Seven reasons why Chelsea fans need to watch the CWC

 

Seven reasons why Chelsea fans need to watch the CWC Chelsea may not be tipped as favorites heading into the newly expanded FIFA Club World Cup this summer, but that doesn’t mean fans should tune out — far from it. The Blues are headed to the U.S. as one of only two English teams in the tournament, having qualified through their 2021 Champions League triumph. And while the odds may paint Enzo Maresca’s squad as underdogs, that outsider status could be exactly what sparks something special. With a fresh-faced squad, rising stars like Liam Delap and Estevão Willian, and a manager eager to make a statement on the global stage, Chelsea’s Club World Cup journey could be more exciting than anyone anticipates. Whether it's about scouting the future, building momentum under Maresca, or simply embracing the chaos of a summer tournament in the States, here are seven reasons Chelsea fans won't want to miss a moment.

Time for Delap: Chelsea's New No.9 Ready to Make His Mark Chelsea are heading to the United States for the Club World Cup with four new signings in tow, but one name stands out above the rest: Liam Delap. Signed for £30 million ($40m) from Ipswich Town, the powerful young striker arrives with big expectations and the potential to solve Chelsea’s long-standing goal-scoring woes. Rather than joining up with England's U21 squad for the European Championship, Delap has been named in the senior Chelsea squad a clear sign of the club's immediate plans for him. The Club World Cup will offer fans a first glimpse of Delap in blue, and the 21-year-old will be eager to hit the ground running, aiming to challenge Nicolas Jackson for a starting role. In his first official interview with Chelsea media, Delap didn’t shy away from the size of the task: "Growing up watching this club, I understand the stature of it and how incredible it has been over the years. I wanted to come here to win trophies. When I spoke to the club, everyone wanted to get back to the very top, and they have the quality and the players to do that. The hunger and desire to keep adding trophies, to take the club back to where it belongs, that is the main objective." Chelsea fans will be watching closely. If Delap lives up to the hype, £30 million could turn out to be a steal—and a turning point in Chelsea’s return to the summit of world football.

New Energy in Midfield: Chelsea’s Fresh Core Set for Club World Cup Test Chelsea’s midfield is getting a much-needed injection of youth and dynamism as the Blues prepare for the Club World Cup. The arrival of Dario Essugo from Sporting CP, in a pre-agreed £18.5m ($25m) deal, adds steel and promise to the squad. The 19-year-old Portuguese talent, who has drawn comparisons to Moisés Caicedo for his aggressive ball-winning style, will be hoping to make an early impression on American soil. Essugo isn’t the only fresh face in the engine room. Andrey Santos, back from a brilliant loan spell at BlueCo-owned Strasbourg, is the sole loanee from 2024-25 to make the squad an indication that Chelsea see him as a key piece for the upcoming campaign. With Enzo Fernández and Caicedo both coming off demanding seasons and international duty, the Club World Cup offers a golden chance for Santos to step into a starring role. The Brazilian, who hit double figures in Ligue 1 last season, has fans excited about his box-to-box presence and goal-scoring instinct. If he can replicate that form in the U.S., Santos might just force his way into the first-team plans sooner than expected. As Chelsea aim for silverware and squad rejuvenation, all eyes will be on this new midfield duo to show they’re ready for the big stage.

Estevão in Action: Chelsea Fans Set for Early Glimpse of Brazilian Prodigy Chelsea fans will have to wait a little longer to see Estevão Willian don a blue shirt, but the Club World Cup will still offer a tantalising preview of what’s to come. The teenage sensation officially turns 18 in April and is set to join Chelsea in a blockbuster £56m ($71m) transfer from Palmeiras. But before his Stamford Bridge adventure begins, Estevão will be representing his current club at the tournament, as Palmeiras take their place in the competition thanks to their 2021 Copa Libertadores title. Known for his electric dribbling, flair, and audacity on the ball, Estevão has already drawn comparisons to some of Brazil’s greats. This stage could be his international coming-out party—and Chelsea fans will no doubt be watching closely. Speaking to DAZN ahead of the tournament, the young star said: "It feels great to be playing in a tournament like this, and to know that Palmeiras is among the best clubs in the world. Expectations are high, and the tournament will also be a great learning experience. There's no doubt that the goal is to win, and that goes for the whole team, not just me." Estevão may not be wearing Chelsea colours just yet, but the future is already taking shape; bright, bold, and full of promise.

Brazilian Test: Chelsea Brace for Flamengo in Club World Cup Group Stage While Chelsea won’t get the chance to face future star Estevão Willian and his Palmeiras side, they will still encounter top-tier Brazilian opposition at the Club World Cup—enter Flamengo. Drawn into a competitive group alongside MLS champions LAFC and African giants ES Tunis, the Blues will face a stern examination from Brazil’s current league leaders. Flamengo come armed with experience and flair. Uruguayan playmaker Giorgian de Arrascaeta is their standout threat, boasting a stunning 13 goal involvements in just nine Série A appearances this season. Alongside him, former Ligue 1 and Serie A midfielder Gerson has rediscovered his form since returning to Brazil, while dynamic right-back Wesley previously linked with Manchester United is another name to watch. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca is approaching the tournament with open eyes and an open mind. "It will certainly be a learning curve, because we’ll learn many things," he told FIFA. "These countries and different cultures coming together will likely bring unique moments compared to those we would typically experience here in Europe." He also touched on the atmosphere Brazilian fans bring: "Brazilian fans are great to watch, as well, because they are cheerful, entertaining. So, with their culture and our culture coming together, hopefully we’ll be able to ensure that the people who come to watch the games at the stadium have a great time." Club captain Reece James echoed the sentiment but added a note of caution: "I think that (playing against different styles) could work in our favour, but it could be difficult as well. We’re used to playing against teams in and around Europe, so the style is going to be different as well as how they prepare, how they set up; it will be tough." Facing Flamengo will be more than just a tactical challenge it’s a cultural clash, a test of adaptability, and a chance for Chelsea to show they’re ready to conquer the global stage.

The Palmer Show: Chelsea’s No.10 Ready for the Global Stage Cole Palmer is heading to the United States for the first time as a Chelsea player and the stage is set for him to steal the show. Having joined after last summer’s pre-season tour and missing out due to post-Euro 2024 recovery, this will be Palmer’s first opportunity to connect with Chelsea’s American fanbase in person. And this time, he’ll be doing it with the iconic No.10 shirt on his back. Palmer has made a habit of delivering when the spotlight is brightest. Whether it’s scoring screamers, unlocking defences with impossible passes, or stepping up in pressure moments, he’s quickly become Chelsea’s go-to man. Now, with the world watching at the Club World Cup, he’ll be looking to make his mark on the global stage. Manager Enzo Maresca knows exactly what he has on his hands: "I’ve said it more than once: Cole Palmer is up there with the very best—the top players who can produce something at any moment, create something out of nothing," he said ahead of the tournament. "He wasn’t with me on the USA tour last summer, so it will also be a chance for him to experience the environment there and to introduce himself to America." With his creative spark, calmness under pressure, and a knack for headline moments, the Palmer show is coming to America and Chelsea fans will be hoping the script ends with silverware.

A Chance for History: Chelsea Eye Rare Double at Club World Cup Where there’s silverware, there’s Chelsea and this summer, the Blues have a golden opportunity to carve out a unique piece of club history. Fresh off their UEFA Conference League triumph over Real Betis, Chelsea now turn their focus to the FIFA Club World Cup, where they could secure an unusual and prestigious double. It’s a feat rarely attempted, let alone achieved, but one that perfectly fits the club’s modern identity: relentless in pursuit of trophies, even when the odds are stacked. In true Chelsea fashion, the hunger to win remains ever-present. "When you are at Chelsea, your goal is always to win. Our goal each and every single game will always be to try to win them all," head coach Enzo Maresca told FIFA. "You need to see it [following in the footsteps of past managers] as a source of fantastic motivation. When we’re there, that will be one of our goals: to try to win it." Captain Reece James echoed the ambition and the weight of what’s at stake: "The goal for any competition is to win. We have an amazing squad, amazing team, amazing manager, and our goal is to win. I think any trophy of this significance is a huge honour for the club and, obviously, the first time will go down in history." For Chelsea, this tournament is more than just a pre-season showcase it’s a chance to reinforce their reputation as serial winners on the world stage, and to etch 2025 into club folklore.

Pressure’s Off: Chelsea Ready to Embrace Underdog Role at Club World Cup For once, Chelsea head into a major tournament without the burden of expectation and that could be their secret weapon. When the Blues kick off their Club World Cup campaign in Atlanta next week against LAFC, they’ll do so as rank outsiders. With European heavyweights like Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich, Inter, Manchester City, and Real Madrid all in the mix, few are tipping Enzo Maresca’s side to go the distance. But that’s exactly why Chelsea could thrive. Freed from the pressure of being favourites, the Blues have the opportunity to express themselves, play with freedom, and potentially shock the footballing world. The path isn’t easy, but it’s navigable. If they top Group C—where they face LAFC, Flamengo, and ES Tunis—they’re likely to meet Benfica or Boca Juniors in the Round of 16, with a potential quarter-final clash against Atletico Madrid looming. It’s a tough route, no doubt but Chelsea are no strangers to defying the odds. From Munich in 2012 to Porto in 2021, this is a club that has made a habit of turning underdog moments into legendary triumphs. This summer, they’ve got another chance to do just that.

See also: FIFA Club World Cup: The Last 10 Champions