Playoff Drama for Club World Cup Spot

In a stunning turn of events, Major League Soccer's LAFC and Liga MX powerhouse Club America may collide in a high-stakes playoff match to determine the final participant in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. This comes after Club Leon's disqualification due to FIFA's multi-club ownership rules concerning their relationship with fellow qualifiers Pachuca.

The Road to the Showdown

• LAFC narrowly missed qualification after falling to Club Leon in the 2023 CONCACAF Champions League final
• Club America emerged as the highest-ranked non-qualified team in CONCACAF rankings
• The winner claims a spot in Group D alongside Chelsea, Flamengo, and Esperance Sportive de Tunisie

FIFA's Official Stance

FIFA confirmed in a statement:

"We are considering one play-off match between LAFC and Club America for the right to participate in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025."

Legal Challenges Continue

While this playoff scenario develops:

• Club Leon has appealed to CAS (Court of Arbitration for Sport)
• Costa Rica's Alajuelense, who originally filed the complaint against Leon, also has an ongoing appeal
• Both cases will be heard on April 23

Star Power on Display

LAFC brings serious firepower to this potential matchup:

• Olivier Giroud (former Arsenal striker) leading the attack
• Hugo Lloris (France's former World Cup-winning captain) between the posts

Tournament Details

The expanded 32-team Club World Cup will:

• Be hosted across the United States
• Run from June 15 to July 13, 2025
• Feature eight groups of four teams each

Current Group Stage Draw

Note: Club Leon was originally drawn in Group D before disqualification.