LAFC Faces Club América for Spot in FIFA Club World Cup

Los Angeles, CA — A crucial playoff match will determine which Major League Soccer team secures a spot in the upcoming 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. Los Angeles FC (LAFC) will face Club América on May 31 at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles.

The match comes after FIFA announced that Club León, the 2023 Concacaf Champions Cup winners, cannot participate due to ownership rules prohibiting teams with shared ownership from competing in the tournament. Grupo Pachuca owns both Club León and CF Pachuca, who will also remain in the competition.

“This one-off match is critical for both clubs as it presents a significant financial incentive,” said a spokesperson for FIFA. The winner will receive a guaranteed $9.55 million just for participating.

LAFC earned the opportunity after finishing as the runner-up in the 2023 Concacaf Champions Cup, losing to León in the final. Meanwhile, Club América, one of Mexico’s most decorated teams, topped the FIFA Club World Cup ranking at the end of the 2024 Concacaf Champions Cup.

Winning this playoff match allows the phase to advance to Group D in the Club World Cup, alongside formidable opponents such as Chelsea, Flamengo, and Espérance de Tunis.

LAFC is known for its strong roster, including stars like forward Carlos Vela and Gabon international Steve Cherundolo, who will coach the team until the season’s end. In the 2022 season, Cherundolo led LAFC to both the MLS Cup and Supporters’ Shield titles.

On the other side, Club América, under manager André Jardine, boasts top players such as goalkeeper Luis Malagón and midfielder Álvaro Fidalgo. They finished second in the recent Liga MX Clausura standings and are preparing for the upcoming playoff matches.

The playoff match promises high stakes, both financially and competitively, as it allows the winner a chance to showcase their talent on an international level. The atmosphere is expected to be electric given the large fan bases for both teams in Los Angeles.

With the Club World Cup set to start on June 14, anticipation builds. This playoff not only represents a path to global recognition but also significant financial rewards for the participating clubs.