Chelsea beat Esperance to reach club World Cup last 16

Chelsea have qualified for the Round of 16 at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup after a 3-0 win over Esperance Tunis.

Liam Delap, who recently joined Chelsea for £30 million, scored his first goal for the club just minutes after Tosin Adarabioyo gave the Blues the lead in first-half added time. Tyrique George added a third goal late in stoppage time to seal the victory.

With Nicolas Jackson suspended, manager Enzo Maresca gave Delap a chance to start. Despite the hot weather, with temperatures around 33°C, Chelsea started the match strongly. Delap nearly scored early on but was denied by Esperance goalkeeper Bechir Ben Said.

Chelsea controlled most of the game and created several chances. It was Enzo Fernandez who made the difference with two excellent passes—first delivering a free-kick for Adarabioyo’s header, then setting up Delap for his debut goal.

In the second half, Chelsea were almost awarded a penalty when a shot from Andrey Santos hit Yassine Meriah’s arm, but after checking VAR, the referee decided not to give it.

The third goal came in stoppage time when Tyrique George scored, helped by a mistake from Esperance’s goalkeeper.

Chelsea will now face Benfica—surprise winners of Group C who finished above Bayern Munich—in the next round. The match will take place in Charlotte on Saturday.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino was in the stands watching the game. Delap’s impressive performance has sparked conversation about his future role in the team, especially while Jackson remains suspended.

Esperance tried to fight back but lacked the quality to seriously challenge Chelsea goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic. The win continues Chelsea’s promising run, especially with many young players stepping up at the right time.