Former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel has backed his former club to defeat Benfica when the two sides meet in the FIFA Club World Cup Round of 16 on Saturday, June 28, 2025.
Chelsea reached the last 16 after a convincing win over ES Tunis, while Benfica advanced by defeating Bayern Munich.
Speaking on DAZN, Mikel expressed confidence in Chelsea’s chances, noting the team’s strength and the return of key players.
“I think it’s a game we’ve to win,” Mikel said. “The way we performed against ES Tunis—resting big boys like Cole Palmer, Caicedo, and the rest—shows we were saving energy.”
“I think when they come back into the next game [against Benfica], we’re going to see a much better Chelsea. I see us winning that game and going through,” he added.
The match will be a critical test for both clubs as they aim to progress deeper into the tournament.
