Chelsea Fans Countdown: When Does Pre-Season Action Begin?
The fresh world title holders are savoring some much-needed rest before the upcoming 2025–26 campaign begins.
Chelsea were considered longshots to claim victory at the restructured Club World Cup this summer, yet Enzo Maresca's squad capitalized on a favorable path to the final before delivering a stellar display to defeat European titleholders Paris Saint-Germain in the championship match.
While the Blues may not represent the finest club team globally, their triumph in America has sparked widespread enthusiasm in west London as the new campaign approaches. Their extended month-long journey across the Atlantic results in a condensed pre-season schedule, though it won't be much longer before Enzo Maresca's team returns to competitive action with 2025–26 rapidly approaching.
Here's the timing for Chelsea's opening pre-season match of the summer.
When Is Chelsea's First Preseason Game?
While South American teams were compelled to resume play almost immediately following their Club World Cup runs, European clubs have enjoyed the privilege of determining the optimal moment to gradually transition into the new season.
The two Premier League teams that participated in the U.S. tournament will undertake exceptionally condensed pre-season preparations. Currently, Manchester City has scheduled just one match before the Premier League season commences, whereas Chelsea has arranged two fixtures.
The Blues' initial encounter features a recognizable opponent in Erik ten Hag, who has replaced Xabi Alonso as Bayer Leverkusen's head coach. The German club visits Stamford Bridge for a friendly match on Friday, August 8.
Following a 5–1 defeat to Flamengo U20s, Leverkusen secured a 2–0 victory over Bochum in their most recent pre-season appearance.
Two days following, Chelsea host AC Milan in west London after the Italian side faced Arsenal and Liverpool during their Asian tour.
Chelsea's 2025 Preseason Schedule
Date/Kick-off Time (BST) | Fixture | Location |
|---|---|---|
08/08/25 / 19:00 | Chelsea vs. Bayer Leverkusen | Stamford Bridge, London |
10/08/25 / 15:00 | Chelsea vs. Milan | Stamford Bridge, London |
When Does Chelsea's 2025–26 Season Start?
Chelsea's pair of friendlies in rapid succession occur during the week preceding their 2025–26 Premier League season opener.
Maresca's team, who secured fourth place in the league last term, welcome Crystal Palace on Sunday, August 17.
Their initial four matches feature London-based opponents before they travel to face Manchester United at Old Trafford in the fifth gameweek.