Jack Johnson
February 12, 2022 at 1:32 PM EST
Chelsea are looking to claim their first Club World Cup title when they take on Brazilian side Palmeiras in Abu Dhabi today.
The Premier League team beat Al-Hilal 1-0 in Wednesday’s semi-final thanks to Romelu Lukaku’s winner to advance to the last stage of the competition.
Chelsea will also hopefully be boosted by the return of head coach Thomas Tuchel in the dugout. The German manager, who tested positive for the virus last Saturday, will take charge of the team providing he returns a negative COVID-19 test ahead of the game.
The FIFA international club football tournament is contested between the winners of the six continental confederations, plus the host nation’s league champions.
As winners of the 2020–21 UEFA Champions League, Chelsea entered the semi-final stage of the competition while Palmeiras also joined at the same point having won the 2021 Copa Libertadores. They beat Egyptian side Al Ahly 2-0 to progress to the final for the first time in their history.
This is Chelsea’s second appearance in the Club World Cup final, having lost 1-0 to Brazilian side Corinthians in Yokohama in 2012.
Chelsea team news
Edouard Mendy has returned to the squad following his Africa Cup of Nations victory with Senegal but Kepa Arrizabalaga played in Wednesday’s semi-final and has been in fine form in Mendy’s absence.
They are still without full-backs Reece James and Ben Chilwell due to ongoing injuries while Mason Mount could start.
What time is kick-off?
The final will kick-off at 4:30pm GMT, that’s 11.30am (ET) and 8.30am (PT)
Where can I watch on TV?
The game will be broadcast on Channel 4 in the UK.
In the US, Fox Sports 2 and FOX Deportes will be showing the match live.
Background reading
- Ego, power, control: Why it matters if you’re called manager or head coach
- Tuchel’s Chelsea are controlling and commanding – but they’re not creating
- At least Chelsea are winning as they stumble
(Photo: Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)