Chelsea Arrives in Philadelphia for Club World Cup as Beckham Visits Inter Miami

Chelsea have landed at their training facility in Philadelphia as they prepare for the eagerly awaited kick-off of the FIFA Club World Cup this Saturday.

The Conference League champions touched down in the US just before 20:30 local time (02:30 CET) before making their way to the Union Training Facility in Chester, where they’ll be based for the tournament.

Competing in Group D of the newly formatted tournament, Chelsea will take on Brazilian giants Flamengo, Tunisian underdogs Esperance Tunis, and MLS side Los Angeles FC, who recently edged out Club América in a play-off to take the place of Club León.

Club León were disqualified from the tournament due to FIFA regulations concerning club ownership and shareholding, as Grupo Pachuca also holds a controlling interest in Liga MX’s CF Pachuca.

CF Pachuca is part of Group H, arguably the most challenging group, alongside RB Salzburg, Real Madrid, and Al Hilal.

The Blues will kick off their campaign against Los Angeles FC at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on June 16.

_______________________________________________

Sponsored:

FIFA Club World Cup – Watch Every Match Free, only on DAZN.

Sign up here to begin streaming.

_______________________________________________

Sir David Beckhams’s New Honor!

Meanwhile, Inter Miami co-owner and recently knighted Sir David Beckham observed as manager Javier Mascherano guided his star-studded squad, featuring Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez, through their final session before the tournament’s opening match against Egypt’s Al Ahly at Hard Rock Stadium on Saturday.

Mascherano expressed excitement about the atmosphere expected when the tournament kicks off.

“We find ourselves in a unique situation because, although we are in the United States, this area has a large Latino community, and you can truly sense that Latin American vibe,” he noted.

Defender Jordi Alba has been ruled out for the opening fixture due to a leg muscle injury but is expected to return for the match against Porto in Atalanta on Thursday, followed by their final group encounter against Palmeiras in South Florida.

Yannick Bright, a defensive midfielder, is also sidelined for the opening match, further complicating matters for the MLS club.

“Of course, we would have preferred to have a full squad ready for this match as it would bolster our chances,” Mascherano stated.

“This is a one-of-a-kind tournament, and we feel privileged to partake in it. Our participation stems from our achievements last season, and it’s a fantastic opportunity to gauge ourselves and see where we stand.”