Benfica vs Chelsea: Club World Cup 2025 Last 16 – Match Preview & Analysis

Benfica vs Chelsea

Tonight, Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina, hosts a high-stakes European clash as Benfica face Chelsea in the Round of 16 at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. Both teams arrive with momentum and ambition, but only one will advance to the quarterfinals, where a meeting with the winner of Palmeiras vs Botafogo awaits.

Match Details

Fixture: Benfica vs Chelsea


Date: Saturday, June 28, 2025


Kickoff: 20:00 UTC / 4:00 p.m. ET / 9:00 p.m. BST


Venue: Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, NC, USA


Format: Single-elimination; extra time and penalties if needed.

Recent Form and Route to the Knockouts

Benfica topped Group C, highlighted by a gritty 1-0 win over Bayern Munich—a result that showcased their defensive resilience and ability to grind out results against elite opposition. Their group campaign also included a 2-2 draw with Boca Juniors and a 6-0 rout of Auckland City. Veteran Ángel Di María leads their scoring charts, while Nicolás Otamendi anchors a disciplined back line.

Chelsea finished second in Group D, rebounding from a 3-1 defeat to Flamengo with a dominant 3-0 win over Espérance de Tunis. New signing Liam Delap scored his debut goal, and Enzo Fernández continues to be a creative force in midfield. Despite missing suspended striker Nicolas Jackson, the Blues have shown depth and tactical flexibility under Enzo Maresca.

Key Storylines & Tactical Battles

Midfield Duel: The engine rooms will be crucial. Chelsea’s trio of Moisés Caicedo, Enzo Fernández, and Roméo Lavia face Benfica’s Orkun Kökçü, Leandro Barreiro, and a resurgent Renato Sanches. Caicedo’s defensive prowess will be tested against Kökçü’s creativity.


Wings and Wide Play: Cole Palmer, Chelsea’s creative spark, is expected to test Benfica’s highly-rated left-back Álvaro Carreras, a player reportedly on Real Madrid’s radar. On the opposite flank, Di María’s experience and set-piece threat can trouble Chelsea’s defense.


Striker Spotlight: With Jackson suspended, Delap leads the line for Chelsea. His physicality and movement will be matched against Otamendi’s experience and leadership at the heart of Benfica’s defense.


Heat and Conditions: The North Carolina heat (expected around 32ºC at kickoff) and the temporary grass surface could affect tempo and fitness, especially in extra time.

Historical Context

Chelsea and Benfica share a rich European history. The Blues have won all three previous competitive meetings, including the 2013 Europa League final and the 2011/12 Champions League quarterfinals. However, tonight marks their first-ever meeting in the Club World Cup, with Benfica aiming for a historic first win over the Londoners.

Predicted Lineups

Benfica (4-2-3-1) Trubin, Aursnes, Silva, Otamendi, Carreras, Barreiro, Sanches, Di María, Prestianni, Schjelderup, Pavlidis.

Chelsea (4-2-3-1) Sánchez, James, Adarabioyo, Colwill, Cucurella, Caicedo, Fernández, Neto, Palmer, Madueke, Delap.




Key absences: Florentino Luis (Benfica, injury), Nicolas Jackson (Chelsea, suspended).

Odds & Predictions

Chelsea are slight favorites, with the Opta supercomputer giving them a 45.1% chance of winning in 90 minutes and a 58.7% chance of progressing overall.


Benfica are seen as underdogs but have momentum after their Bayern win and are unbeaten in the tournament.

Expert Prediction: Expect a tightly contested match decided by moments of individual brilliance or defensive lapses. Chelsea’s squad depth and attacking options give them a narrow edge, but Benfica’s resilience and tactical discipline could force extra time.

Conclusion

This all-European Round of 16 clash promises drama, tactical intrigue, and high stakes. Chelsea’s pedigree and squad depth make them favorites, but Benfica’s recent form and defensive solidity mean an upset is possible. The winner will move one step closer to global glory—and a potential showdown with Brazil’s best.

Stay tuned for full-time analysis and player ratings after the final whistle.