Having made it to the semi-finals, Chelsea are among the strongest teams remaining, statistically and stylistically. They've scored 10 goals across four fixtures, with eight different scorers, while conceding only three goals in their one defeat. Their journey began with a routine 2-0 win over LAFC, followed by a 3-1 defeat to Flamengo, where Nicolas Jackson's red card changed the game.
However, since then, Chelsea have rebounded with poise, dispatching Esperance Tunis 3-0 and then beating Benfica 4-1 in extra time. Against Benfica, Reece James opened the scoring, and Chelsea surged in the additional period with Christopher Nkunku, Pedro Neto, and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall sealing the win.
Chelsea's attacking intent has been reinforced by new signings, with £30 million for Liam Delap from Ipswich and £60 million for Joao Pedro from Brighton. Maresca's system, a fluid 3-2-4-1, has produced high-possession football with pressing forwards, roaming full-backs, and wide overloads. The team has shifted seamlessly between last season's starters and new signings.
While most clubs focused on stability, Chelsea have been busy in the market, seemingly strengthening well. Delap has already delivered, scoring and assisting in his first four appearances, showing sharp movement and an eagerness to lead the line. Joao Pedro brings proper Premier League pedigree, with 30 goals and 10 assists across 70 appearances for Brighton.
With Jackson suspended and underwhelming last season, the decision over Chelsea's next lead striker appears to have narrowed. Delap has the early advantage, with a goal, an assist, and natural tactical cohesion, but Pedro is the club's biggest striker signing since Diego Costa.
Defence is still looking a little thin on the ground, with many fans questioning the prioritising of attacking signings over much-needed depth at the back and between the sticks. However, it's hard to deny that genuine improvements are being made up top, while they are remarkably well-stocked on paper in midfield.
Winning the Club World Cup would mean silverware, global profile, and welcome validation for Maresca's early tenure. It would lend credibility to the project underway at Stamford Bridge and set the west London side up as closer challengers in the Premier League next season.
However, tournament football is about growing into it and not peaking too soon. Chelsea still have to face Palmeiras, and it would not be wise for Maresca to be looking past them. Chelsea's mid-tournament signings, full-throttle performances in extreme conditions, and no-nonsense managerial tone make a clear statement: they are here to win.
They aren't favourites, but Chelsea remain very much a dark horse in the CWC race.
