Chelsea Face High-Stakes Showdown with ES Tunis in Club World Cup Clash
So here we are, looking at one of the most intriguing fixtures of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup group stage — Chelsea versus ES Tunis. The tension is high, the stakes even higher. With both teams level on points heading into this match, it all comes down to this game in Philadelphia to decide who moves on to the last 16. And while a draw is enough for Chelsea to scrape through thanks to their better goal difference, they’re certainly not taking this lightly.
Chelsea’s journey through the group stage has been a rollercoaster. They opened their campaign with a solid 2-0 win over LAFC, giving fans hope that Enzo Maresca's men had found their rhythm. But things took a sharp turn in their second outing against Flamengo. Despite taking an early lead thanks to Pedro Neto, the Blues crumbled in the second half, conceding three goals and losing both the match and forward Nicolas Jackson, who saw red for a reckless challenge. That loss has left their qualification hopes hanging by a thread.
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Meanwhile, ES Tunis have shown serious resilience. After losing their first match 2-0 to Flamengo, they bounced back with a gritty 1-0 win over LAFC, keeping their tournament dreams alive. Veteran forward Youcef Belaili was pivotal in that match and remains their danger man, operating just behind Rodrigo Rodrigues up front. Their defense, led by Yassine Meriah and anchored by goalkeeper Bechir Ben Said — who saved a last-gasp penalty in their last game — will be tested to the limit against Chelsea’s attacking lineup.
There are also some intriguing lineup developments. Chelsea boss Maresca hinted at squad rotation due to the searing heat in Philadelphia — temperatures are expected to touch 100°F — making training nearly impossible. This opens the door for Christopher Nkunku to possibly start, despite swirling transfer rumors linking him with Manchester United. With Jackson suspended, and doubts lingering over Reece James and Levi Colwill due to illness, the spotlight falls on Nkunku, Madueke, and Palmer to lead Chelsea’s front line.
Chelsea are expected to line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation with Robert Sanchez in goal, and a defensive line possibly including Colwill and Cucurella. Fernandez and Caicedo will likely hold the midfield, with Palmer, Neto, and Madueke supporting Nkunku up front. ES Tunis are sticking to their trusted 4-4-1-1, with Belaili free behind Rodrigo and Mokwana offering width and pace.
Looking ahead, most analysts predict Chelsea to edge this, but it won’t be easy. The African champions have nothing to lose and everything to gain — and that makes them dangerous. Chelsea, for all their talent, have shown they can be vulnerable under pressure. It’s likely to be a scrappy affair, dictated more by grit than glamour, but expect Chelsea’s experience and quality to shine through when it matters most.
Prediction? I’m calling it: Chelsea 2, ES Tunis 0. But in football — especially in knockout scenarios — anything can happen. So buckle up, this could get dramatic.
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