LAFC and Club América faced off today at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, California, to compete for a spot in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. The home team made the most of their advantage, securing a 2-1 victory in extra time over the Mexican giants.
Both teams were fighting for a place after FIFA disqualified León from Mexico due to a conflict involving multi-club ownership. LAFC quickly seized the opportunity to earn its spot in the global tournament.
In the first half, LAFC took the initiative on offense with an inspired Denis Bouanga, though it didn’t translate into goals. Meanwhile, Club América maintained control of possession through midfield transitions and effective link-up play.
The BMO Hawks gave a masterclass in how to stand up to a Mexican football powerhouse. América, the favorites, were limited to just one shot on goal by Eric Sanchez in the 40th minute.
In the second half, América increased their pressure in midfield, disrupting LAFC’s ball movement. The Mexican side also improved through combinations between Sanchez and Alejandro Zendejas. Bouanga continued to be LAFC’s standout player.
América’s pressure paid off when Mark Delgado committed a foul on “Chiquito” Sanchez in the box. Bryan Rodriguez converted the penalty in the 63rd minute to make it 1-0.
With the score against them, LAFC coach Steve Cherundolo made tactical changes: Nathan Ordaz was replaced by David Martínez in the 68th minute, and in the 74th minute, Olivier Giroud and Cengiz Ünder came on for Jeremy Ebobisse and Mark Delgado.
On the América side, America coach André Jardine made late substitutions in the 84th minute: Ramón Juárez for Cáceres, Miguel Vázquez for Aguirre, and Calderón for Alejandro Zendejas.
Near the end of the match, LAFC equalized in the 89th minute with a header from Brazilian Igor Jesus, who rose above a sea of defenders to meet a cross from Bouanga. After that, the home team controlled the ball, while América tried to fend off the attacks.
With the match tied, extra time was needed to determine who would claim the Club World Cup spot.
Extra Time
At the start of the first half of extra time, América looked more eager to attack but couldn’t capitalize on their chances.
As the second half of extra time began, LAFC looked more dangerous in the attack than América.
With five minutes left, Denis Bouanga delivered once again, firing a shot past Malagón in the 115th minute to make it 2-1. The goal not only secured LAFC’s place in the Club World Cup but also earned the team a $10 million prize.
LAFC will now join Group D alongside Chelsea, Flamengo, and Espérance de Tunis.
According to the Forbes list, LAFC is the richest team in MLS with a value of $1.25 billion, and globally it ranks among the 25 richest clubs.
¡Las 11 Águilas que buscarán el boleto al Mundial de Clubes! 🦅🔥 pic.twitter.com/jPvqa7xJeo
— Club América (@ClubAmerica) June 1, 2025
The Starting XI for #LAFCvAME#LAFC | @FIFACWC pic.twitter.com/boeCYyCvQy
— LAFC (@LAFC) June 1, 2025
Cards
America
Yellows
S. Cáceres 🟨
LAFC
Igor Jesús 🟨
Mark Delgado 🟨
Sergi Palencia 🟨
Timothy Tillman 🟨
