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ES Tunis vs Chelsea - Club World Cup: Live score, team news and updates as Enzo Maresca's side secure spot in last-16 with dominant showing as star bags his first goal for the club

ES Tunis vs Chelsea - Club World Cup: Live score, team news and updates as Enzo Maresca's side secure spot in last-16 with dominant showing as star bags his first goal for the club
Thankfully, Chelsea did not need to spend too much energy in dispatching ES Tunis here, even if they did wait until first-half stoppage time to finally strike with two quick-fire goals. First, Enzo Fernandez set up Tosin Adarabioyo’s header. Then, Fernandez fed Delap for his fine finish.
From then on, it was more important that they did not overexert themselves with Tyrique George completing the scoreline in stoppage time. Not in this heat and humidity.

Liam Delap, Chelsea goalscorer, speaking on DAZN:

It's a great feeling, we needed to win today, and to get the goal is a special feeling.

On the curse of the number nine shirt:

You have to have belief and confidence as a player. It's just a number on a shirt, it doesn't mean that much to me, I don't believe in all of that stuff.

On his link with Enzo Fernandez:

He's an incredible player. We have spoken as much as we can. He tells me to run when he gets the ball, and today I did. I was lucky he passed it to me.

Well then, Chelsea have done their job.

That win means that they will face Benfica, who beat Bayern Munich earlier today, in the last 16.

Now, that's some step up from the level of competition that they have faced so far in this competition.

It all starts to get a little bit trickier from here on out, but that means it will also be more entertaining.

Well, fingers crossed anyway.

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JUNE 24: Liam Delap of Chelsea FC celebrates with team mate Tosin Adarabioyo after scoring to give the side a 2-0 lead during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group D match between Esperance de Tunis and Chelsea FC at Lincoln Financial Field on June 24, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jonathan Moscrop/Getty Images)

Chelsea's Club World Cup journey continues.

Three goals, three points, and the Blues take their place in the round of 16 here in the US.

It wasn't the best performance, but Enzo Maresca's side were always in control here in Philly, and could have had more than three on another day.

This time, Tyrique George does find the net!

Chelsea seem to be loving a stoppage time goal tonight, and George puts the polish on a good night in Philly for the Blues.

It's another low drive from the winger, but this time it somehow creeps under Ben Said, who really should do better in goal.

And that wraps it up at the death.

That would have been a lovely goal, but it wasn't to be.

Tyrique George draws in the defender down the left-hand side of the box, before a burst of pace creates space.

He then tries to arrow the ball across the keeper, but his powerful effort is well saved.

Ooooft, that's not a great challenge.

Ogbelu picks up a yellow for absolutely cleaning out Josh Acheampong as he breaks away.

Not good, not good at all.

Why is this referee doing this to us? We don't ned to watch that much stoppage time.

Marc Guiu does break away as I type that, but his effort is saved well.

Mamadou Sarr comes on in Chelsea colours for the very first time for the final few moments.

What a moment for the young lad.

I think we are all ready for this game to finish now.

It's very stop-start and there is no sting in the match anymore, it is stumbling to its end.

We all just want bed now, right?

That has stunned me. The ball clearly hits the hand of Meriah, but VAR has overturned the decision.

The referee doesn't really say why over the speaker, just spouts a load of waffle that is hard to understand over that mic.

Christopher Nkunku is about to take the penalty after putting the ball down on the spot.

But VAR makes him wait, and now the referee is going to the screen. Why? It definitely hit his hand.

WE usually know what this means.

Soccer Football - FIFA Club World Cup - Group D - Esperance de Tunis v Chelsea - Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. - June 24, 2025 Chelsea's Christopher Nkunku with referee Yael Perez after a VAR penalty review IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters/Caean Couto

Chelsea have a penalty, but my word has it come in a bizarre way. Not a single player appeals, but it's given.

Andrey Santos has a crack, and it just looks as though it has deflected wide for a corner.

But nope, the ball hits Meriah's arm, and the ref takes no time at all to give the spot kick.

This game is falling flat a little now.

I mean, it's pretty much over, and all that's happening are substitutions, which is great...

Speaking of them, Es Tunis make another as Raed Boucniba is now on.

A defender. Yep, that seems sensible when you are losing.

Chelsea fans, get excited.

All eyes are on Andrey Santos as he comes on to show what he is all about, and Tyrique George joins him.

Enzo Fernandez and Noni Madueke are the pair who make way.

Chelsea fans, get excited.

All eyes are on Andrey Santos as he comes on to show what he is all about, and Tyrique George joins him.

Enzo Fernandez and Noni Madueke are the pair who make way.

Phoarrrrr, where did that come from?

Almost out of nowhere, Noni Madueke nearly drives a belter into the bottom corner. I did not see that coming.

Chelsea work the ball over to the winger in the box and he takes no time at all to get the ball out of his feet and drill it across Ben Said and toward the bottom corner.

But it just flashes wide.

Here are those Chelsea substitutions that I was talking about.

Liam Delap is one of two players to make way, and he leaves with a beaming smile on his face. We all know why.

Marc Guiu comes on to replace him while summer signing Dario Essugo is on for Romeo Lavia.

Can the pair make their mark?

Ohhh, that's a chance, a real chance.

Christopher Nkunu has his head in his hands, he is not happy with himself after wasting a decent opportunity.

The ball comes Nkunku's way on the left-hand side of the area after good work from Noni Madueke, but he snatches at the chance and it goes well wide.

He should be doing better there.

Another change for Esperance.

This one is an enforced one as Jebri can no longer continue and Rodriguez comes on in his place.

Meanwhile, Chelsea are preparing changes of their own.

Two assists is not enough for Enzo Fernandez; now he wants a goal.

The Argentine bends a beauty toward the top corner from the edge of the box, but it drifts just inches over the bar.

The referee gives a goal kick, but the Chelsea man is convinced that the ball took a tickle off the head of an ES Tunis player.

The ref somewhat surprisingly, listens to him and then changes his mind to give a corner to the Blues.

The momentum that was gained at the back end of the first half has not rolled on to this second.

Five minutes gone and I have zilch to report.

Wait, just as I say that, Christopher Nkunku goes down in the box, but that is never ever a penalty. A dive, if anything.

Esperance made a change at the break.

Derbali has come on for Mokwana, who may have just made his last appearance for the club.

Many think he is off to South Africa, and if that's the case, he won't be happy with how his time in Tunisia has just ended.

Just like in the song Mamma Mia, here we go again.

The players are back out into the sweaty cauldron that is this stadium and are ready to go again.

Chelsea are 45 minutes from the knockout stages.

John Obi Mikel, former Chelsea midfielder, speaking about Liam Delap's goal on DAZN:

It's a great, great finish. A great bit of play. The physicality, the drop of the shoulder, and he slots it in the bottom corner of the goal. Delap has been a threat all game.

We have to start here, don't we?

I had a feeling that tonight would be the night that Liam Delap opened his Chelsea account.

What a lovely little turn and you just knew from then on that he would find the back of the net.

Well, who saw this coming five minutes ago?

I mean, I certainly didn't. This game was sleepwalking toward a stalemate as half-time approached, and I, for one, could not stop moaning.

But then, two goals in two stoppage time minutes means that all of a sudden, Chelsea are coasting into the knockouts.

I will not be moaning anymore, that's for sure.

What a moment for Liam Delap!

Like London buses, they say. You wait all that time for the opener, and a second comes just two minutes later.

Delap nets his first goal in the blue of Chelsea to double their lead, and what a lovely goal it is.

He takes the ball with his back to goal on the edge of the area, turns one defender, beats another, and then drives the ball into the bottom corner.

What a crazy couple of minutes.

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JUNE 24: Liam Delap #9 of Chelsea FC scores his team's second goal during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group D match between Esperance de Tunis and Chelsea FC at Lincoln Financial Field on June 24, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JUNE 24: Liam Delap #9 of Chelsea FC celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group D match between Esperance de Tunis and Chelsea FC at Lincoln Financial Field on June 24, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)

Now I really have been shut up!

Ever since I moaned about the amount of stoppage time, Chelsea have come to life, and now they lead.

Enzo Fernandez is involved again as he whips a free-kick into the mixer, and Tosin Adarabioyo climbs highest to meet it.

The centre-back heads the ball back where it came from into the ground, and it bounces into the back of the net.

Just what this game needed.

Chelsea's Tosin Adarabioyo (4) heads the ball to score his team's first goal during the Club World Cup Group D soccer match between Esperance Tunisie and Chelsea in Philadelphia, Tuesday, June 24, 2025. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Chelsea's Tosin Adarabioyo, is congratulated by teammate's Liam Delap, left, and Benoit Badiashile, right, after scoring his team's first goal during the Club World Cup Group D soccer match between Esperance Tunisie and Chelsea in Philadelphia, Tuesday, June 24, 2025. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

Well, that nearly shut me up.

Enzo Fernandez nearly hammers home an absolute stunner from 25 yards to make me look silly, but thankfully for my reputation, he doesn't.

Noni Madueke does really well to make his way up to the edge of the box before shifting the ball to Fernandez.

The ball bobbles nicely for the Argentine as he runs onto it, but he got just a bit too excited.

Ref, why have you done this to us?

This has hardly been a fun game to watch, and now we have to watch five more minutes of it.

I hate to be a grump, but I hate when fans to the Mexican wave.

They are doing it right now and that just tells me that this tournament is just a glorified pre-season competition.

Imagine somebody tried to start that wave in the Premier League.

Yep, you're all laughing after that sentence, aren't you? It wouldn't go down well.

Chelsea are lacking so much quality up front tonight.

Delap has been a nuisance, as I said, but they have still barely created any chances.

It feels like the Flamengo match all over again.

Liam Delap, what is that?

Just after I praised the fella, Delap misses an absolute sitter as the ball comes his way six yards out.

Luckily for him, he was miles offside and the flag is up, but still, he shanks wide after the ball falls his way following Hosj Acheampong's effort.

Delap may have been put off by some defending, but still... no excuses for that miss.

Liam Delap has been by far Chelsea's most dangerous asset so far.

Every time the striker gets the ball he looks to accelerate and cause some problems.

He can't quite get a shot away this time, but Benoit Badiashile does eventually, and Chelsea win a corner.

A water break... another one.

It's a proper one too, even the grass is getting a drink as the sprinklers are out.

Meanwhile, Enzo Maresca does not look happy as he is deep in conversation with Enzo Fernandez.

Things not going Chelsea's way right now.

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JUNE 24: A general view of Lincoln Financial Field as the pitch is watered during a hydration break during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group D match between Esperance de Tunis and Chelsea FC at Lincoln Financial Field on June 24, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
He's good at winning free-kicks, Liam Delap. Gets his body between the man and ball very well. I reckon Chelsea fans will grow to love his work rate up front over the coming season. Doesn't shy away or shirk the work.

I have a bad feeling that this will end 0-0.

If those of us in the UK have stayed up just for this to be a stalemate, I don't know what I'll do.

Oh yeah, I said I would cry. I would do that. Seriously, no joke.

Chelsea are starting to go through the gears now.

Don't get me wrong, they aren't playing that well, but little by little, they are pushing Esperance backward.

Rome Lavia has a crack from miles out, but his effort is blocked.

The players are taking some time for a quick drink.

I mean, it's fair. This is the hottest day on record in Philadelphia, which is saying something.

It's normally a city known for its snow, not its sun.

How a man as pasty white as Liam Delap is not burning in this, I will never know.

OK, that's a bit harsh, isn't it?

Captain fantastic to the rescue!

For a second, it looks as though Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall is set to head Chelsea in front from Malo Gusto's cross.

I even get ready to click goal, but Meriah gets back to head the ball off the line.

Well, I say off the line, but the replays show he was a few yards out, and the header was nowhere near going in anyway.

Still, we will give him praise... only fair.

How is that not a yellow card?

Ben Ali turns into a prime Randy Orton and clotheslines Noni Madueke as the winger looks to break away.

You just expect the full-back to be booked, but the card stays in the referee's pocket.

That's better, much better.

Liam Delap must have been told about my post because he has just come to life.

The striker is just so explosive and he dances away from a couple of bodies before driving a powerful low drive at goal.

It's a decent effort, but it's saved comfortably before Yan Sasse nearly sends a volley into orbit at the other end.

Better than nothing, I guess.

Come on guys, make this a more interesting game, please.

I told my colleague earlier that I would cry if this were a stalemate due to the fact that I should be sound asleep by now.

And these first 13 minutes have worried me greatly... so boring.

ES Tunis have wheels up top, jeez.

Every time they get on the counter, they have numbers flying forward, and Chelsea look worried.

This could be a long night for the Blues backline, it seems.

Nope, he has not had a chance, but he should have had one.

The striker gets stuck falt-footed at the back post as a Benoit Badiashile header comes his way following a corner.

He needs to be on his toes, but the chances goes begging as he doesn't react quickly enough.

ES Tunis then counter, but nothing doing.

Soccer Football - FIFA Club World Cup - Group D - Esperance de Tunis v Chelsea - Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. - June 24, 2025 Chelsea's Benoit Badiashile heads at goal REUTERS/Susana Vera

OK, OK... the seats are filling up.

I had a pop at how few fans seemed to be in the stadium before, but it appears that more have arrived just before this game started.

The bottom tier is nearly full. However, the top tier is empty, and this ground is still too big for this game.

Right, we are underway after that ridiculously naff build-up to this one.

The ball is rolling, and I hope that those of you who are reading this from the UK can stay up as long as possible.

And if you are, let's hope we are entertained.

Jeez, the player-by-player introductions are naff.

I have been off work for the past two weeks, so haven't had the chance to comment on it until now, but my word, it's silly. This isn't a 100m final, this is a football match.

You can tell that the players don't like it, either. Not a single one smiles as they make their way out onto the pitch.

Also, the atmosphere is pretty dead here. The ES Tunis fans are packed into one end, but bar that, there is little noise and a lot of empty seats.

Says everything about this controversial competition.

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JUNE 24: A general view of Lincoln Financial Field as the teams line up during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group D match between Esperance de Tunis and Chelsea FC at Lincoln Financial Field on June 24, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)

Enzo Maresca, Chelsea boss, on DAZN:

It's important. For me, for the club, for everyone. It's important for us to finish in the right way. The main reason [for changes] is that we play every three days, we try to rotate and give time to other players. The ones that are out are very tired.

On why Andrey Santos isn't starting:

He is working well day by day, he needs to understand how we play. The important thing is that the new ones continue to work the way they are working.

On being favourites to qualify:

For me, every game is tough. I know that you like to think we are the favourites. The last game [against Flamengo], we did some good things, some bad things. We need to improve things, but I always say that we are heading in the right direction.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JUNE 24: Enzo Maresca manager / head coach of Chelsea during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group D match between Esperance de Tunis and Chelsea FC at Lincoln Financial Field on June 24, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)

Right, we are nearly there.

I hope those of you Chelsea fans in the UK have managed to stay up with me - here's to hoping it's worth it.

Both teams are currently just polishing off their final preparations and will go back into the dressing rooms any moment now.

15 minutes until the ball gets rolling!

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JUNE 24: Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall #22 of Chelsea FC warms up prior to the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group D match between Esperance de Tunis and Chelsea FC at Lincoln Financial Field on June 24, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JUNE 24: A general view as Esperance De Tunisie warms up prior to the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group D match between Esperance de Tunis and Chelsea FC at Lincoln Financial Field on June 24, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Emilee Chinn - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JUNE 24: Liam Delap #9 of Chelsea FC warms up prior to the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group D match between Esperance de Tunis and Chelsea FC at Lincoln Financial Field on June 24, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Carl Recine - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
Chelsea warming up currently. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall is on the right wing in one drill being conducted. Malo Gusto is at left back and Josh Acheampong at right back in another. We'll see who's where after kick-off.
Soccer Football - FIFA Club World Cup - Group D - Esperance de Tunis v Chelsea - Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. - June 24, 2025 Chelsea players during the warm up before the match REUTERS/Susana Vera

John Obi Mikel, former Chelsea midfielder, speaking about Liam Delap on DAZN:

He has been fantastic since coming on [board]. One thing I like about him is that he is very good at bringing people into play.
He is only going to get better; he will improve. Hopefully, he will come into the team and the competition with Nicolas Jackson will be a healthy one.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JUNE 20: Liam Delap #9 of Chelsea FC looks on during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group D match between CR Flamengo and Chelsea FC at Lincoln Financial Field on June 20, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

If even an Argentine is wiping their face with water, then you know the heat is pretty darn bad.

Enzo Fernandez hasn't been warming up long, but it appears as though he needs to wipe the sweat away.

These are the types of games I am happy to stay home for; I'd melt over in Philly.

Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez cools off before the Club World Cup Group D soccer match between Esperance Tunisie and Chelsea in Philadelphia, Tuesday, June 24, 2025. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)

These guys know how to get rowdy.

ES Tunis may not be the most well-known side ever - I mean, not many of you will know who they are - but they have some of the best fans at the Club World Cup.

They have been brilliant so far in the group stage, and I expect them to bring the noise again tonight.

Let's hope we get a good atmosphere.

Liam Delap is already getting a lot of love from the Chelsea fans, despite only arriving earlier this month.

I'm just surprised this sign doesn't say, 'Please, can I have your shirt?'.

They just want Delap to feel the love, that's it. How it should be.

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JUNE 24: A Chelsea fan holds a banner showing appreciation for Liam Delap of Chelsea during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group D match between Esperance de Tunis and Chelsea FC at Lincoln Financial Field on June 24, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)

It's taken me a while, but I have finally gotten a hold of the ES Tunis starting XI.

I was starting to think I never would, but here it is.

ES Tunis starting line-up: Ben Said; Ben Ali, Meriah (c), Yan Sasse, Tougai, Jabri, Ben Hmida, Ogbelu, Konate, Mokwana, Guenichi

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JUNE 24: A general view of the Esperance De Tunisie dressing room prior to the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group D match between Esperance de Tunis and Chelsea FC at Lincoln Financial Field on June 24, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Emilee Chinn - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

Benoit Badiashile, Chelsea defender, speaking to DAZN:

It's going to be great for me and the team, also. Every player wants to play. When you lose every game, the most important thing is to learn. We made a mistake [against Flamengo] and we will try not to do it today.

On the soaring temperature in Philadelphia:

I think its the same for every team, the heat is for every team as well. We will try to do our best in these difficult conditions.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JUNE 16: Benoît Badiashile #5 of Chelsea walks into the stadium before the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group D match between Chelsea FC and Los Angeles Football Club at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on June 16, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Andrew J. Clark/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images)

Liam Dealp is going to be a hit at Chelsea, I just know it. Yes, I know we don't have much evidence to prove that theory yet, but just trust me.

When have I ever steered you wrong? Actually, don't answer that.

Honestly, though, Delap is one hell of a talent, and he is going to bag a lot of goals in the blue of Chelsea. The proof was in the pudding at Ipswich last season; he is a baller.

He is yet to score for Chelsea thus far in his two games, but only one of them was a start, and he is still just finding his feet. His time will come.

Soccer Football - FIFA Club World Cup - Group D - Esperance de Tunis v Chelsea - Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. - June 24, 2025 Chelsea's Liam Delap arrives at the stadium before the match IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters/Caean Couto
If Liam Delap, Tosin Adarabioyo, Marc Cucurella, Pedro Neto, Reece James or Moises Caicedo receives a yellow card tonight versus ES Tunis, they would be suspended for Chelsea’s last-16 tie vs Benfica. If Enzo Maresca's side get there, of course.
epa12188172 Referee Ivan Bartos (R) shows a yellow card to Liam Delap (L) of Chelsea during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 match between CR Flamengo and Chelsea FC in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA, 20 June 2025. EPA/WILL OLIVER

Oh look, the 12 fans that have tickets have arrived...

Only joking, a further 12 might turn up, we will see.

Anyway, the Chelsea boys are in town, and it seems that those who have turned up at the Lincoln Financial Field stadium early are happy to see them.

Just look at some of those smiles!

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JUNE 24: Chelsea FC fans cheer prior to the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group D match between Esperance de Tunis and Chelsea FC at Lincoln Financial Field on June 24, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Carl Recine - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
A Chelsea supporter cheers before the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Group D football match between Tunis' Esperance Sportive de Tunis and England's Chelsea at the Lincoln Financial Field stadium in Philadelphia on June 24, 2025. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP) (Photo by FRANCK FIFE/AFP via Getty Images)
Chelsea's Spanish defender #03 Marc Cucurella walks on the pitch ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Group D football match between Tunis' Esperance Sportive de Tunis and England's Chelsea at the Lincoln Financial Field stadium in Philadelphia on June 24, 2025. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP) (Photo by FRANCK FIFE/AFP via Getty Images)

'Is it too late now to say sorry?'

I hope that Nicolas Jackson is listening to the song Sorry by Justin Bieber through those headphones because that's what he should be after his brain fart against Flamengo.

If this were a Premier League game, Jackson would be nowhere to be seen after being suspended for two games.

So, instead, Jackson has arrived with the Chelsea camp just to watch from the sidelines.

I wonder what is going through his head - he doesn't look happy.

Soccer Football - FIFA Club World Cup - Group D - Esperance de Tunis v Chelsea - Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. - June 24, 2025 Chelsea's Nicolas Jackson arrives at the stadium before the match IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters/Caean Couto
Welp, Chelsea fans aren’t happy that even after so many changes, Enzo Maresca still isn’t giving Andrey Santos a chance to start. Maybe he’ll make his competitive debut as a substitute later. Filip Jorgensen is in goal instead of Robert Sanchez.
Cole Palmer is benched and Christopher Nkunku starts on the left wing with Enzo Fernandez presumably at No 10 and Noni Madueke on the right behind Liam Delap.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JUNE 16: Andrey Santos of Chelsea during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group D match between Chelsea FC and Los Angeles Football Club at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on June 16, 2025 in Atlanta, United States. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)

Enzo Maresca has taken a sledgehammer to the team that lost to Flamengo last week.

No, not literally... I hope.

The Italian has made eight changes with just Liam Delap, Malo Gusto, and Enzo Fernandez keeping their starting spots.

Delap's start is partly due to the fact that Nico Jackson decided to go a bit bonkers and pick up a red card against the Brazilian side.

Also, as I have already revealed, Cole Palmer is on the bench.

I have some early team news for you all because I know how much you love it. I mean, who doesn't love getting a sneak peek, eh?

It's one of the favourite parts of my job, finding out team news a little early. Is that sad? I hope not.

Anyway, what I can tell you is that Cole Palmer has been dropped by Enzo Maresca after his abject display against Flamengo.

That's all I can tell you for now, but soon the full XI will be revealed...

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JUNE 20: Cole Palmer #10 of Chelsea FC looks on during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group D match between CR Flamengo and Chelsea FC at Lincoln Financial Field on June 20, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

So, who will Chelsea play if they win?

Bayern this, and Bayern that. For the past few days, everybody has just expected Chelsea to face Bayern Munich in the round of 16. It's all I have heard from Blues fans.

Bayern were beaten by Benfica earlier today, which meant that the Portuguese side secured top spot in Group C.

It means the winner of tonight's game will face them in the next round.

Benfica's Andreas Schjelderup and Gianluca Prestianni celebrate after scoring during the Club World Cup Group C soccer match between Benfica and Bayern Munich in Charlotte, N.C., Tuesday, June 24, 2025. (AP Photo/Nell Redmond)

We are getting to THAT stage in the competition now.

I know a lot of people have moaned about the Club World Cup, and I mean, it's easy to see why.

A lot of the group games have been, well, let's say, pretty darn tough to watch. The small crowds say everything, pretty much.

But I have a feeling there will be a lot more eyes on it once we get into the knockout stages. The match-ups will be much better.

We already know four of the ties in the round of 16, and tonight we will find out two more.

Here is the schedule for the next round, so far:

  • 5pm BST: Palmeiras vs Botafogo
  • 9pm BST: Benfica vs Chelsea or Esperance
  • 5pm BST: PSG vs Inter Miami
  • 9pm BST: Flamengo vs Bayern Munich
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - JUNE 23: Luis Suarez of Inter Miami CF celebrates with teammate Lionel Messi after scoring the second goal of his team during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group A match between Inter CF Miami and SE Palmeiras at Hard Rock Stadium on June 23, 2025 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Luciano Bisbal/Getty Images)

Enzo Maresca, Chelsea manager, speaking on Monday:

In this moment, the focus is on the game. Football is full of surprises – bad surprises – so we need to be ready for the game tomorrow and win the game.
When you are the Chelsea manager or a Chelsea player, any game you don’t win is a headline. We are used to that. Tomorrow is a game where we have to do the right things to go through to the next stage and we will need to give our best.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JUNE 23: Head Coach Enzo Maresca of Chelsea attends a Press Conference at Lincoln Financial Field on June 23, 2025 in Philadelphia, United States. (Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)

It's all pretty simple, really.

Avoid defeat, and Chelsea will be in the last 16 of the Club World Cup.

However, nothing in football is ever that simple, let's be real. ES Tunis are here to be the party poopers.

The Tunisian side can qualify themselves if they beat Chelsea, which would in turn eliminate Enzo Maresca's team.

Flamengo and LA FC's fate is already sealed, with the Brazilian side set to finish top of Group D and the US side already knocked out of the competition.

So, while they play tonight, their game is irrelevant. All eyes are on Philly.

Can Chelsea get the job done?

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JUNE 16: Enzo Fernandez #8 of Chelsea FC celebrates scoring his team's second goal with Marc Cucurella #3, Cole Palmer #10 and Liam Delap #9 during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group D match between Chelsea FC and Los Angeles Football Club at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on June 16, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)
I’m arriving at the Lincoln Financial Field as we speak. It’s gone 7pm and it’s officially 37C, though the weather app says it feels like 39C.
It isn’t expected to be too different come kick-off, but we’ll see. In other news, the sniffer dog giving me a whiff was wearing crocs. Now that’s a hot dog.

Jeeeez, it's hot over in Philadelphia.

As I type this, the London skies outside are completely pitch black, and the stars are shining brightly. It's still hot, but not too hot.

Meanwhile, over in Philly, there is not a single cloud in the sky, and it is currently 37 degrees. Yep, you read that right. 37!

My colleague Kieran Gill, who is out there, has told me that he will be living off iced coffee this evening, and I certainly don't blame him. I don't know how I would cope in that heat.

I hope the Chelsea players brought their sun cream because they will burn badly if they don't. I'm not sure how they are going to deal with these temperatures.

Good luck, Kieran... I hope you at least get a tan.

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JUNE 24: A general view of Lincoln Financial Field prior to the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group D match between Esperance de Tunis and Chelsea FC at Lincoln Financial Field on June 24, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)

Right, who's still up then?

Well, I am, and I'm sure there are many devout Chelsea fans within the UK who are with me.

If you're in the US, well, lucky you. You don't have to keep your eyelids open with toothpicks to follow this match. You can grab a drink of your choice and enjoy the show.

What is that show, I hear you say?

Chelsea are bidding to bounce back from the disappointment of last week's loss at the hands of Flamengo to ensure safe passage to the Club World Cup knockout stages as they take on Tunisian side ES Tunis in Philadelphia.

All they have to do is avoid defeat, and they will be in the last 16. Sounds straightforward, am I right?

Well, the Blues haven't made things easy in this competition, so I wouldn't be sure that tonight will be a walk in the park.

Anyway, shall we get things started? I think so.

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JUNE 20: Pedro Neto of Chelsea FC celebrates after scoring the team's first goal during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group D match between CR Flamengo and Chelsea FC at Lincoln Financial Field on June 20, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rodolfo Buhrer/Sports Press Photo/Getty Images)
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