Chelsea Advances in the FIFA Club World Cup: What Fans Need to Know
The Blues have secured their spot in the round of 16 of the FIFA Club World Cup with an impressive 3-0 victory over ES Tunis. As excitement builds for the knockout stages, let’s delve into how the tournament operates, the yellow card situation, and Chelsea’s potential route to the final.
Understanding the Club World Cup Knockout Stage
Once the group matches are concluded, the top two teams from each of the eight pools advance to the knockout stage in a traditional bracket format. This structure is reminiscent of the World Cup and the UEFA Champions League. The knockout tournament begins with the last 16, where the winners will face off against the runners-up of each group.
In total, eight teams will move on to the quarter-finals, paving the way for four semi-final spots. The ultimate showdown will determine the Club World Cup champion for 2025, and each step of this tournament promises to be a thrilling encounter.
Who Will Chelsea Face in the Round of 16?
Chelsea’s next challenge comes against Benfica in the round of 16, scheduled for Saturday, June 28. The match kicks off at 4 PM local time (9 PM UK time) at the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte. This matchup presents an exciting opportunity for the Blues to prove their mettle against a formidable opponent.
Looking Ahead: Possible Quarter-Final Opponents
If Chelsea successfully navigates past Benfica, they will face one of two Brazilian squads: Palmeiras or Botafogo. This quarter-final match is set to take place in Philadelphia on Friday, July 4. Chelsea fans will keenly anticipate this potentially high-stakes clash against some of South America’s finest teams.
Potential Semi-Final Matchups
While the semi-final opponents remain uncertain, heavyweights like Real Madrid, Manchester City, and Juventus are very much in the mix. The semi-final is scheduled for Tuesday, July 8, in MetLife Stadium, New Jersey. This matchup could shape up to be a defining moment in Chelsea’s quest for global glory.
Yellow Card Rules and Suspension Updates
Yellow cards are critical in any knockout tournament. Players who receive two yellow cards during the tournament face a one-game suspension. However, it’s essential to note that any single yellow cards will be wiped clean after the quarter-finals.
Chelsea has a few players who have been cautioned: Tosin Adarabioyo, Moises Caicedo, Liam Delap, Marc Cucurella, Reece James, and Pedro Neto. If any of them receive a yellow card against Benfica, they would be suspended for the quarter-final should Chelsea progress.
In addition, Nicolas Jackson is currently serving a two-match ban, having already missed one game, which means he will be unavailable against Benfica.
Other Confirmed Last-16 Ties
As of mid-week, the landscape of the last-16 is becoming clearer. Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain are set to face Inter Miami, while Flamengo will battle with Bayern Munich. Additionally, the winner of the Palmeiras vs. Botafogo match will draw Chelsea in the quarter-finals.
How to Watch Chelsea in the Club World Cup
For fans eager to catch every moment of the Club World Cup, DAZN will stream all matches for free worldwide. Don’t miss the chance to cheer on the Blues as they embark on their journey for global supremacy.
Sign up for DAZN to watch Chelsea play for free!
As Chelsea prepares for their next match, fans can look forward to an exhilarating continuation of this prestigious tournament.
