A Clash for the Final Ticket to the FIFA Club World Cup 2025
A potential winner-takes-all showdown between LAFC and Club América is on the cards, as FIFA weighs up a playoff match to determine who will claim the final spot at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.
The decision comes in the wake of Club León’s removal from the tournament due to multi-club ownership rule violations. FIFA’s strict regulations on ownership conflicts led to León’s disqualification, as the club shares ownership ties with fellow qualifiers Pachuca.
With León out, the final spot in the 32-team tournament is up for grabs, and the two clubs in contention—Major League Soccer’s LAFC and Liga MX powerhouse Club América—are set for a high-stakes battle to secure their place among the world’s elite.
Why LAFC and Club América?
The decision to pit LAFC against Club América in a one-off playoff isn’t arbitrary. Both clubs have strong claims to the vacated Club World Cup spot:
- LAFC reached the 2023 Concacaf Champions League final but fell to Club León. As the runner-up, they are considered the next-best team in the region’s premier club competition.
- Club América is the highest-ranked Concacaf team behind Club León that did not originally qualify for the tournament.
FIFA has yet to finalize the match, but in a statement, the governing body confirmed:
“FIFA can confirm it is considering one play-off match between LAFC and Club América for the right to participate in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025.”
If the match gets the green light, it would set up a thrilling encounter between two of the biggest clubs in North America, each vying for the chance to compete on the global stage.
Legal Hurdles Still in Play
The situation, however, is far from resolved. Club León isn’t going down without a fight and has taken its case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
Adding another layer of complexity, Costa Rican club Alajuelense, who originally filed the complaint against León, also has an outstanding appeal. Both cases will be heard on April 23, meaning the final decision on the playoff may not come for weeks.
Should CAS rule in favor of Club León, the playoff scenario could be scrapped altogether, reinstating the Mexican club into the Club World Cup. However, if FIFA’s ruling is upheld, the LAFC vs. Club América showdown is expected to take place in May or early June, allowing the winner just enough time to prepare for the summer tournament.
A Potential Blockbuster Matchup
If the match does happen, it promises to be a spectacle.
- LAFC, currently eighth in the MLS Western Conference, has been bolstering its squad with high-profile names. Former Arsenal and AC Milan striker Olivier Giroud has brought experience and a winning mentality, while ex-France captain Hugo Lloris provides a solid presence between the posts.
- Club América, one of Mexico’s most storied and successful clubs, will be determined to assert Liga MX’s dominance over MLS. América boasts a squad full of proven talents and will see this as a chance to restore pride after recent struggles in continental competitions.
With a Club World Cup spot on the line, expect a heated and intense battle between two teams that rarely shy away from a fight.
Club World Cup 2025: A Historic Tournament Awaits
Regardless of which team qualifies, the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup is set to be a landmark tournament. The event will feature an expanded 32-team format for the first time, making it the most ambitious edition in history.
The competition will run from June 15 to July 13 and will take place across multiple cities in the United States.
Full FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Draw
Group A
Palmeiras
FC Porto
Al-Ahly
Inter Miami
Group B
Paris Saint-Germain
Atlético Madrid Botafogo Seattle Sounders
Group C
Bayern Munich
Auckland City
Boca Juniors Benfica
Group D
Flamengo
Esperance Sportive de Tunis
Chelsea
Club León (Removed by FIFA)
Group E
River Plate
Urawa Red Diamonds
Monterrey
Inter Milan
Group F
Fluminense Borussia Dortmund
Ulsan Hyundai
Mamelodi Sundowns
Group G
Manchester City
Wydad Casablanca
Al-Ain Juventus
Group H
Real Madrid
Al-Hilal Pachuca
RB Salzburg
What’s Next?
All eyes are now on April 23, when the Court of Arbitration for Sport will deliver its ruling on Club León’s appeal. If FIFA’s decision is upheld, expect an official announcement for the LAFC vs. Club América playoff shortly after.
For both MLS and Liga MX, this is more than just a battle for a tournament spot—it’s a statement game that will further fuel the rivalry between American and Mexican club football.
Should LAFC win, it would mark a significant milestone for MLS, showcasing its clubs’ ability to compete at the highest levels of global football.
For Club América, securing a place in the Club World Cup would be a chance to reinforce Liga MX’s dominance in the Concacaf region and prove that Mexican football still reigns supreme.
With the stakes higher than ever, fans on both sides of the border will be eagerly awaiting FIFA’s final decision. One thing is certain—whoever gets the final spot will have to earn it the hard way.
