There were a reported 48,863 empty seats in the stadium as Chelsea defeated LAFC, but the TV viewing figures back in the UK exceeded expectations. Channel 5 purchased the rights to air 23 Club World Cup games from DAZN.

The 21-year-old midfielder was among the first Premier League players to enjoy an individual walk on entrance onto the pitch in the Club World Cup.

(Reuters) -Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca said the atmosphere at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta was "a bit strange" as his side began their Club World Cup campaign with a 2-0 win over Los Angeles FC in front of swathes of empty seats.

SportsLine's Martin Green reveals his 2025 FIFA Club World Cup picks for LAFC vs. Chelsea on Monday in the group stage