Los Angeles FC (LAFC) and Club América are set to face off on May 31, 2025, at LAFC's BMO Stadium in Los Angeles. This decisive playoff match will determine the final participant in the expanded 32-team FIFA Club World Cup, scheduled to commence in the United States on June 14, 2025.

The necessity for this playoff arose following FIFA's disqualification of Club León due to a breach of multi-club ownership regulations. Both Club León and C.F. Pachuca are owned by Grupo Pachuca, which contravenes FIFA's rules prohibiting clubs with the same ownership from participating in the same tournament. The Court of Arbitration for Sport upheld FIFA's decision, leading to the organization of this playoff to fill the vacated spot.

The winner of the LAFC vs. Club América match will join Group D in the Club World Cup, competing against Chelsea (England), Flamengo (Brazil), and Espérance de Tunis (Tunisia). For LAFC, a victory would mark their first appearance in the tournament, making them the third Major League Soccer (MLS) team to participate. Club América, one of Mexico's most successful football clubs, aims to extend its domestic success onto the global stage.

Background on the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup Expansion

The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup represents a significant expansion from its previous format, increasing from seven to 32 teams. This change aims to enhance global representation and competitiveness in the tournament. The competition is scheduled to take place in the United States from June 14 to July 13, 2025, serving as a prelude to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which the U.S. will co-host with Mexico and Canada. The expanded format includes 12 teams from UEFA, six from CONMEBOL, four each from AFC, CAF, and CONCACAF, one from OFC, and one host nation representative. The tournament will feature eight groups of four teams, with the top two from each group advancing to the knockout stages.

Details of the Playoff Match

• Date and Time: May 31, 2025, at 7:30 PM Pacific Time.
• Venue: BMO Stadium, Los Angeles, home of LAFC.
• Broadcast: The match will be available on DAZN.
• Tickets: Available through FIFA's official website, with pre-sales for season ticket holders starting on May 16 and general sales commencing on May 17.
• Prize: The winning club will receive an entry fee of $9.55 million.

Team Profiles

• Los Angeles FC (LAFC): Founded in 2014, LAFC has quickly become a prominent team in Major League Soccer. A victory in this playoff would mark their first appearance in the FIFA Club World Cup, making them the third MLS team to participate in the tournament.

• Club América: Established in 1916, Club América is one of Mexico's most successful and popular football clubs. They have a rich history of domestic and international success and aim to extend their achievements onto the global stage through this tournament.

Social and Economic Implications

The inclusion of an MLS team in the FIFA Club World Cup underscores the growing prominence of soccer in the United States. Hosting the playoff and potentially having a local team in the tournament could boost local economies through increased tourism and global exposure. The $9.55 million entry fee for the winning club highlights the significant financial incentives associated with the tournament.

Historical Context

This is the first time a playoff match has been organized to determine a participant in the FIFA Club World Cup, stemming from a disqualification due to ownership rule violations. The expanded format of the 2025 tournament represents a significant shift in FIFA's approach to club competitions, aiming to increase global representation and competitiveness.

As the match approaches, anticipation builds among fans and stakeholders alike. The outcome will not only determine the final participant in the expanded FIFA Club World Cup but also highlight the evolving landscape of international club football.