LAFC Faces Club América for Club World Cup Spot on Saturday

Los Angeles, CA — Major League Soccer’s Los Angeles FC will host Mexico’s Club América in a decisive playoff match Saturday night at BMO Stadium. The winner will secure a spot in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, replacing Club León, who was disqualified due to FIFA’s multi-club ownership rules.

The match has been dubbed the most expensive game in North American soccer history, with each participating Concacaf team guaranteed $9.55 million. The potential total prize for the tournament champion could reach $125 million.

LAFC, under head coach Steve Cherundolo, is on an eight-match unbeaten streak and currently stands fourth in the Western Conference with a record of 6 wins, 4 losses, and 5 draws. Following a bumpy start to the season, the Black & Gold have transformed into strong contenders for the playoffs.

Club América qualified as the top club in FIFA’s Concacaf Club Rankings Index after finishing second in the LIGA MX table. Despite falling short of their fourth consecutive Clausura title after losing to Toluca, the team remains a formidable opponent.

In February, LAFC defeated Club América 2-1 in a preseason friendly at BMO Stadium. This playoff situation presents a different atmosphere with equal ticket distribution for each club’s fans, raising the stakes significantly.

Saturday’s match will kick off at 10:30 p.m. ET and is expected to attract a large audience. Both teams are vying for the coveted opportunity to compete against top European clubs, including Chelsea and Flamengo, in the upcoming Club World Cup.

Whichever side can cope with the pressure of the moment is likely to advance and secure their place in soccer history.