The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup debuts in the United States with a fresh format, gathering 32 elite clubs for the pinnacle of inter-club competition. This edition spotlights Group D, which brings together the newly crowned UEFA Conference League champions Chelsea F.C., South American powerhouses CR Flamengo (RJ), and African dark horses Esperance Sportive de Tunis. However, Club Leon were banned from the FIFA Club World Cup due to multi-club ownership rules, which has left two North American teams vying for the final spot, adding immense suspense. This is shaping up to be the most dramatic group in this FIFA Club World Cup.

UEFA Conference League New Champions Chelsea F.C.

English football giants Chelsea F.C., founded in 1905, are known as The Blues. The club was established by Gus Mears, a passionate sports enthusiast who, after many twists and turns, first acquired Stamford Bridge and then built the team around it, thus beginning a century-long story.

Chelsea F.C.'s early results were average. After Roman Abramovich took over in 2003, they transformed into powerhouses, once renowned for their iron-clad defense and parking-the-bus tactics, embarking on an endless path of trophy defense. Chelsea F.C.'s club history boasts 6 English top-flight league titles, 8 FA Cups, 5 EFL Cups, 2 UEFA Cup Winners' Cups, 2 UEFA Super Cups, 2 UEFA Champions League titles, 2 UEFA Europa League titles, and additionally, the 2021 FIFA Club World Cup title.

In this season's UEFA Conference League final, Chelsea F.C. faced Real Betis at the Wroclaw Stadium. Thanks to goals from Enzo Fernandez, Nicolas Jackson, Jadon Sancho, and Moises Caicedo, the Blues ultimately completed a comeback to defeat Anthony's Real Betis 4-1, lifting the Conference League trophy. With this, Chelsea F.C. secured a championship again after a four-year hiatus, and in doing so, completed the sweep of the Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League, Cup Winners' Cup, and UEFA Super Cup, becoming the first team to achieve a full grand slam of European football!

Chelsea F.C. primarily employ a 4-2-3-1 formation, emphasizing midfield control and quick transitions. The two defensive midfielders are responsible for interceptions and precise passing, while high pressing and quick counter-attacks are their main offensive tools, and set-piece tactics are highly effective. After the UEFA Conference League final, a journalist on social media highly praised the defensive midfield partnership of Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo, believing they possess both technique and strength and have the potential to dominate Europe in the future. Enzo Fernandez, as the midfield orchestrator, is the pivot for attacking and defensive transitions, while Moises Caicedo ensures defensive solidity and can also initiate quick counter-attacks. Cole Palmer, who had been experiencing a goal drought, delivered a brace of assists in the UEFA Conference League final and was named Man of the Match. He will continue to be a starting attacker and the source of creativity up front.

South American powerhouses CR Flamengo (RJ)

CR Flamengo (RJ) were founded in 1895, initially as a rowing club established by several skilled rowers, before evolving into a football club and playing their first competitive match in 1912. As one of the flag-bearers of Brazilian football, CR Flamengo (RJ) boast a glorious history with 7 Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A titles, 5 Copa do Brasil titles, 3 Supercopa do Brasil titles, and 3 Copa Libertadores titles.

CR Flamengo (RJ) are known for their attacking storm, possessing extremely strong midfield control, sharp breakthroughs on the flanks, and a significant set-piece threat. Defensively, they limit rivals’ shots through high pressing. Uruguayan midfielder Giorgian de Arrascaeta, who joined CR Flamengo (RJ) in 2019, has become one of the club's most important signings. He has wide coverage on the field, excels at ball control and dribbling, and has outstanding long-range shooting and set-piece abilities. This season so far, he has made 25 appearances, scoring 11 goals and providing 5 assists. Furthermore, according to renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano, Jorginho has confirmed his departure from Arsenal as a free agent, signing a three-year contract with CR Flamengo (RJ), and is eligible to participate in the FIFA Club World Cup. Jorginho's precise orchestration and experience will bring a positive impact to the club.

African dark horses Esperance Sportive de Tunis

Esperance Sportive de Tunis, from Tunisia, were founded in 1919 and are one of the most successful clubs in Tunisia, with a glorious record in multiple competitions. The club has won the Tunisian Ligue Professionnelle 1 title 34 times, the Tunisian Cup 16 times, and the Tunisian Super Cup 7 times. Looking across Africa, they have also won the CAF Champions League 4 times. Despite a squad not as formidable as many powerhouses, they carry the hopes of African football to make a breakthrough in this FIFA Club World Cup.

Esperance Sportive de Tunis excel at quick counter-attacks, utilizing flank speed to assault the opponent's defense. Additionally, their players possess strong physiques and do not shy away from tackles on the field. However, the team do lack major tournament experience, making it difficult to cause upsets. Algerian forward Youcef Belaili possesses both header advantage and ground dribbling ability. This season, he has made 33 appearances across all competitions, contributing 18 goals and 16 assists, making him the team's reliance up front.

Play-in Match Suspense

Originally, Club Leon were one of the members of Group D in this FIFA Club World Cup, but FIFA suddenly announced that Club Leon were banned from the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup due to multi-club ownership violations. It is understood that FIFA determined a common ownership relationship existed between Club Leon and Pachuca. According to the rules, each club must maintain independent operations and ownership structures, and these two Mexican teams are owned by the same group, thus deemed non-compliant with tournament entry standards.

Therefore, FIFA arranged a play-in between Los Angeles FC from the United States and Club America from Mexico to contend for the last spot in Group D. Los Angeles FC secured their qualification by finishing as runners-up in the 2023 CONCACAF Champions Cup (Club Leon were the champions at that time), while Club America currently rank third in the CONCACAF region of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Confederations ranking. This play-in has added a different kind of suspense to the group.

The match took place on June 1, 2025. Los Angeles FC and Club America drew 1-1 after 90 minutes. In extra time, Olivier Giroud provided an assist, and Denis Bouanga scored, helping Los Angeles FC catch the final train to the FIFA Club World Cup and secure their spot. Denis Bouanga contributed one goal and one assist in this match.

Group D promises to be a cross-continental football feast. Chelsea F.C., the new winners of the UEFA Conference League, are fully charged and ready to re-establish their dominance in the FIFA Club World Cup. There's also the passionate attack of CR Flamengo (RJ), the wild African flair of Esperance Sportive de Tunis looking to disrupt, and Los Angeles FC catching the final train, eager to get a piece of the action. Exciting matchups are about to unfold. Are you ready?