Chelsea begin pre-season tour in Australia under new manager Xabi Alonso
Chelsea flew to Australia on Friday to start their 2026 pre-season tour, with new manager Xabi Alonso taking a 27-man squad for matches in Sydney against Western Sydney Wanderers and Tottenham Hotspur.
· Kickhell
Updated Sep 18, 2026
Chelsea departed the UK on Friday and arrived in Australia to begin their 2026 pre-season tour, with new head coach Xabi Alonso leading a 27-man squad on the trip.
The Blues flew out from their Cobham training base and will play two matches in Sydney — against Western Sydney Wanderers and Tottenham Hotspur. Both fixtures will be broadcast live on CFC+.
Alonso's initial travelling party of 27 players is set to expand as Chelsea internationals who featured at the summer World Cup return to join the squad during the tour.
Chelsea's pre-season schedule also includes a fixture against Juventus at Kai Tak Stadium in Hong Kong later in the tour.
