LAFC vs Club América: Club World Cup Play-In Preview
LAFC and Club América collide in a high-stakes play-in clash—the victor earns the final North American spot in the FIFA Club World Cup. This
LAFC and Club América Clash for Coveted Club World Cup Spot
Updated May 31, 2025
Los Angeles FC is set to host Club América in a high-stakes play-in match Saturday night, with the winner securing the final North American spot in the FIFA club World Cup. The Club World Cup berth guarantees the victor at least $9.55 million and a chance to compete for a share of the tournament’s nearly $1 billion prize pool.
The sold-out BMO Stadium will host a raucous crowd, split between LAFC supporters and fans of Mexico’s Club América.The FIFA Club World Cup is expanding to 32 teams and will be held in the U.S. ahead of the FIFA World Cup’s return to North America.
LAFC’s Aaron Long emphasized the magnitude of the game. “It’s massive,” Long said. “I think the stakes are probably as high as it can get… It’s going to be incredible.”
For LAFC’s French striker,Olivier Giroud,the chance to compete in such a prestigious tournament is a major motivator. “to get the opportunity to play that kind of competition is a big chance for the boys,” giroud said. “We need to grab the opportunity.”
The winner will join two other Major League Soccer clubs and two Liga MX clubs in the major soccer tournament. Giroud, a World Cup and UEFA Champions League winner, aims to add this title to his decorated career.
Giroud reflected on a past opportunity. “This is the kind of match you need to play at 110%,” Giroud said. “I’ve never played in it. It might very well be nice to meet Chelsea again, but obviously it will be a massive game (first).” The victor will face Chelsea, Flamengo and ES Tunis in group play.
LAFC and América received this opportunity after FIFA’s disqualification of León due to ownership rules. León and Pachuca share the same ownership, violating FIFA regulations.
The match also highlights the rivalry between MLS and Liga MX. LAFC goalkeeper Hugo Lloris acknowledged the significance of the match. “I believe this game will be prepared like a final,” Lloris said.
Lloris added, “It’s going to be interesting to face one of the best mexican clubs, and it’s going to be tough, challenging, but it’s also what you play football for… when you have this kind of opportunity, you have to do everything to take it.”
LAFC has seen consistent success as 2018, including an MLS Cup win in 2022. América, considered Mexico’s most popular club, recently lost the Clausura final to Toluca.
What’s next
The winner of Saturday’s match will advance to the FIFA Club World Cup, joining other top clubs from around the globe in a quest for international glory and a significant prize.