In a high-stakes showdown set to captivate North American soccer fans, Los Angeles FC (LAFC) will take on Club América in a playoff match on May 31 at BMO Stadium. The match will determine the final entrant in the newly expanded 32-team 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, set to take place in the United States.
The unexpected playoff comes after Club León, originally slated to participate, was disqualified for violating FIFA’s ownership regulations. León’s appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport was ultimately rejected, opening the door for a rare head-to-head playoff between two of the region’s top clubs.
LAFC, runners-up in the 2023 CONCACAF Champions League, earned the opportunity after narrowly losing the final to León last year. Meanwhile, Club América, Mexico’s most decorated football club, secured their playoff berth by ranking highest in FIFA’s Club World Cup confederation standings at the conclusion of the 2024 CONCACAF Champions Cup.
The stakes are massive. Entry into the Club World Cup not only offers global exposure but also financial windfalls and the chance to compete against elite clubs from Europe, South America, Asia, and Africa. The tournament is seen as a pivotal moment in FIFA’s efforts to globalize club football and give more teams a platform on the world stage.
“This is a huge opportunity for our club and our city,” said LAFC head coach Steve Cherundolo. “We’ve come close before, and now we have a second chance to show that LAFC belongs on the world’s biggest stage.”
Club América, managed by André Jardine, brings a legacy of international experience and depth, with multiple CONCACAF titles and a seasoned roster. Their fans are expected to travel in large numbers to Los Angeles, setting the stage for a lively, high-energy match that will reflect the passionate rivalry between Mexican and American club football.
Both teams have been in strong form domestically and are preparing full-strength squads for the May 31 clash. LAFC will likely lean on the scoring prowess of Denis Bouanga and the leadership of captain Carlos Vela, while Club América will rely on attacking threats like Julián Quiñones and Álvaro Fidalgo.
The match also underscores the increasing competitiveness of Major League Soccer (MLS) clubs on the international stage. With the United States set to co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, American soccer has gained unprecedented visibility, and a Club World Cup appearance for LAFC would mark a historic milestone for MLS.
BMO Stadium, known for its electric atmosphere, is expected to sell out, with thousands of supporters from both teams creating a playoff-like environment. City officials are coordinating with event organizers and law enforcement to manage the influx of fans and ensure smooth operations on game day.
FIFA officials have stated that the expanded Club World Cup format, launching in 2025, will occur every four years and mirror the setup of national team tournaments, with a group stage followed by knockout rounds. The event is part of a broader strategy to raise the profile of club football worldwide and increase revenue for participating teams.
Soccer analysts anticipate a tightly contested match, given the quality and ambition of both sides. “This is more than just a match—it’s a gateway to global recognition,” said ESPN analyst Herculez Gomez. “For LAFC and Club América, this is a legacy-defining moment.”
Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM PT on May 31, and the match will be broadcast globally. For both LAFC and Club América, the game represents not just a battle for a tournament berth, but a symbolic clash between rising American ambition and Mexican tradition.