Club World Cup 2025: LAFC Secures Final Spot After Playoff Victory
The Club World Cup 2025 just got its final competitor. Los Angeles FC (LAFC) has officially replaced Mexico's Club León in the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup after a thrilling 2-1 extra-time victory over Club América in a special playoff match. The decisive game took place at LAFC’s BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, where the home team claimed the final ticket to the international tournament that will run from June 14 to July 13, 2025, across the United States.
Club León, who had initially qualified by winning the 2023 Concacaf Champions Cup, was disqualified due to a breach of FIFA’s multi-club ownership rules. León and Club Pachuca are under the same ownership, which violates eligibility regulations for the FIFA Club World Cup.
Club World Cup Shakeup: Club León Disqualified Over Ownership Rules
The disqualification of Club León was confirmed after appeals to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) were rejected. FIFA then arranged a one-match playoff between LAFC, the 2023 Concacaf Champions Cup runners-up, and Club América, the highest-ranked Concacaf club based on FIFA’s qualification criteria.
The playoff match was intense and high-stakes. Former LAFC forward Brian Rodríguez gave Club América the lead with a composed penalty in the first half. The score remained unchanged until the dying minutes of regulation, when LAFC equalized through a late goal from Brazilian forward Igor Jesus. The momentum carried into extra time, where Denis Bouanga scored the winning goal, assisted by newly signed veteran Olivier Giroud, sending the home crowd into a frenzy.
LAFC Joins Group D in the FIFA Club World Cup
By winning the playoff, LAFC now joins Group D of the FIFA Club World Cup, one of the toughest in the tournament. Their group includes European giants Chelsea (England), South American champions Flamengo (Brazil), and African powerhouse ES Tunis (Tunisia).
This will be LAFC’s debut at the Club World Cup, and expectations are high for the 2022 MLS champions. With recent signings like Olivier Giroud and an in-form Denis Bouanga, the team appears well-equipped to take on international heavyweights.
LAFC’s first match is expected to be against ES Tunis, with a possible high-profile clash with Chelsea if they advance. The team is already gearing up for what is set to be the most prestigious competition they’ve participated in to date.
FIFA Club World Cup Format and Impact on Concacaf Clubs
The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 will feature 32 teams for the first time, expanding the tournament and offering a more balanced and global competition. The format mirrors that of the FIFA World Cup, with eight groups of four teams each. The top two from each group will advance to the knockout rounds.
This expanded format also provides more representation from each confederation, making the competition more inclusive. For Concacaf, LAFC’s entry ensures the region will still have strong representation following Club León’s exit. Other Concacaf teams participating include Monterrey (Mexico) and Seattle Sounders (USA), both of whom qualified through previous continental victories.
FIFA’s strict enforcement of ownership rules signals a stronger commitment to integrity and fair competition. Though controversial, León’s disqualification sets a clear precedent for future editions.
What This Means for LAFC and MLS
LAFC’s qualification marks a major milestone for Major League Soccer (MLS), proving that American clubs can compete at the highest international levels. As the host country for the FIFA Club World Cup, the U.S. will also benefit from increased visibility and commercial opportunities.
For LAFC, this is a golden opportunity to showcase their talent on the world stage. With stars like Denis Bouanga, Olivier Giroud, and Carlos Vela leading the charge, the Black & Gold are well-poised to make a deep run and possibly even upset more established clubs.
Final Thoughts
The Club World Cup just got more exciting with LAFC’s entry. After a dramatic playoff win over Club América, the Los Angeles side is set to represent Concacaf in a star-studded tournament featuring elite clubs from around the world. With top-tier talent and home advantage, LAFC could be one of the dark horses to watch in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025.
