LAFC qualify for 32-Team FIFA Club World Cup with Extra-Time Win Over Club America

Los Angeles FC secured a dramatic 2-1 extra-time victory against Mexico's Club América in a play-in match to qualify for the expanded 32-team FIFA Club World Cup, earning a guaranteed $9.55 million payout. Club América took the lead in the 64th minute through a penalty by former LAFC player Brian Rodriguez, following a foul by Mark Delgado, but LAFC equalized in the 89th minute when Igor Jesus scored from a corner kick. Denis Bouanga then scored the decisive extra-time winner in the 115th minute with a powerful shot that deflected off a defender. The win sends LAFC into Group D of the tournament, where they will face Chelsea, Flamengo, and Esperance Tunis, with the competition running from June 14 to July 13 across U.S. cities. The play-in match was held due to Mexican club León's disqualification over ownership conflicts, providing LAFC the opportunity based on their CONCACAF Champions League runner-up status. This victory not only brings a significant financial boost to LAFC—almost half their payroll—but also elevates their profile on the global soccer stage.