LAFC Defeats América 2–1, Earns Fifa Club World Cup Spot

LAFC is headed to the FIFA Club World Cup.

In a tense play in match at BMO Stadium on May 31, LAFC overcame Club América 2–1 after extra time to claim the final spot in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. The win sends LAFC into Group D of the expanded 32-team tournament, and marks a defining moment in the club’s international rise.

It was Club América who struck first. In the 19th minute, a quick passing sequence caught LAFC off balance inside the box, and the visitors capitalized with a calm finish to take an early 1–0 lead. The goal stunned the home crowd and gave the Mexican side control through much of the first half.

But LAFC responded. Growing into the match with sharper movement and more aggressive play in the midfield, they began to push higher up the pitch. Their pressure paid off in the 39th minute. After forcing a turnover in Club América’s half, a precise through ball split the defense and found LAFC’s forward, who finished low to the far post to equalize just before the break.

The second half saw both sides trade possession but struggle to create clear chances. The match tightened, with fouls rising and the pace slowing under the weight of the occasion. By the 90th minute, the score remained locked at 1–1, and extra time was needed.

In the 95th minute, LAFC struck again.

LAFC players line up in the box for a corner kick delivered by Denis Bouanga in the 89th minute.Moments later, Igor Jesus headed it home to equalize against Club América 1-1.

A quick switch of play opened up space down the right flank, and a driven cross into the box skipped past two defenders before being tapped in at close range. The goal reignited BMO Stadium and gave LAFC the lead they had chased all night.

Club América pushed forward in the final 25 minutes, creating tension with every set piece and cross, but LAFC’s back line held firm. With every clearance and blocked shot, the clock ticked closer to history. When the final whistle blew, players collapsed, fans erupted, and LAFC secured their place on the global stage.

With the win, LAFC joins Group D of the FIFA Club World Cup alongside Chelsea (England), Flamengo (Brazil), and ES Tunis (Tunisia). They open the group stage on June 16 against Chelsea at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, followed by ES Tunis on June 20 in Nashville and Flamengo on June 24 in Orlando. The top two teams in each group will advance to the knockout stage.

The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup will be the largest in the tournament’s history, running from June 14 to July 13 across the United States. LAFC’s qualification is not only a club milestone, but also a significant moment for Major League Soccer, which continues to build its reputation on the international stage.

For LAFC, the journey to this point has been relentless. On a night filled with pressure, and emotion, they delivered and now the world is watching.