Get ready, football fans! Tomorrow, Benfica take on Chelsea at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte in the Round of 16 of the FIFA Club World Cup. The Portuguese champions aim to continue their impressive tournament run, while Chelsea look to harness momentum and make a deep knockout-stage push.
Benfica turned heads in the group stage, toppling Bayern Munich to finish first in their section. They’ve shown fierce home-like intensity on neutral ground, with veterans like Ángel Di María leading the charge. Their confident performances have demonstrated that they can rise to big occasions.
Chelsea advanced as runners-up in Group D, cruising past Esperance Tunis 3–0. Manager Enzo Maresca has instilled an energetic style, and new striker Liam Delap is finding form—he scored in Chelsea’s decisive victory to secure their knockout spot. The Blues are on an upswing and eager to keep it going.
This hooks-up two heavyweight European clubs. Benfica enter with confidence and flair, while Chelsea bring momentum and depth. The midfield battle will be critical—possession and control could define the game’s rhythm. A tight, tactical encounter seems likely, but the team that seizes early momentum will have the edge.
