Chelsea vs ES Tunis: Club World Cup Clash Set for High Stakes and Tactical Drama

Chelsea and ES Tunis Prepare for a High-Stakes Showdown in Philadelphia

The air in Philadelphia is thick with anticipation as Chelsea and ES Tunis gear up for what could be the game that shapes Group D of the FIFA Club World Cup. On June 25, 2025, under the floodlights of Lincoln Financial Field, the two teams will meet for only the third time—yet already, this is a rivalry marked by big swings and sharp tactical contrasts.

There's history here. In their last meeting, Chelsea put on a show, cruising to a 3-0 win that left little doubt about their quality going forward. But if you dig a bit deeper, their head-to-head record sits perfectly balanced—each team with one victory. The first clash saw ES Tunis grind out a 1-0 result, relying on their knack for disciplined, organized defending. So, even though Chelsea are the bigger name, there's enough evidence to suggest that the Tunisian champions don't just show up—they fight.

Form Guide, Tactics, and Players to Watch

Chelsea enter this match with a clear statement of intent. Their last five games yielded three wins and two setbacks, averaging close to two points per fixture. They haven't always been perfect, but their squad depth and lineup variety have kept them within striking distance of group leaders. They sit in second place, but momentum is on their side.

ES Tunis, currently third in the group, have quietly put together a solid run of their own. Three wins from five matches reveal a side that's tough to break down—they only give up about 0.6 points per game, which tells you just how hard it is to get past their defensive wall. It's not flashy, but it's effective against almost every opponent they've faced this season.

Who should fans keep an eye on? For Chelsea, Armando Broja has emerged as a dynamic presence up front, finding pockets of space and punishing defenders with quick movement. Add Raheem Sterling into the mix, and you've got a forward line that can turn half-chances into goals in a blink. On the flip side, ES Tunis might not have a global superstar, but what they do have is a team-first mentality. Their strategy hinges on a rock-solid midfield—capable of breaking up play and launching those rapid counter-attacks, especially from set-pieces.

Fans can also expect Chelsea to push the tempo, using width and speed to break open gaps in the Tunisian lines. ES Tunis, meanwhile, will counter with disciplined lines, compact defending, and calculated aggression during set plays. Both teams have shown they can surprise the other—so the chess match between the dugouts could prove just as decisive as the action on the pitch.

As for the X-factor? It might just come down to the finer margins: a split-second decision, a moment of individual magic, or perhaps a defensive lapse. Bookmakers lean toward Chelsea, not just for their big-game experience but also for their ability to rotate quality players in every position. That said, ES Tunis have embraced the underdog role before—and they’ve got a well-drilled plan that can stifle even the most talented of squads.

It's set up to be a close affair. Smart money pegs Chelsea for a narrow win, maybe 2-1, but nobody’s writing off the possibility of a surprise. And with so much at stake for both clubs, expect both sets of supporters to make their voices heard, turning a night in Philadelphia into something unforgettable for everyone who loves the beautiful game.