**Chelsea Set for Club World Cup Opener Against LAFC: How to Watch in the UK**
Chelsea FC are gearing up for their much-anticipated 2025 FIFA Club World Cup debut as they take on Los Angeles FC this Monday night in Atlanta, marking a significant moment under new manager Enzo Maresca. As excitement mounts, British viewers are keen to know how to catch all the action live and for free, with significant developments in both the tournament format and broadcasting arrangements this year.
The Club World Cup has been a regular fixture on the football calendar since 2005. However, 2025 heralds sweeping changes to its structure. FIFA has expanded the tournament from seven to 32 teams and shifted to a four-year cycle, aiming to amplify its prestige and position it as a true global club competition parallel to the Champions League. By broadening the field, football’s top governing body hopes to attract a wider audience and showcase a greater variety of talent from every corner of the world.
Chelsea enter the tournament as 2021 UEFA Champions League winners, representing one of two English Premier League outfits in the expanded tournament, with Manchester City also flying the flag for the UK. The Blues share their group with three other clubs: North American hopefuls LAFC, Brazilian giants Flamengo, and Tunisian champions Tunis. This sees them face a round-robin stage where only the top performers will progress to the much-sought-after knockout rounds, culminating in the grand final on 13 July.
The opening clash between Chelsea and LAFC is scheduled to begin at 8pm BST on Monday, 16 June, taking place at Atlanta’s state-of-the-art Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Earlier, Brazilian side Botafogo saw off the Seattle Sounders, setting the tone for what promises to be a thrilling day of world club football—with Boca Juniors also set to do battle with Benfica later in the evening.
For those wondering how to follow Chelsea’s campaign from the UK, there is good news on the broadcast front. While global streaming service DAZN is set to show all tournament fixtures and offers free sign-up, domestic viewers can also tune in via terrestrial television. Channel 5, having secured rights to broadcast 23 of the month-long tournament’s matches, will be showing Chelsea’s opener live, with coverage starting from 7pm. The network plans to televise further matches involving English sides—including Chelsea’s encounter with Tunis and Manchester City’s group contests—alongside select knockout ties and the all-important final.
Turning to team news, Maresca’s squad selection generated headlines with several high-profile omissions. Notable absentees include the likes of Joao Felix, Raheem Sterling, Ben Chilwell, Djordje Petrovic, and Axel Disasi, each left out for a variety of reasons including form, tactical considerations, and, in Wesley Fofana’s case, injury. However, the youthful energy and fresh faces among the squad offer intrigue, as new signings such as Liam Delap and Dario Essugo look set for their Chelsea bow, joined by the highly-rated Andrey Santos who is poised for his first competitive appearance under Maresca. Summer signings goalkeeper Mike Penders and defender Mamadou Sarr also provide further cause for optimism.
On the opposing side, LAFC boast some big names likely familiar to Premier League followers. Veteran French goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, formerly of Tottenham, is set to marshal their defence, while seasoned striker Olivier Giroud—well remembered for his spells at both Arsenal and Chelsea—is expected to feature from the bench, bringing further pedigree to the contest.
As the revamped tournament lifts off in the US, Chelsea fans at home can enjoy comprehensive coverage and hope their side can navigate what is certain to be a challenging path to the final. With new players seeking to make their mark and the managerial reign of Maresca truly beginning, all eyes will be on Atlanta this Monday for what could be a defining summer for the London club.
Football enthusiasts across the UK have been offered a rare chance to watch elite international club football without a paywall, elevating anticipation around this fresh new era for the Club World Cup. Whatever the outcome, the stories, debuts, and drama that ensue promise to add yet another fascinating chapter to Chelsea’s storied history on the world stage.