LAFC Secures 2025 FIFA Club World Cup Spot After Extra-Time Win

Los Angeles FC (LAFC) secured the final spot in the expanded 2025 FIFA Club World Cup with a dramatic 2-1 extra-time victory over Mexico's Club América in a play-in match. Denis Bouanga scored the decisive goal in the 115th minute, while Igor Jesus had equalized for LAFC late in regulation after Club América's Brian Rodríguez opened the scoring via a penalty. This victory guarantees LAFC at least $9.55 million in prize money, with potential earnings up to $100 million from the tournament's $1 billion pool. The Club World Cup, held across the southern United States from June 14 to July 13, features 32 teams for the first time, with LAFC drawn into Group D alongside Chelsea, Flamengo, and Espérance de Tunis. LAFC earned this opportunity after Mexican club León was disqualified due to FIFA's multi-club ownership rules, allowing LAFC, as 2023 Concacaf Champions League runners-up, to take their place. The match, played at LAFC's home BMO Stadium, saw a tense, cautious first half before an exhilarating finish that sent the home crowd into celebration.