Los Angeles FC secured a spot in the FIFA Club World Cup by defeating Mexican side Club America 2-1 in a playoff match that went into extra time. Denis Bouanga proved decisive, scoring the winning goal for LAFC in front of their home crowd.
The match was tied in regulation after a late header from Igor Jesus leveled the score, canceling out a penalty converted by former LAFC player Brian Rodriguez. This sent the game into extra time, where Bouanga secured the win for LAFC. They will join fellow MLS clubs Seattle Sounders and Inter Miami as representatives in the expanded Club World Cup. This victory guarantees LAFC nearly $10 million in prize money, with further earnings possible depending on their performance in the tournament.
LAFC, known as the Black and Gold, have been placed in Group D for the tournament, alongside prominent clubs Chelsea, Flamengo, and Esperance Sportive de Tunis.
The first half was a cautious affair, primarily contested in midfield, as both teams sought to avoid mistakes given the high stakes of a Club World Cup berth. Despite tactical adjustments in the second half, a defensive error by Marco Delgado appeared to give Club America the advantage.
Delgado conceded a penalty by fouling Club America`s captain, Erick Sanchez, inside the box. America converted the spot kick. Trailing, LAFC introduced attacking players to increase pressure. This paid dividends in the 89th minute when Denis Bouanga assisted Igor Jesus from a corner kick, scoring the equalizer and forcing extra time.
Having gained momentum from the equalizer, LAFC continued their attacking approach in extra time and were rewarded. They dominated chances, outshooting Club America 19 to nine with eight shots on target, and were the only team to score from open play in the entire match.
LAFC is participating in the tournament after replacing Club Leon, who were disqualified due to multi-club ownership rules (both Club Leon and Pachuca are owned by the same group, and a required sale didn`t happen in time). With the tournament starting on June 14 and LAFC`s first match against Chelsea on June 16, preparation time is limited. While a special transfer window (June 1-10) allows participating teams to strengthen their rosters, MLS rules may restrict LAFC`s ability to add as many players as clubs from other leagues.
However, for now, the focus is on this landmark achievement. For a club founded only in 2018, this is a significant step. They will have the opportunity to compete against teams with long, storied histories like Chelsea and showcase their capabilities on the global stage among the 32 participants this summer.
