**Benfica Face Chelsea in Club World Cup Quarter-Final: How You Can Watch for Free Tonight**
Tonight sees Chelsea square off against Portuguese giants Benfica in what promises to be a high-stakes Club World Cup quarter-final, taking place in Charlotte, North Carolina. The West Londoners are aiming for a place in the semi-finals, but they face a stern test against a Benfica side who have shown formidable form in the competition so far.
Chelsea’s campaign in the United States has been a mix of hard-fought victories and frustrating setbacks. They began their Club World Cup journey with a nervy 2-0 win over LAFC in a match that saw their American opponents squander several clear chances. This shaky start was followed by a 3-1 defeat to Brazilian side Flamengo—a match defined by a costly red card for striker Nicolas Jackson, whose reckless tackle left his team a man down.
However, the Blues bounced back in style in their final group match, comfortably dispatching Tunisia’s Esperance 3-0. The standout performer was new signing Liam Delap, who bagged his first goal for Chelsea. While the Premier League club only managed to finish second in their group, they managed to avoid an immediate clash with German heavyweights Bayern Munich—a fortunate twist given Bayern’s impressive campaign.
Now, Chelsea must contend with Benfica, who have been a standout force in this year’s Club World Cup. The Portuguese outfit secured their place at the top of Group C, notably edging past Vincent Kompany’s Bundesliga-winning side in a decisive 1-0 victory. That win, propelled by a disciplined performance despite key suspensions, means they now find themselves in pole position going into tonight’s quarter-final.
The much-anticipated fixture kicks off at 9pm UK time—4pm local time—at the Bank of America Stadium, the home of NFL franchise the Carolina Panthers. With a seating capacity of nearly 75,000, the venue is set to host thousands of football fans eager to see which European side will take one step closer to global club glory.
One notable issue for supporters based in the UK is that the match, unlike previous rounds, will not be broadcast on terrestrial television. While Channel 5 secured rights for elements of the competition, tonight’s big game is exclusively available via the sports streaming platform DAZN. The good news for fans is that DAZN is currently offering its ‘Freemium’ service, which allows viewers to watch selected matches—including Chelsea vs Benfica—free of charge.
To access the live stream, users should sign up for DAZN’s Freemium tier, which can be accessed on smart TVs, phones, tablets and laptops. There are no hidden fees for the standard free service, although those wishing to watch without advertising can opt for an ad-free experience at £14.99 per month. This move to streaming reflects a wider trend in sports broadcasting, with more major matches being shifted away from traditional TV.
In terms of team news, Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca faces some selection dilemmas. Nicolas Jackson remains suspended after his dismissal against Flamengo, paving the way for Liam Delap to lead the attack once more. Several key players—including the likes of Cole Palmer, Moises Caicedo, captain Reece James, Marc Cucurella and Levi Colwill—were rested in the last game and are all expected to return to the starting line-up.
On Benfica’s side, the Portuguese outfit are likely to field a full-strength team. Notably, left-back Alvaro Carreras missed their last game due to suspension, but is now available for selection following his side’s crucial group-stage win against Bayern. Benfica will be looking to build on their solid defensive displays, while Chelsea will aim to leverage their attacking talents to break down the opposition.
As the Club World Cup progresses, the eyes of the footballing world will be on Charlotte tonight for what promises to be a gripping encounter between two storied European clubs. For fans hoping to tune in live, DAZN’s free streaming service offers a welcome solution, ensuring no one has to miss out on the action—so long as they’re willing to keep an eye out for the adverts.
With both teams boasting international talent and a place in the semi-finals at stake, tonight’s clash is poised to deliver drama, tension, and no shortage of talking points. As ever, the Club World Cup continues to raise the profile of club football on the global stage, bringing exciting match-ups to fans across different continents.