The group stage of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 has wrapped up, leaving just 16 teams to battle it out in the knockout rounds. One of the standout matchups will take place at Bank of America Stadium, where Benfica and Chelsea square off for a spot in the quarterfinals in a high-stakes showdown between two European giants.
Benfica arrive riding high after topping Group C, which included a surprise win over Bayern Munich. Head coach Bruno Lage will be pleased to welcome back key players: left back Alvaro Carreras returns from a one-game suspension, while striker Andrea Belotti is also available again after serving a two-match ban for his red card against Boca Juniors. The Eagles are looking to build on their momentum and keep their title hopes alive.
Chelsea, meanwhile, come into this matchup with questions lingering. The Blues secured expected—but unconvincing—wins over Los Angeles FC and Esperance Tunis, but stumbled in a 3-1 loss to group leaders Flamengo. Head coach Enzo Maresca is still searching for consistency as his squad tries to find its rhythm heading into the elimination rounds.
This clash is critical not just for immediate survival but for what lies ahead. The winner between Benfica and Chelsea will face the victor of Palmeiras in the quarterfinals, setting up the potential for a major transatlantic clash in the next stage.
European teams generally have the financial advantage over their South American counterparts, but this tournament has already seen its fair share of upsets—particularly from Brazilian clubs—reminding everyone that anything can happen on this stage.
see also
Download the complete 2025 FIFA Club World Cup schedule: PDF, Excel, and printable formats
Confirmed lineups for Benfica and Chelsea
Benfica’s confirmed lineup (4-3-3): Anatoliy Trubin; Fredrik Aursnes, Antonio Silva, Nicolas Otamendi, Samuel Dahl; Leandro Barreiro, Renato Sanches, Orkun Kokcu; Angel Di Maria, Vangelis Pavlidis, Andreas Schjelderup.Head coach: Bruno Lage
Chelsea’s confirmed lineup (4-2-3-1): Robert Sanchez; Reece James, Benoit Badiashile, Levi Colwill, Marc Cucurella; Romeo Lavia, Moises Caicedo; Cole Palmer, Enzo Fernandez, Pedro Neto; Liam Delap.Head coach: Enzo Maresca.
