LAFC and Club América Prepare for Playoff Spot at FIFA Club World Cup

ATLANTA, April 16, 2025 – In a surprising development, FIFA President Gianni Infantino announced that a playoff between LAFC and Club América could determine the final team to compete in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. This announcement follows the disqualification of Club León due to ownership conflicts.

The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, set to expand to 32 teams and take place in the United States this summer, promises an exciting tournament with a prize pool of $1 billion. Initial participating teams include major clubs like Manchester City and Real Madrid, while Club León was granted a spot after their 2023 CONCACAF Champions League triumph. However, their invitation was revoked because they share ownership with another participating team, Pachuca, under Grupo Pachuca, which FIFA regulations prohibit.

“In a couple of weeks, we will have the final and definitive decision,” Infantino said during a press conference. “If the CAS confirms the decision of the Appeals Committee, FIFA’s intention is to play a match, a playoff, between the team that lost the final of the Concacaf Champions League, LAFC, and the next team in the ranking, which is América.” This decision hinges on the outcome of Club León’s appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), expected to be announced in early May 2025.

LAFC officially confirmed the upcoming playoff on their social media, tweeting, “BREAKING: It is OFFICIAL. #LAFC will play Club America in a single playoff match to determine who will go to the FIFA Club World Cup.” Following this announcement, both teams began preparations for a match that could considerably shift the dynamics of the tournament.

The playoff not only impacts the prestige of the clubs involved but also presents substantial economic stakes. The new format of the Club World Cup showcases the top teams globally, and participation is seen as a crucial stepping stone for clubs seeking to increase their publicity and revenue. According to Infantino, specifics regarding the playoff match’s date and location will be revealed following the CAS ruling.

“We have not received any official information about the match,” said Club América President Santiago Baños. “We have been on the sidelines amidst all these developments.” Despite the uncertainty, Club América, a traditional powerhouse in Liga MX, is eager to seize this opportunity should it arise.

As the anticipation builds among fans, the implications of the CAS ruling could have lasting effects on the future of the tournament and the clubs involved. The unfolding drama surrounding Club León’s disqualification and the potential entry of LAFC or Club América into the Club World Cup has heightened the stakes, as the tournament is just weeks away.

Fans eagerly await the CAS ruling and the subsequent playoff details, which promise not only a thrilling match but also a chance for one of the teams to showcase their talents on a global stage. The outcome will not only determine who joins the prestigious ranks of the FIFA Club World Cup but also highlight the ongoing complexities regarding club ownership in professional soccer.