LAFC Defeats Club América to Reach Club World Cup
Match Overview
In a high-stakes playoff match at BMO Stadium on May 31, 2025, Los Angeles FC (LAFC) clinched the final berth in the expanded 2025 FIFA Club World Cup with a dramatic 2-1 extra-time victory over Mexico’s Club América. This decisive encounter was necessitated after Club León's disqualification due to FIFA's multi-club ownership regulations, prompting a one-off playoff between LAFC, the 2023 Concacaf Champions Cup runners-up, and Club América, the highest-ranked CONCACAF team not already qualified.
Kevin Alvarez on the ground calling a foul
First Half: A Tense Start
The first half was evenly matched, with both teams showing discipline in defense. Neither side managed to break through, though Club América looked more comfortable in possession, while LAFC relied on counterattacks. Veteran keeper Hugo Lloris made a couple of solid saves to keep LAFC in the game early.
Brian Rodriguez taking penalty kick
Second Half: América Strikes First
Club América took the lead in the 62nd minute from the penalty spot. A VAR review confirmed a foul by Mark Delgado on Erick Sánchez in the box, and former LAFC player Brian Rodríguez calmly slotted the penalty past Lloris to put the visitors up 1-0.
Igor Jesus and Alvaro Fidalgo battling it out
Late Drama: LAFC Forces Extra Time
With time running out, LAFC threw everything forward. Their persistence paid off in the 89th minute when Igor Jesus, a recent signing, scored his first goal for the club with a powerful header from a Denis Bouanga corner. The equalizer sent the game into extra time.
Denis Bouanga pumping up fans
Extra Time Heroics: Bouanga Delivers the Winner
Both teams created chances in extra time, but it was LAFC who found the decisive goal. In the 115th minute, Olivier Giroud—another new face for LAFC—laid the ball off for Bouanga, whose shot deflected off a defender and rolled past the goalkeeper. The goal sent the crowd into a frenzy and ultimately sealed the win.
Eddie Segura and Hugo Lloris Celebrating Win
Club World Cup Implications
With this victory, LAFC joins Group D in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, alongside Chelsea (England), Flamengo (Brazil), and Espérance de Tunis (Tunisia). Their group stage matches are scheduled as follows:
June 16 vs. Chelsea at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta
June 20 vs. Espérance de Tunis at GEODIS Park, Nashville
June 24 vs. Flamengo at Camping World Stadium, Orlando
The tournament, featuring 32 teams, runs from June 14 to July 13, 2025, with the final set to take place at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
FCWC Trophy
Financial Rewards
LAFC's qualification comes with significant financial incentives. The club earns an entry fee of approximately $9.5 million, with additional bonuses available for group stage victories and progression in the tournament. The total prize pool for the tournament is approximately $1 billion, offering substantial rewards for successful teams.
BMO Stadium Los Angeles California
Atmosphere and Significance
The atmosphere at BMO Stadium was electric, with a strong presence of Club América supporters and notable figures such as actor and LAFC co-owner Will Ferrell in attendance. LAFC's victory not only marks a significant achievement for the club but also underscores the growing competitiveness of MLS teams on the international stage.
As they prepare to face some of the world's top clubs, LAFC aims to make a strong impression in the inaugural expanded FIFA Club World Cup, further elevating the profile of Major League Soccer on the global stage.