LAFC Secure Final Spot at 2025 Club World Cup with Dramatic Playoff Victory
Los Angeles FC have clinched the final berth at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, following a thrilling playoff win over Mexico’s Club América — a match necessitated after Mexico’s León was disqualified due to tournament regulations prohibiting multiple clubs under the same ownership.
Late Heroics Seal the Deal
Club América struck first in the second half, with Brian Rodríguez converting a penalty to give the visitors the lead. But in the 89th minute, Igor Jesus headed in the equalizer, sending the match into extra time.
It was there that LAFC’s star forward Denis Bouanga — a key figure for the club in recent years — delivered the decisive blow, scoring the winner that booked LAFC’s historic spot on the global stage.
Club World Cup Group Draw
LAFC will now replace León in Group D of the expanded Club World Cup, where they’ll face a formidable lineup of opponents: Chelsea (June 17), Espérance de Tunis (June 21), and Flamengo (June 25).
