liveUpdated 2m agoFollow live as Xabi Alonso's side begin their pre-season campaign today.Max Mathews and Michael BaileyJuly 28, 2026 at 3:15 AM EDTXabi Alonso's Chelsea begin their pre-season campaign in Australia today. Getty ImagesChelsea vs Western Sydney Wanderers — LatestChelsea's pre-season campaign begins today as they face Western Sydney Wanderers in Australia.New manager Xabi Alonso leads the west London side into their first match ahead of the 2026-27 season.It will be a chance for new and existing players to impress the Spaniard, who last managed Real Madrid.Start time: 5.45am ET, 2.45am PT, 7.45pm AEST, 10.45am BSTHow to watch: Paramount+, CBS Sports GolazoJoin the conversation by emailing us at: live@theathletic.comJoin the conversation on The Athletic The AthleticWe want to hear from you.Whether it's your thoughts, comments, observations, questions, or something else, you can join the discussion tab at the top of the page or email us at: live@theathletic.comWe endeavour to feature some of what we receive in our coverage, so get typing.Subscribe to The Athletic The AthleticThere is no better time to be a sports fan. The World Cup has drawn to a close, but that does not mean the rest of the sporting world is slowing down. The MLB regular season continues, with the trade deadline approaching, while the NBA and NHL off-seasons plus NFL training camps in full swing.The college football season will also begin soon — and do not forget about the new Premier League campaign or tennis’ U.S. Open.The Athletic is the best place to find high-quality sports journalism. Subscribe here to access our award-winning coverage across a wide range of sports.Our venue today Getty ImagesCommBank Stadium, SydneyLocated in the Parramatta suburb of the most populous city in Australia, Western Sydney Stadium (AKA CommBank Stadium for sponsorship purposes) opened in 2019 and holds 30,000 people.It's the home ground for the Wanderers, as well as rugby league side Parramatta Eels.How to watch Chelsea vs Western Sydney Wanderers Getty ImagesHere's how you can tune in to the action live around the world, alongside our live coverage, of course.U.S.: Paramount+, CBS Sports GolazoAustralia: Paramount+UK: CFC+, Chelsea's in-house subscription serviceWhen does the match kick off? Getty ImagesThe game begins at 7.45pm AEST, local time in Australia.That works out as 5.45am ET and 2.45 PT on the east and west coasts of the United States, respectively, and 10.45am BST in the UK.Hello and welcome to today's live coverage! Getty ImagesGood morning everyone and welcome along to The Athletic.Today, we have live coverage as Premier League giants Chelsea begin their pre-season campaign Down Under against Western Sydney Wanderers.New manager Xabi Alonso – more on him later — takes to the dugout for the first time as preparations continue for the new 2026-27 season.Let's get into it.