LAFC Books Spot in Club World CUp

By Anonymous (not verified), June 1, 2025

For Immediate Release
MLS Communications

LAFC Secures Berth in 2025 FIFA Club World Cup

LAFC tops Mexican giant Club América 2-1 in playoff to clinch final spot at this summer’s FIFA Club World Cup

The 2023 Concacaf Champions League runner-up will face Chelsea (England) on June 16, Espérance de Tunis (Tunisia) on June 20, and Flamengo (Brazil) on June 24 in Group D play

NEW YORK (Saturday, May 31, 2025) – Behind Denis Bouanga’s game-winning goal in the 115th minute, the Los Angeles Football Club defeated Club América of LIGA MX, 2-1, in a one-game playoff to clinch the final berth to the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.

With the victory, LAFC becomes the third Major League Soccer club to qualify for the 2025 Club World Cup, FIFA’s newly expanded premiere club world championship, joining Seattle Sounders FC and Inter Miami CF in the field of 32 teams.

After falling behind 1-0 on a penalty-kick goal by former LAFC standout Brian Rodríguez in the 64th minute, LAFC’s Igor Jesus provided the late-game drama with an equalizer in the 89th minute – his first goal for the Black and Gold. Chances were plentiful for both clubs in the two extra periods following regulation, but it was Bouanga who found the winning opportunity, driving a low strike past the América goalkeeper for the advantage in the 115th minute.

The FIFA Club World Cup is set for June 14 to July 13 and features top clubs from around the globe. LAFC will face Chelsea (England) on Monday, June 16 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta (3 p.m. ET), Espérance de Tunis (Tunisia) on Friday, June 20 at GEODIS Park in Nashville (6 p.m. ET), and Flamengo (Brazil) on Tuesday, June 24 at Camping World Stadium in Orlando (9 p.m. ET) in Group D play to open the competition. With the win, LAFC also earns $9.55 million for qualifying for the event, with the opportunity for additional prize money based on performance.

LAFC has a successful history in international competition, twice finishing runner-up in the Concacaf Champions League, which is tied with cross-city rival, the LA Galaxy, for the most final appearances in the tournament’s history. The Black and Gold fell to León in 2023 and Tigres UANL (Mexico) in 2020. This season, the club reached the Concacaf Champions Cup quarterfinals, falling to fellow Club World Cup participant Inter Miami CF, 3-2 on aggregate. LAFC has won three different trophies since the start of 2022 – MLS Cup presented by Audi (2022), Supporters’ Shield (2022), and the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup (2024).