LAFC vs Club America: Club World Cup Play-In Explained
- Los Angeles FC (LAFC) and club America will face off in a playoff match to determine the final team in Group D of the Club World Cup.
- The playoff became necessary after Club Leon faced a ban due to multi-club ownership rules.
- Alajuelense, a Costa Rican team, appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), arguing they should replace Leon or Pachuca.
LAFC and Club America clash in a high-stakes playoff to seize teh last spot in the prestigious Club World Cup, with the victor joining Chelsea, Flamengo, and Esperance Sportive de tunis. This crucial match replaces Club Leon,who was disqualified. The winning team stands to gain from a massive $1 billion prize pool, including potential earnings exceeding what’s available in their respective leagues. This could be a monumental achievement for LAFCS manager, Steve Cherundolo, as he concludes his season. News Directory 3 has the details, including how to watch this Saturday night showdown. Discover what’s next as these teams battle for glory.
LAFC and Club America to Battle for Club World Cup Berth
Updated May 30, 2025
Los Angeles FC (LAFC) and club America will face off in a playoff match to determine the final team in Group D of the Club World Cup. The winner will join Chelsea, Flamengo, and Esperance Sportive de Tunis in the group. The match is scheduled for Saturday night.
The playoff became necessary after Club Leon faced a ban due to multi-club ownership rules. Both Leon and CF Pachuca are owned by Pachuca Group. FIFA ruled to ban Club Leon after plans to sell one of the clubs did not materialize. Pachuca will still participate in the tournament.
Alajuelense, a Costa Rican team, appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), arguing they should replace Leon or Pachuca. CAS denied the appeal,allowing FIFA to determine the replacement. FIFA selected LAFC as the 2023 concacaf Champions Cup runner-up to Leon. Club America is currently the top-ranked team in the FIFA Club World Cup confederations rankings. This match offers Major League Soccer a chance to have three teams in the tournament, while Liga MX seeks to maintain its three teams.
The Club World Cup offers a lucrative prize,with a total prize pool of $1 billion for participating teams. Each Concacaf team is slated to receive $9.55 million. They also have a chance to secure $2 million per win and $1 million per draw during the group stage.
The stakes are high for both teams, as the potential earnings surpass what either team could earn in their respective leagues. Club America recently concluded their Liga MX Clausura phase, losing the final to Toluca. LAFC had to postpone their scheduled match against the Colorado Rapids to accommodate this playoff.
LAFC’s manager, Steve Cherundolo, will step down at the end of the season. Winning this match and qualifying for the Club World Cup would be a meaningful achievement to conclude his tenure.
How to Watch
- date: saturday, May 31
- Time: 10:30 p.m. ET
- Location: BMO Stadium, Los Angeles, California
- Live stream: DAZN USA
- Odds: LAFC +150; Draw +220; Club America +165
Extra Time and Penalties
If the score remains tied after 90 minutes, the match will proceed to two 15-minute periods of extra time. If still tied, a penalty shootout will determine the winner.