LAFC to Face Club América for World Cup Slot After León Disqualification

LOS ANGELES, CA — Los Angeles FC (LAFC) will take on Club América in a playoff match to determine which team will replace Club León in the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup 2025™. This decision follows the Court of Arbitration for Sport‘s (CAS) ruling that upheld FIFA’s regulations regarding multi-club ownership.

Club León, the 2023 Concacaf Champions Cup winners, was disqualified due to being owned by Grupo Pachuca, which also operates CF Pachuca, another team qualified for the tournament. Following León’s disqualification, FIFA announced that the playoff match will decide the replacement team.

The LAFC-Club América match is scheduled for May 31, 2025, at LAFC’s BMO Stadium. The winner will secure a spot in Group D of the World Cup, which includes Chelsea, Flamengo, and ES Tunis. Further details about the match, including ticket sales and kickoff times, will be released soon.

LAFC finished as runners-up to Club León in the 2023 Concacaf Champions Cup, losing the final 3-1 on aggregate. Club América was selected as the top-ranked team in the FIFA Club World Cup confederation ranking.

This summer’s FIFA Club World Cup marks the first time the tournament will feature 32 teams, taking place from June 14 to July 13 across the United States. The winning team from the LAFC-Club América playoff will not only claim a coveted spot but will also access substantial prize money, including $9.55 million for participating.

Club León expressed disappointment over the ruling, calling it a “difficult sentence” and criticizing the system for not honoring sporting principles. They decried the decision as unjust, emphasizing that they earned their place on the pitch.

As LAFC heads into this high-stakes match, the club is bolstered by key players, including star forward Carlos Vela, who has been instrumental in their success. Club América, managed by André Jardine, brings a strong squad known for its impressive achievements within Liga MX.

The matchup not only carries significant financial implications but also offers a rare chance for both clubs to showcase their talents on a global stage.