Wed May 07 21:10:00 UTC 2025: ## LAFC and Club América to Battle for FIFA Club World Cup Spot in Winner-Take-All Playoff

**Los Angeles, CA –** A controversial ruling by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has set the stage for a high-stakes playoff between Major League Soccer’s LAFC and Liga MX giants Club América. The winner will secure a coveted spot in the FIFA Club World Cup, replacing Club León, who were disqualified due to a multi-club ownership conflict violating tournament regulations.

Club León, winners of the 2023 Concacaf Champions Cup, and Liga Deportiva Alajuelense (LDA) appealed the decision, but both appeals were rejected. This leaves LAFC, the runners-up to León, and Club América, Concacaf’s highest-ranked team without prior qualification, to compete in a single-elimination playoff on May 31st at LAFC’s BMO Stadium.

The winner will join Chelsea, Flamengo, and Espérance de Tunis in Group D of the Club World Cup, a competition boasting a $1 billion prize pool. While MLS players’ share is capped at $1 million collectively, the $10 million bonus for qualification presents a significant financial incentive for both teams.

The playoff is generating intense buzz, pitting the growing rivalry between MLS and Liga MX on a global stage. For LAFC, a victory would be a major boost to their international profile. Club América, with a massive global following, faces the pressure of avoiding a potentially embarrassing defeat. The match carries substantial national pride for both the United States and Mexico, amplifying the stakes beyond the financial rewards.

The decision has also impacted Colombian star James Rodríguez, who joined Club León partly due to the Club World Cup. His future remains uncertain, with a potential temporary transfer to León’s sister club, CF Pachuca, a possibility. Rodríguez voiced his disappointment over León’s exclusion, calling it “a grave injustice.”

The high-profile clash promises to be a memorable event for North American soccer fans, highlighting the growing competitiveness of the region on the world stage.

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