2-3-1, right to left): Sanchez (GK) — James, Chalobah, Colwill, Cucurella — Caicedo, Fernandez — Madueke, Palmer, Neto — Delap.
Injured: None.
Suspended: Jackson (red card).
FIFA Club World Cup fixture schedule this week
All times IST
Monday, June 23
- Real Madrid vs. Pachuca (12:30 a.m.)
- Salzburg vs. Al Hilal (3:30 a.m.)
- Man City vs. Al Ain (6:30 a.m.)
Tuesday, June 24
- Atletico Madrid vs. Botafogo (12:30 a.m.)
- Seattle Sounders vs. PSG (12:30 a.m.)
- Inter Miami vs. Palmeiras (6:30 a.m.)
- Porto vs. Al Ahly (6:30 a.m.)
Wednesday, June 25
- Benfica vs. Bayern Munich (12:30 a.m.)
- Auckland City vs. Boca Juniors (12:30 a.m.)
- LAFC vs. Flamengo (6:30 a.m.)
- ES Tunis vs. Chelsea (6:30 a.m.)
Thursday, June 26
- Mamelodi Sundowns vs. Fluminense (12:30 a.m.)
- Bor. Dortmund vs. Ulsan HD (12:30 a.m.)
- Inter Milan vs. River Plate (6:30 a.m.)
- Urawa Red Diamonds vs. Monterrey (6:30 a.m.)
Wednesday, June 27
- Juventus vs. Man City (12:30 a.m.)
- Wydad vs. Al Ain (12:30 a.m.)
- Salzburg vs. Real Madrid (6:30 a.m.)
- Al Hilal vs. Pachuca (6:30 a.m.)
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