Chelsea are dealing with unexpected logistical hurdles at the Club World Cup after finishing second in their group—contrary to their initial expectations.
The complication arises from an unplanned trip to Charlotte for their last-16 clash, instead of staying in Miami as originally anticipated for the knockout rounds.
According to a club source who spoke to Reuters, all travel, accommodation, and training plans had been arranged under the assumption that Chelsea would top Group D and remain in Miami.
However, a 3-1 loss to Brazil’s Flamengo, followed by a 3-0 victory over Esperance Tunis in Philadelphia, saw them finish second in the group.
As a result, Chelsea are now set to face Benfica on Saturday at the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte—upending their carefully planned logistics.
The unexpected detour has forced last-minute adjustments, though the club still intends to return to Miami after the match, adding further travel to an already tight schedule.
If Enzo Maresca’s side advance to the quarter-finals, they will travel back to Philadelphia to face the winner of an all-Brazilian showdown between Palmeiras and Botafogo.
