In a pivotal clash for a coveted spot in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, Los Angeles FC (LAFC) will host Mexican giants Club América on Saturday, May 31, at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. PT.
Background: The Road to the Playoff
This decisive playoff arises after Club León’s disqualification from the tournament due to a breach of FIFA’s ownership rules. León’s appeal was rejected by the Court of Arbitration for Sport, necessitating a replacement to complete the 32-team lineup.
LAFC earned their place in this playoff as runners-up in the 2023 CONCACAF Champions League, while Club América secured their spot by ranking highest in the FIFA Club World Cup confederation standings at the conclusion of the 2024 Champions Cup.
Match Details and Implications
The winner of this single-elimination match will join Group D of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, alongside Flamengo (Brazil), Esperance de Tunis (Tunisia), and Chelsea FC (England). Group-stage matches for the victor are scheduled in Atlanta (June 16), Nashville (June 20), and Orlando (June 24).
Should the match end in a draw after 90 minutes, two 15-minute periods of extra time will be played, followed by a penalty shootout if necessary.
Team Preparations and Key Players
LAFC enters the match in strong form, having recently secured a 4-0 victory over Seattle Sounders in MLS play. The team boasts experienced players like goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, forward Olivier Giroud, and defender Sergi Palencia.
Club América, under the guidance of coach André Jardine, features a talented roster including goalkeeper Luis Malagón, midfielder Álvaro Fidalgo, winger Alejandro Zendejas, and forward Víctor Dávila. The team is currently competing in the Clausura 2025 semifinals, aiming for a fourth consecutive league title.
Ticketing and Broadcast Information
Tickets for the match are available to the general public starting Saturday, May 17, at 10 a.m. PT via FIFA.com/tickets. LAFC and Club América members had exclusive early access beginning Friday, May 16.
The match will be streamed live for free globally on DAZN.com, with additional sublicensing deals to be announced.
What’s Next
The winner of this playoff will not only secure a spot in the expanded 32-team FIFA Club World Cup but also join Seattle Sounders FC and Inter Miami CF as Major League Soccer’s representatives in the tournament. Participation guarantees a minimum prize of $9.55 million, with the potential to earn up to nearly $100 million from the tournament’s $1 billion prize pool.
As the anticipation builds, both LAFC and Club América are preparing meticulously for this high-stakes encounter, which promises to be a thrilling addition to the global football calendar.
