Why Chelsea Fans Should Be Excited About the Club World Cup: Liam Delap, Estevao & More

A fresh start in the U.S. for a new-look Blues squad

Chelsea might not be among the favourites heading into this summer’s expanded FIFA Club World Cup, but that doesn’t mean the west London club are going just to make up the numbers. With a wave of new signings, a promising manager in Enzo Maresca, and a youthful squad hungry to prove themselves, the Blues are quietly preparing to make some noise in the United States.

They’ll be one of just two English sides involved in the 32-team tournament and, while some fans might be sceptical about their chances of lifting the trophy, there’s a growing sense that Chelsea could be the dark horses of the summer.

From Liam Delap’s anticipated debut to a rare chance to scout future star Estevao Willian — plus a handful of other intriguing storylines — here are seven reasons Chelsea supporters won’t want to miss a minute of the Club World Cup.

Liam Delap’s big audition

The headline act of Chelsea’s transfer activity so far has been the £30 million signing of Liam Delap — and the Club World Cup offers the perfect setting for him to introduce himself.

The former Ipswich Town striker arrives with a reputation for power, movement and finishing ability that could finally solve Chelsea’s long-standing striker dilemma. And with Nicolas Jackson away and the U21 Euros off the table, Delap will get his chance to lead the line in the U.S.

In his first sit-down with club media, Delap spoke with the conviction of a man ready for the spotlight: “Growing up watching this club, I understand the stature of it… The hunger and desire to take the club back to where it belongs is the main objective.” Expect him to approach this tournament like a man on a mission.

Midfield overhaul: Santos and Essugo step up

Liam Delap Chelsea 2025-26

Chelsea’s rebuild under Maresca is already underway, and midfield is a key area of change. With Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo likely in need of rest following their heavy workloads and international commitments, fans will get an early look at new blood.

Portuguese teenager Dario Essugo arrives from Sporting CP for £18.5 million and has openly modelled his game on Caicedo’s — physical, combative, and clean in possession. He could well anchor the midfield across the group stage.

Andrey Santos, meanwhile, returns from a breakout season at Strasbourg. With double-digit goals in France, he could fill the creative void if Enzo is rested. This will be Chelsea’s first real chance to see what the much-hyped Brazilian can do in blue.

Estevao Willian: Not in blue yet, but worth watching

Dario Essugo Chelsea 2025-26

Chelsea fans won’t see Estevao Willian in their kit until 2025, but the tournament will offer a tantalising preview of what’s to come. The Brazilian wonderkid will represent Palmeiras — the Copa Libertadores winners — and is tipped to light up the stage.

The 18-year-old, set to join the Blues in a deal worth up to £56 million, is known for his flair, vision and electric dribbling. Speaking to DAZN, he said: “Expectations are high, and the tournament will also be a great learning experience… The goal is to win.”

While Chelsea won’t face Palmeiras in the group stage, every glimpse of Estevao in action will add to the anticipation ahead of his Stamford Bridge arrival.

Brazilian challenge: Flamengo await

estevao

Chelsea’s group stage opponents include MLS side LAFC and African champions ES Tunis, but perhaps the toughest test will come from Flamengo — one of South America’s most storied clubs.

Flamengo currently top the Brazilian league and bring a seasoned squad full of international experience. Giorgian de Arrascaeta will be their danger man, having already clocked up 13 goal involvements in Brazil’s Serie A this season. Add in midfield engine Gerson and rising full-back Wesley, and Chelsea will need to be sharp.

Coach Enzo Maresca is embracing the cultural challenge: “These countries and different cultures coming together will bring unique moments… Brazilian fans are entertaining and passionate — we hope to put on a show.”

The Palmer factor: Chelsea’s new No. 10 ready to shine

One player who thrives on the big stage is Cole Palmer. The young playmaker will wear Chelsea’s No.10 shirt for the first time during the Club World Cup, and the hope is that he can carry over the magic that made him the club’s standout player last season.

Palmer missed last year’s U.S. tour, but Maresca sees this as a golden opportunity for him to “introduce himself to America.”

With the eyes of the footballing world on the tournament, don’t be surprised if Palmer provides the defining moments for the Blues. After all, this is a player who’s already turned up in Premier League, FA Cup and European finals.

No pressure, no problem

One of Chelsea’s biggest assets in this tournament? The lack of expectation.

With global powerhouses like Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, PSG and Manchester City in the mix, few are giving Chelsea a real shot. But that could be exactly what this team needs — a chance to play with freedom, without the weight of pressure they often feel at home.

If the Blues can top Group C, a likely round-of-16 tie with either Benfica or Boca Juniors awaits. Win that, and a quarter-final showdown with Atletico Madrid could follow. Tricky? Certainly. Impossible? Not at all.

A shot at silverware – and something bigger

Let’s not forget — Chelsea know how to win trophies. Even during turbulent seasons, they’ve often emerged with silverware. Their UEFA Conference League title last month is proof of that grit.

Now, Maresca’s men have a shot at writing a new chapter by adding the Club World Cup to their collection. It would be the club’s first appearance in the new 32-team format — and a historic moment for the fans.

“When you are at Chelsea, your goal is always to win,” said Maresca. “That will be one of our goals: to try to win it.”

Reece James echoed the sentiment: “We have an amazing team and manager. Any trophy of this significance is a huge honour… and the first time will go down in history.”

Final thoughts: A unique chance for the Blues

For Chelsea supporters, this summer’s Club World Cup is about more than silverware. It’s about seeing the next era take shape. From debutants like Delap and Essugo, to established names like Palmer and James, the trip to the U.S. offers an early look at how the pieces might fit under Maresca.

It’s also a rare opportunity to witness global football cultures collide, and to support the club on a stage where anything can happen — and where Chelsea, as ever, have a habit of defying the odds.

So don’t tune out. The Club World Cup might just be the beginning of something special.