FIFA has officially announced a playoff match between Los Angeles FC (LAFC) and Liga MX side Club America to determine the final participant in the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup. This decision comes after Club Leon was expelled from the competition due to violations of FIFA's multi-club ownership rules, which prohibit a single entity from owning more than one club in the same tournament.
The announcement, made on May 7, 2025, confirmed that the playoff will take place on May 31 at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles. Club America, ranked as the top team in the CONCACAF confederation rankings, will face LAFC, who earned their spot as runners-up in the 2023 CONCACAF Champions League.
Club Leon's expulsion stemmed from its ownership by Grupo Pachuca, which also operates CF Pachuca, another club participating in the tournament. FIFA's decision was reinforced by the Court of Arbitration for Sport, which rejected appeals from Leon and its affiliates.
As a result, the winner of the LAFC versus Club America playoff will enter Group D of the FIFA Club World Cup, where they will compete against notable teams such as Chelsea FC from the Premier League, Brazilian powerhouse Flamengo, and Tunisian giants Esperance de Tunis.
In response to the criticism surrounding the playoff match, Club America's Sporting President Santiago Baños defended his club's position, stating, "We haven’t done anything wrong - FIFA invited us." He emphasized that Club America was chosen based on their status as the highest-ranked team in the region.
The Club World Cup is set to take place in the United States from June 14 to July 13, 2025, with all matches available to stream live for free on DAZN. This tournament aims to showcase the best of club football from around the globe, and it carries significant prestige, drawing comparisons to the UEFA Champions League.
Weston McKennie, a midfielder for Juventus and the United States national team, shared his thoughts on the upcoming tournament, stating, "It's a little bit similar in terms of Champions League, but obviously this is a bit more many cultures. It's around the world, it's the closest thing to the World Cup without it being the actual World Cup of national teams, but of club teams and many players from continents and cultures. It will be a good opportunity for the players to understand the levels of football around the world."
The Club World Cup will feature a range of international clubs, with Juventus also participating in the tournament. They are scheduled to compete in Group G against UAE club Al Ain on June 18, Moroccan club Wydad AC on June 22, and face off against Manchester City on June 26.
As anticipation builds for the tournament, FIFA President Gianni Infantino has expressed confidence in the preparations for both the 2025 Club World Cup and the 2026 World Cup. President Donald Trump confirmed that a White House task force will oversee these preparations, aiming to make them the biggest and safest soccer tournaments in history.
With the playoff match set to determine the last spot in this prestigious tournament, fans are eagerly awaiting the showdown between LAFC and Club America. The stakes couldn't be higher, with a chance to compete against some of the best teams in the world on the line.
As FIFA continues to finalize details regarding the playoff, including ticket sales and further logistics, the excitement surrounding the Club World Cup is palpable. This event promises to be a highlight of the summer for soccer fans, showcasing the talent and passion of clubs from various continents.
In conclusion, the upcoming playoff match will not only determine the final competitor in the FIFA Club World Cup but also set the stage for what could be a thrilling tournament filled with high-stakes matches and unforgettable moments.
