LAFC advances to 2025 Club World Cup after win over América: Match summary, scores & goal highlights

All 32 spots for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup are now filled. LAFC claimed the final berth after defeating Club América 2-1 on Saturday, May 31, in a dramatic match at BMO Stadium that extended into extra time.

The California-based team takes the place left vacant by Club León, which was expelled from the tournament by FIFA due to Pachuca Group’s multi-club ownership. LAFC will now join Group D alongside Chelsea, Esperance de Tunis, and Brazil’s Flamengo.

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LAFC qualifies for Club World Cup after beating América

A penalty seemed to tip the scales in favor of Las Águilas after a tough challenge by Mark Delgado on Erick Sánchez, which had to be reviewed by VAR. Brian Rodríguez converted from the spot in the 64th minute, putting América within touching distance of the Club World Cup.

André Jardine’s squad held their ground with the help of several key saves from goalkeeper Ángel Malagón. However, just as they were beginning to sit back and defend their narrow lead, Igor Jesus rose to meet a corner kick with a header that sent the game into extra time.

Luck favored América again when Bouanga skillfully weaved through defenders and fired a shot that hit the post and was deflected out for a corner kick. But Bouanga’s quality shone again in the 115th minute, when he took a ball from Olivier Giroud’s feet and fired. This time, a deflection didn’t stop the ball from hitting the back of the net, securing the win for LAFC.

América made a desperate attempt to equalize and force a penalty shootout, but clarity and precision were lacking. LAFC handled the pressure well to seal the victory.

LAFC will make their Club World Cup debut on June 16 against Chelsea. Mexican soccer will be represented by two teams (Pachuca and Rayados), while MLS will have three clubs in the tournament (Inter Miami, Seattle Sounders, and LAFC).