MLS organizations often express ambitions of global reach. LAFC, even before its debut in 2018, already dreamed of being a “global brand.” Less than a decade later, and only seven years after its inaugural season, the 2022 MLS Cup champions and two-time Supporters’ Shield winners have secured a place in the 2025 Club World Cup. The qualification was achieved thanks to a goal by Denis Bouanga in extra time, which sealed a 2-1 victory against Club América of the Liga MX in the playoffs on Saturday. This result not only guarantees a $9.55 million prize for the Club World Cup, which begins on June 14 and has a total prize of $1 billion at stake, but also elevates LAFC’s status in the 32-team competition, along with Inter Miami and Seattle Sounders.
As a club, I think this puts you above many other clubs in MLS. It puts you on a different level.
Steve Cherundolo, LAFC coach
The opportunity for LAFC and Club América arose due to the expulsion of Club León from Liga MX due to multiple ownership rules. León had qualified as the winner of the 2023 Concacaf Champions League, so LAFC secured its place as the runner-up of that tournament. Club América, for its part, obtained its place “as the highest-ranked team in the FIFA Club World Cup confederation ranking through which the classification is also determined”.
The match against Club América, although technically at home for LAFC at BMO Stadium with 22,000 spectators, felt like a visit due to the strong presence of fans of the Mexican team. The atmosphere was hostile, with massive support from Club América that surpassed that of LAFC.
The match began with a penalty goal for Club América, scored by Brian Rodríguez. However, with the entry of Olivier Giroud, LAFC gained momentum. Bouanga assisted Igor Jesus to tie the match in the 89th minute, taking the game to extra time.
In extra time, Bouanga scored the winning goal in the 115th minute, securing the invitation to the Club World Cup.
Bouanga and his teammates will have the opportunity to shine on the biggest stage this summer, facing Flamengo, Esperance de Tunis, and Chelsea in Group D.You need to see Denis day after day. Denis is a competitor, he loves to win, he loves to compete, he feeds off duels, he feeds off the moments he creates.
Steve Cherundolo, LAFC coach
Before seeking global domination, LAFC has two MLS home games against Sporting Kansas City and Toronto FC, before their clash with Chelsea on June 16.
Our next opponent is Kansas City, so that’s where my head is at. But I don’t think it’s any secret to say that for us to beat those teams [in the CWC], we need to play perfectly.
Steve Cherundolo, LAFC coach
