LAFC didn’t have the FIFA Club World Cup on their radar to start the season. Still, they are ready to take on the world’s best after a surprise qualification to the tournament, replacing Club Léon after defeating Club América in a one-match playoff.
The Black and Gold trailed in the final few minutes of their qualifying match, but got a 89th-minute tying goal from Igor Jesus, before Denis Bouanga scored in extra time to send them to the tournament.
They took the vacant spot in Group D after Club Léon were disqualified due to FIFA’s multi-club ownership rules. Léon’s owners, Gurpo Pachuco, also have a different team in the tournament, CF Pachuca.
LAFC lost to Léon in the 2023 Concacaf Champions Cup Final, earning their spot in the last-minute qualification game.
Due to their late inclusion, LAFC will not host any home games. Instead, they will face Premier League heavyweights Chelsea, ES Tunis and Brazilian giants Flamengo across Nashville, Atlanta and Orlando.






