LAFC and Club América to Compete for Club World Cup Spot

Los Angeles, CA – Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) and Liga MX side Club América will face off in a crucial playoff match on May 31 at BMO Stadium. The winner will secure a spot in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, replacing Club León, which was ruled ineligible due to FIFA’s multi-club ownership regulations.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) confirmed the decision on Tuesday, dismissing León’s appeal. León was originally selected for the tournament after winning the 2023 Concacaf Champions Cup. As part of its legal battle against FIFA, León argued that it and Pachuca, another club under the same ownership group, should both be allowed to compete.

<p"All appeals were consolidated into a single CAS case heard in Lausanne, Switzerland, on May 5, 2025," a CAS statement noted. "The panel ruled that both clubs failed to meet the eligibility criteria due to ownership conflicts." Following the decision, León expressed disappointment and emphasized the impact on its fans and players.

Club América is making its case as the top-ranked team in the FIFA Club World Cup confederation rankings. Both teams anticipate a lucrative reward, with the playoff winner guaranteed nearly $10 million from the Club World Cup’s $1 billion prize fund.

“It’s a massive opportunity for both clubs,” said an insider familiar with the plans. “This match not only determines a spot in the tournament but also brings significant financial incentives.” The playoff will be the second meeting between the two clubs this year, having previously met in February during LAFC’s preseason.

The Club World Cup is set to kick off on June 14, featuring the best teams from FIFA’s six confederations. The winner of the playoff will join Chelsea, Flamengo, and Esperance in Group D, starting their championship journey against Chelsea on June 16 in Atlanta. LAFC’s regular-season match against Colorado is also expected to be rescheduled to accommodate this event.

“We are excited for the chance to represent our league on this global stage,” an LAFC spokesperson stated. “This match on May 31 is more than just a game; it’s a moment for our club and our fans.”