Chelsea secured their place in the knockout stages of the FIFA Club World Cup (CWC) with a decisive 3-0 victory over Esperance de Tunis (ES Tunis) at Lincoln Financial Field. This win marked a strong recovery for the Blues following their earlier defeat to Flamengo, and it was their fifth clean sheet in their last six victories. The match was played under challenging conditions in Philadelphia, experiencing its hottest day since 1994, with temperatures feeling like 36C due to high humidity even at the 9 pm kick-off.

Manager Enzo Maresca made significant tactical adjustments, implementing eight changes to the starting lineup and resting key players such as star forward Cole Palmer, the competition's top scorer Pedro Neto, and record signing Moises Caicedo. The much-changed Chelsea side initially struggled to break down a staunch Esperance rearguard, who, perhaps more accustomed to the extreme heat, appeared sharper in attacking areas. However, neither side created many clear-cut chances in a cagey first half.

The breakthrough for Chelsea came in first-half stoppage time. After Liam Delap registered the game's first shot on target and Josh Acheampong forced a strenuous save from Esperance goalkeeper Bechir Ben Said, defender Tosin Adarabioyo opened the scoring. He headed in a free-kick from Enzo Fernandez, who was later named the Flashscore Man of the Match. Just two minutes later, 22-year-old striker Liam Delap scored his first Chelsea goal since his £30 million move from Ipswich. Delap demonstrated brilliant strength and close control to hold off one defender, jink past another, and slide the ball into the far corner, effectively delivering a double sucker punch that took the wind out of Esperance's sails.

The second half saw a subdued resumption of proceedings. Chelsea, visibly more confident, had further opportunities to extend their lead, though Fernandez and Christopher Nkunku both blazed shots over the bar, and Noni Madueke flashed an effort just wide. Maresca continued to ring changes throughout the half, lowering the tempo of the contest to keep his squad fresh for the upcoming knockout stages. Substitute Tyrique George added a late third goal in stoppage time, his long-range effort bursting through Ben Said's hands, practically with the last kick of the match.

The victory means Chelsea advances as runners-up in Group D, finishing behind winners Flamengo. They are now set to face Portuguese club Benfica in the last-16 meeting. For Esperance de Tunis, the defeat meant their exit from the tournament at the group stage, marking their sixth loss from nine matches in the CWC. The match was witnessed by 32,967 fans at Lincoln Financial Field, who saw Chelsea ease away from what could have been an improbable upset against their African opponents, who needed a win to progress at Chelsea's expense.