When and where?

The second Round of 16 matchup at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup promises plenty of drama. Benfica and Chelsea will face off on Saturday, June 28 at 4:00 PM ET / 1:00 PM PT at the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. A high-profile clash with Champions League vibes, now playing out in the U.S.—referees still to be confirmed.

Benfica preview

The Eagles arrive flying high after delivering one of the best group stage performances in the tournament. They opened with a thrilling 2–2 draw against Boca Juniors, then flexed their offensive power with a 6–0 thrashing of Auckland City. The cherry on top? A statement 1–0 win over Bayern Munich, securing an undefeated first-place finish in Group C.

The Portuguese side has shown defensive stability and tactical adaptability against teams with very different styles. With a squad full of experience and dynamism, Benfica is looking to prove it’s a serious title contender.

Chelsea preview

The Blues come in as runners-up in Group D, after a rollercoaster campaign. They opened with a promising 2–0 victory over LAFC, but were brought back down to earth with a 3–1 loss to Flamengo. However, they bounced back strongly, closing out the group stage with a solid 3–0 win over Esperance de Tunis, sealing their spot in the knockout round.

Despite their inconsistency, Chelsea has shown flashes of quality and offensive versatility. Their coaching staff emphasizes a vertical style of play, built around quick transitions and a compact backline—when focus is maintained.

Key players

This matchup isn’t just about two European powerhouses—it’s a collision of recent Champions League veterans, loaded with talent on both sides. Players to watch include Ángel Di María for Benfica, currently the tournament’s top scorer with three goals, and Liam Delap for Chelsea, who already opened his account in this competition.

The stage is set: big-name squads, European tradition, and a quarterfinal ticket on the line in a one-game knockout. Will it be Portuguese efficiency or English pedigree that prevails?

Final thoughts

Statistically, Benfica looks sharper heading into the match: nine goals scored and only two conceded. Chelsea, meanwhile, has six goals for and three against, with a more inconsistent—but still dangerous—style of play. On paper, the Portuguese side has the edge, but the Londoners thrive in high-pressure situations.