Los Angeles FC face Chelsea in their opening match of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, where all eyes will be on how LAFC handle the challenge of taking on the reigning UEFA Conference League champions. But the biggest talking point leading into the match is the absence of veteran striker Olivier Giroud from the starting lineup.
This match marks a reunion between Giroud and his former club, Chelsea, for the first time since his departure in 2021. While for some, it’s just another group-stage match, for Giroud it’s a reminder of how much the London club has transformed since his exit. “Everything is different,” Giroud said. “From the ownership to the manager… even the people working for the club, in communications and marketing—there’s not much left. But I hope to see some familiar faces.” Giroud said in a recent interview with The Athletic.
Only a couple of players—Reece James and Trevoh Chalobah—remain from Giroud’s time at Chelsea. The French forward also reflected on what it means to guide a young team like Chelsea. “You need to be patient when you have a team full of young players,” he explained. “They’re producing more talent every year, which is a good strategy, but you can’t expect them to win top trophies immediately. It takes time to build habits and chemistry. It’s a very young but talented team, so we expect a really tough game.”
Why isn’t Giroud starting against Chelsea?
Giroud is one of LAFC’s marquee signings heading into the Club World Cup, but when the lineups were confirmed ahead of kickoff, the 37-year-old striker was notably missing from the starting XI. Head coach Steve Cherundolo made a tactical decision to bring Giroud off the bench rather than start him. The Frenchman is available among the substitutes and could see action depending on how the match unfolds.
Olivier Giroud #9 of Los Angeles FC gestures during the MLS match between Los Angeles Football Club and New York City FC at BMO Stadium on March 01, 2025.
Confirmed lineups for both sides
Chelsea, Giroud’s former club, are not holding back. The only significant omission is midfielder Enzo Fernández, who misses out due to rotation. The Blues line up as follows: Sánchez; James, Tosin, Colwill, Cucurella; Caicedo, Leiva; Neto, Palmer, Madueke; Jackson.
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LAFC, meanwhile, go into the match without Giroud in their initial setup. The MLS side start with: Lloris; Hollingshead, Segura, Long, Palencia; Igor Jesus, Tillman, Delgado; Bouanga, Ebobisse, Ordaz.
The decision to leave Giroud out may raise eyebrows, especially given the emotional stakes of facing his old club, but Cherundolo’s approach suggests a strategy based on pace, pressing, and late-game experience. If needed, Giroud could still become the story of the night.
