Battle for a Place in FIFA Club World Cup: Los Angeles FC Club América

In a dramatic and unexpected twist in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 qualification narrative, two of CONCACAF’s football clubs, Los Angeles FC (LAFC) and Club América, are set to clash in a high-stakes play-in match. This decisive encounter, scheduled for Saturday, May 31, 2025, at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, was not initially part of the standard qualification process, adding an extra layer of intrigue to what promises to be a thrilling fixture.

Why Club León Was Excluded

The genesis of this sudden playoff lies in the unexpected exclusion of Mexican powerhouse Club León from the inaugural expanded FIFA Club World Cup 2025. Club León had rightfully earned its place by winning the CONCACAF Champions Cup 2023 (formerly CONCACAF Champions League), a significant achievement that should have guaranteed their participation.

However, FIFA’s stringent multi-club ownership regulations led to their disqualification. Both Club León and fellow Liga MX club Pachuca fall under the same ownership umbrella, Grupo Pachuca. FIFA’s “integrity rules” explicitly prohibit multiple teams controlled by a single entity from competing in the same tournament to maintain fair play and avoid potential conflicts of interest. Despite Club León’s strenuous appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), the ruling was upheld, confirming their removal.

FIFA’s Solution: A Play-In Showdown for Sporting Equity

Facing the unprecedented situation of Club León’s disqualification, FIFA opted for a solution that underscored sporting fairness rather than a direct designation. Instead, they orchestrated a high-stakes play-in match between two highly deserving Concacaf contenders:

• Los Angeles FC: The unlucky finalist of the CONCACAF Champions League 2023, where they were narrowly defeated in the final by none other than Club León themselves. This provided LAFC with a compelling claim, having proven their ability to reach the pinnacle of continental competition.
  
• Club América: Ranked as the highest-placed club from Concacaf in the FIFA club rankings, established after the CONCACAF Champions Cup 2024 (the final year of the qualification period for the Club World Cup). Their consistent high performance and strong ranking made them a logical choice for this decisive playoff.

This carefully considered choice by FIFA reflects a commitment to ensuring that the ultimate spot in the FIFA Club World Cup is earned through direct competition, pitting two of the region’s strongest teams against each other in a truly impactful encounter.

The Grand Prize: A Coveted Spot in Group D at the Expanded FIFA Club World Cup 2025

The stakes for the LAFC vs. Club América victor are immense: a direct entry into Group D of the inaugural expanded FIFA Club World Cup 2025. This groundbreaking tournament will feature 32 teams from across the globe, hosted for the first time in the United States from June 14 to July 13, 2025. Participation offers not only unparalleled prestige but also significant financial incentives and global exposure.

Group D is already a formidable assembly of continental champions: Chelsea FC (England), the reigning South American champions Flamengo (Brazil), and African giants Esperance ST (Tunisia). The winner of the LAFC vs. Club América clash will immediately be thrust into this challenging group. Their FIFA Club World Cup journey will kick off with a high-profile encounter against Chelsea in Atlanta, Georgia, on June 16, followed by subsequent group-stage matches in Nashville and Orlando.

Contenders’ Profile: Ambitions, History, and Key Strengths

Both LAFC and Club América arrive at this decisive moment with rich narratives and impressive records, each determined to write their next chapter on the global stage.

Los Angeles FC: The Quest for Global Recognition

Los Angeles FC, founded in 2014 and entering Major League Soccer (MLS) in 2018, has swiftly risen to prominence in North American football. They have demonstrated their continental prowess by reaching the finals of the CONCACAF Champions League twice in recent years. In 2020, they pushed Liga MX giants Tigres UANL to the brink before narrowly losing. More recently, in 2023, they faced their Mexican counterparts, Club León, ultimately falling short again. These experiences have undoubtedly sharpened their competitive edge and fueled their ambition to finally break through.

Under the guidance of head coach Steve Cherundolo, LAFC enters this crucial fixture in formidable form, boasting an impressive eight-match unbeaten streak. Their home ground, BMO Stadium, has become a fortress, with only one defeat recorded there this year. LAFC’s tactical approach often blends attacking flair with solid defensive organization. Key players who will be pivotal to their success include the dynamic and prolific forward Denis Bouanga, whose goal-scoring prowess has been central to their attack; the promising young striker Nathan Ordaz, representing the next generation of talent; and the experienced, tenacious midfielder Marky Delgado, who provides crucial balance and control in the engine room. For LAFC, a victory would not only mark their inaugural appearance in the FIFA Club World Cup but also solidify their status as a rising force in global club football.

Club América: A Legacy of Continental Dominance

Club América, based in Mexico City, is arguably the most successful and widely supported football club in Mexico. Their illustrious history is adorned with a staggering seven CONCACAF Champions Cup/Champions League titles (1977, 1987, 1990, 1992, 2006, 2014–15, 2015–16), more than any other club in the region. They also proudly hold two Copa Interamericana titles (1977, 1990), further cementing their legacy as a dominant force.

Club América is no stranger to the FIFA Club World Cup, having previously participated in the tournament in 2006, 2015, and 2016. These experiences have provided invaluable exposure to diverse international playing styles and high-pressure tournament environments, reaching the semifinals in both 2006 and 2016. Domestically, they are in a golden era, having recently secured three consecutive Liga MX titles, underscoring their current supremacy. Their robust and tactical gameplay, combined with an enormous and passionate fan base, makes them a formidable opponent.

Key figures for Club América include the highly influential Spanish midfielder Álvaro Fidalgo, known for his vision and playmaking ability, and the iconic captain and striker Henry Martín, whose leadership is central to their offensive strategy. Historically, Club América has maintained a strong record against MLS teams. However, the only previous official competitive meeting between these two specific clubs saw LAFC emerge victorious with a 3-1 win in the 2020 CONCACAF Champions League semifinal, a result that Club América will undoubtedly be looking to avenge. Recent friendly encounters have also been fiercely contested, indicating the competitive nature of this rivalry.

This play-in match is more than just a game; it’s a defining moment for both clubs. The winner will not only earn a spot in one of football’s most prestigious tournaments but will also carry the CONCACAF banner onto the global stage, facing some of the world’s best teams in Group D. The stakes are unequivocally high, making this an unmissable fixture for football enthusiasts worldwide.