The Blues are not being talked about as potential winners, but there's every reason why their supporters should enjoy the tournament
Chelsea will break new ground this summer as one of just two English clubs competing in the revamped, expanded Club World Cup in the United States, but no-one is expecting the Blues to come anywhere close to winning it having qualified by virtue of lifting the Champions League way back in 2021.
Enzo Maresca's men will instead be rank outsiders in the U.S. as they rival some of Europe's biggest clubs for the elusive title of world champions at club level – though that will probably suit them just fine.
Indeed, there is plenty for a new-look Chelsea to be excited about as the tournament looms, and if they play their cards right, there is a chance that the darkest of dark horses can defy expectations…
Getty ImagesTime for Delap
Chelsea are taking four new signings with them to America, but there is undoubtedly one standout among them: Liam Delap. The Blues will hope they have finally ended their goal-scoring struggles by winning the hard-fought battle for the ex-Ipswich Town frontman, who – at £30 million ($40m) – could prove to be an absolute bargain.
The Club World Cup will give fans an unusual preview of what is to come, and Delap will be determined to hit the ground running so as to stake a claim for a starting place ahead of Nicolas Jackson, having been included in the squad instead of heading to the Under-21 European Championship with England.
Speaking in his first in-house interview ahead of the tournament, Delap said: "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."
AdvertisementGettyNew energy in midfield
Chelsea have reinforced in midfield, too, with Dario Essugo completing a pre-agreed £18.5m ($25m) transfer from Sporting CP in time for the tournament, while Brazilian Andrey Santos is the only 2024-25 loanee included in the squad with a view to integrating him into the first team next season after a stellar campaign at Blueco-owned Strasbourg.
Blues fans will probably hope to see Moises Caicedo get plenty of rest after excelling in a gruelling season that was followed swiftly by international duty, and they will hope highly-rated Portuguese Essugo – who has compared himself to the Ecuadorian – can fill the role of midfield destroyer in the States.
Santos, meanwhile, could step into Enzo Fernandez's boots, with the Argentine probably needing a break too having been similarly ever-present alongside Caicedo and involved in Argentina's World Cup qualifiers in South America this past week. Santos has generated plenty of excitement by hitting double figures for goals in France this season, and this will be the perfect opportunity to impress.
Watch every FIFA Club World Cup game free on DAZNStream nowGetty ImagesEstevao in action
One player Chelsea won't have in their ranks is Estevao Willian, despite the wonderkid turning 18 in April ahead of his hotly-anticipated £56m ($71m) switch to Stamford Bridge. But while he won't be in a blue shirt, supporters will still be able to get a glimpse of the wonderkid in action at the tournament.
The decision has been taken for the prodigious attacker to instead go to the Club World Cup with his current employers, Palmeiras, who have qualified courtesy of their Copa Libertadores triumph in 2021. An electric dribbler with a penchant for the sublime, he is primed to light it up.
Speaking to recently, the teenager 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."
Getty Images SportBrazilian test
While Chelsea won't face Estevao and Palmeiras, they will be taking on Brazilian opposition in the form of Flamengo in a group that also contains LAFC and ES Tunis. The Mengao currently top the Brasileirao and have a host of quality, experienced heads at their disposal.
Uruguayan attacker Giorgian de Arrascaeta will be the dangerman for the Blues' defence, having racked up 13 goal involvements in just nine games in Brazil's Serie A so far. Midfielder Gerson, meanwhile, has re-established himself back in his homeland after a failed spell in Europe, and right-back Wesley is highly regarded having been linked with Manchester United.
Blues head coach Maresca is relishing the challenge. "It will certainly be a learning curve, because we’ll learn many things," he told . "These countries and different cultures coming together will likely bring unique moments compared to those we would typically experience here in Europe.
"As far as culture is concerned, 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."
Captain Reece James added: "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."
