Los Angeles FC (LAFC) secured their spot in the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup with a thrilling 2-1 victory over Mexico’s Club América, thanks to a dramatic extra-time winner from Denis Bouanga. The high-stakes match, held at LAFC’s BMO Stadium, offered the last available berth in the 32-team tournament and a lucrative $9.5 million in participation money. Former LAFC forward Brian Rodríguez initially put Club América ahead with a 64th-minute penalty, but LAFC fought back.
Brazilian striker Igor Jesus leveled the game with a powerful header in the 89th minute, forcing extra time. With penalties looming, French striker Olivier Giroud played a crucial role in setting up Bouanga for the decisive goal just five minutes before the final whistle.
The match was tense, with a passionate crowd split between the two sides. Club América dominated possession early on but failed to trouble LAFC goalkeeper Hugo Lloris. A key moment came when a VAR review awarded Club América a penalty after Mark Delgado fouled Erick Sánchez, allowing Rodríguez to convert from the spot. However, Rodríguez missed a chance to extend their lead shortly after.
Giroud’s introduction in the 74th minute proved pivotal as he posed a constant threat to the Mexican defense, forcing important saves from América’s goalkeeper. Jesus eventually equalized from a Bouanga corner, setting the stage for Bouanga’s late heroics in extra time.
Bouanga, who has been in fine scoring form for LAFC since joining from Saint-Étienne in 2022, delivered a crucial goal when it mattered most. The victory sees LAFC progress to Group D of the Club World Cup, where they will face tough opposition in Chelsea, Flamengo, and Espérance de Tunis. The tournament kicks off on June 14 and culminates in a final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 13, with the winner set to claim a prize exceeding $100 million.
The play-off was necessitated by the exclusion of Mexican club León from the tournament due to ownership conflicts with Pachuca. As the 2023 CONCACAF Champions League runners-up, LAFC earned the chance to contest América, the highest-ranked team in the confederation. LAFC’s qualification means that the United States will have three representatives in the tournament, joining Inter Miami and the Seattle Sounders.
Overall, LAFC’s dramatic victory over Club América not only secures their place in the FIFA Club World Cup but also sets the stage for an exciting campaign against some of the world’s best teams. Fans can look forward to seeing how LAFC will fare against top international competition in what promises to be a thrilling tournament.
