LAFC and Las Águilas will face off Saturday night at BMO Stadium with the final spot in the CWC on the line
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The winner will qualify for Group DWinner will debut will be on June 16 against ChelseaWinner will share the group with Flamengo and Espérance Tunis
Watch every FIFA Club World Cup game free on DAZNStream nowGetty Images SportWHAT HAPPENED?
LAFC and Club América are gearing up for a high-stakes clash Saturday night at BMO Stadium, with the final spot in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup on the line. The berth became available after FIFA expelled Club León due to issues related to shared ownership with Pachuca – another Mexican team already qualified for the tournament.
In the lead-up to the match, LAFC head coach Steve Cherundolo acknowledged América’s footballing pedigree. He admitted that the Mexican giants hold a stronger legacy and are likely considered the favorites going into the match. Still, he made it clear that LAFC will be doing everything in their power to claim that last ticket to the world stage.
“You can talk about Club América’s history, its fanbase, and its traditions – it’s obviously a bigger club than LAFC. Bigger in the sense that it’s older and more established. We know we’re not the favorites,” said Cherundolo at a pre-match news conference.
Despite the challenge ahead, Cherundolo emphasized that his team’s preparation remained consistent.
“We didn’t have to travel, and the players stayed local, which helped," he said. "There are tons of América fans here in Los Angeles – they’re even around my neighborhood. Their fanbase is massive."
AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE
América, the most decorated and historic team in Mexico, take on LAFC, one of Major League Soccer’s strongest sides since joining the league. Only one will earn the right to join Group D of the Club World Cup, alongside Chelsea, Flamengo, and Espérance de Tunis.
The winner will debut on June 16 against Chelsea.
Getty Images SportWHAT ANDRÉ JARDINE SAID
“Playing in the Club World Cup is a dream,” América coach Andre Jardine said. “It feels like a gift from above – for both us and LAFC. Since I arrived here, it’s been clear how much this club wants to be part of a competition of this magnitude. We’re embracing the challenge with full responsibility and pride. Moments like this, fighting for something so big, don’t come often.”
Jardine also addressed about the team's heartbreak in the Liga MX final, where they were denied a historic fourth consecutive league title by Toluca.
“These days right after a final – whether you win or lose – are crucial for reflection and learning,” he noted. “Sometimes, it’s also about letting go."
Getty Images SportDID YOU KNOW?
Looking back at their head-to-head history, LAFC holds a slight edge over Club América, having won two of the three matches played between the sides since 2020.
Their most recent meeting came in a friendly match in February. Although it was an exhibition game, LAFC came out on top 2-1. Goals for the MLS side were scored by Denis Bouanga and Nathan Ordaz, while Richard Sánchez netted the lone goal for Las Águilas.
