In a thrilling encounter at BMO Stadium on June 1, 2025, Los Angeles FC (LAFC) secured their inaugural FIFA Club World Cup appearance by defeating Mexico’s Club América 2–1 in extra time. Denis Bouanga netted the decisive goal in the 115th minute, following an 89th-minute equalizer by Igor Jesus. Club América had initially taken the lead with a penalty converted by former LAFC player Brian Rodríguez.
This victory grants LAFC the final spot in the expanded 32-team FIFA Club World Cup, set to take place in the United States from June 14 to July 13, 2025. LAFC joins Group D 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 path to this achievement was paved by the disqualification of Club León due to violations of FIFA’s multi-club ownership regulations. This led to a play-in match between LAFC, runners-up in the 2023 CONCACAF Champions League, and Club América, the top-ranked CONCACAF club at the end of the 2024 season.
LAFC’s triumph not only marks a significant milestone for the club but also underscores Major League Soccer’s (MLS) growing competitiveness on the international stage. With this win, LAFC becomes the third MLS team to qualify for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, joining Seattle Sounders FC and Inter Miami CF.
The victory also brings substantial financial rewards. LAFC is set to receive $9.5 million for their participation, with additional earnings possible based on their performance in the tournament.
As LAFC prepares to face some of the world’s top clubs, their focus will be on making a strong impression in their debut at the FIFA Club World Cup.