After conquering the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States, Chelsea have shelved plans for an overseas pre-season tour and opted to remain in England to gear up for the new campaign.
According to a statement on the club’s official website, the Blues will continue their preparations at Cobham and take part in the VisitMalta Weekender, a mini-tournament at Stamford Bridge featuring Bayer Leverkusen and AC Milan.
Enzo Maresca’s team are scheduled to take on Bundesliga side Leverkusen on August 8, before hosting Italian heavyweights AC Milan two days later, as part of their build-up to the 2025–26 season.
A post on Chelsea’s website read, “Having spent much of June and July in the USA competing in our glorious FIFA Club World Cup campaign, we will be staying close to home for pre-season this year.
“As well as training at Cobham, Chelsea will be hosting the 2025 VisitMalta Weekender friendly tournament at Stamford Bridge.”
Chelsea had capped off their time in the U.S. with a dominant 3-0 win over Paris Saint-Germain in the Club World Cup final, thanks to a Cole Palmer brace and a brilliant finish from new signing Joao Pedro, sealing another moment of glory for the London side.
