Overview
Tunis opened the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup campaign with a 0-2 loss to Flamengo. However, they made an impressive comeback in their most recent appearance, winning 1-0 against Los Angeles FC.
Tunis is currently in third place in Group D with 3 points, equal to Chelsea. And they will advance to the round of 16 if they win against the Premier League team. A draw would not be enough because Chelsea have a better goal difference than them.
Maher Kanzari's side qualify for the FIFA Club World Cup as the highest-ranked side in the CAF's four-year rankings. This is their fourth tournament appearance, after 2011, 2018 and 2019.
In fact, Tunis have only lost once in all competitions since the beginning of April. That was a 2-goal defeat to Flamengo, and they will enter this match confidently thanks to a victory over LAFC.
Meanwhile, Chelsea opened the tournament with an easy 2-0 victory over LAFC. However, The Blues were then surprisingly defeated by Flamengo with a score of 3-1. Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson was sent off in the second half and they will have to work much harder to continue.
As mentioned, The Blues are holding second place thanks to a better goal difference. Therefore, a win or a draw will be enough for them to advance to the next round of the tournament.
However, their second consecutive defeat would see them eliminated. This is an almost unacceptable prospect for Maresca's side.
Chelsea are eligible to participate in the tournament as Champions League champions 2020-2021. This is their third appearance at the FIFA Club World Cup, previously in 2012 and 2021. The Blues won the championship in their most recent participation.
Personnel situation
ES Tunis could keep the same lineup that won against LAFC. Youcef Belaili is one of the team's best players and will once again play as a striker. Rodrigo Rodrigues could also start.
Elias Mokwana will be the next threat for Chelsea if he starts. In defense, Yassine Meriah is likely to be given the opportunity to appear.
On the other side of the front line, Chelsea will not have the service of Jackson after the red card he received in the match against Flamengo. In addition, The Blues will not have many changes to the starting lineup.
Expected lineup:
ES Tunis: Ben Said, Ben Ali, Tougai, Meriah, Ben Hamida, Mokwana, Guenichi, Ogbelu, Konate, Belaili, Rodrigo.
Chelsea: Sanchez, James, Chalobah, Colwill, Cucurella, Caicedo, Fernandez, Madueke, Palmer, Neto, Delap.
The match between ES Tunis and Chelsea takes place at 8:00 a.m. on June 25 (Vietnam time).
