As Chelsea prepares to take on Benfica in the FIFA Club World Cup Round of 16 at the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, anticipation is running high. The stakes couldn’t be clearer: one game, no second chances. Yet what happens next hinges entirely on the result of this high-octane clash—a match with the feel of a European knockout tie, but played under the North American sun.
The Club World Cup may be an international tournament, but Saturday’s showdown feels like a clash of UEFA titans. Benfica, fresh off a shocking 1-0 victory over Bayern Munich, topped Group C and is riding a wave of confidence. Their success has been built on solid defending and quick transitions, with goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin putting in a heroic performance against Bayern. His role will again be crucial against the Premier League side’s dynamic frontline.
On the other side, Chelsea reached this stage after finishing second in Group D, bouncing back from a 3-1 loss to Flamengo with a convincing 3-0 win over ES Tunis. Liam Delap, the young striker who recently joined from Ipswich, has quickly made an impact—scoring in that win and looking set to lead the line again in the absence of the suspended Nicolas Jackson.
What’s really at stake: The scenarios revealed
What makes this match even more gripping is its single-elimination format—no second leg, no second chances. Unlike league play or group stages, this is win or go home.
If Chelsea wins
If Chelsea defeats Benfica, the Blues advance directly to the quarter-finals of the Club World Cup. That would set up a compelling encounter with the winner of Palmeiras vs Botafogo—a potential showdown between European and South American heavyweights.
This outcome would also allow Chelsea to return to Philadelphia, where they were based earlier in the tournament, for the next round. From there, depending on progress, their base could shift to New York for the semifinals and final. A win would keep alive their hopes of lifting the Club World Cup trophy and set a strong tone ahead of their return to Champions League football.
If the match ends in a draw
Should the match end in a draw after 90 minutes, the contest will proceed to extra time—two halves of 15 minutes each. If neither team can find a winner in those 30 minutes, penalties will decide the outcome.
Given the high level of both squads and the intense summer conditions, extra time would test stamina and composure. The match could well be decided by the smallest of margins—or the nerves of a penalty shootout.
If Chelsea loses
A defeat for Chelsea would mean instant elimination from the tournament. Benfica would advance to the quarter-finals, and the London club’s campaign would be over. Given the travel and effort invested, it would be a bitter disappointment—and raise questions about Chelsea’s readiness for a high-pressure 2025-26 season.
