LAFC has qualified as the 32nd and final club for the Club World Cup, which starts later this month in the United States. The American club was too strong for the Mexican Club América after extra time with 2-1.
LAFC takes over the ticket from Club León, which was excluded from the Club World Cup by FIFA in March. The problem was that the Mexican club has the same owners as the also qualified CF Pachuca. And that is contrary to FIFA rules. Pachuca is allowed to participate.
LAFC (with 145-time French international Hugo Lloris in goal) and Club América competed in a match at the BMO Stadium in Los Angeles for the last ticket. After ninety minutes the score was 1-1, after goals from Brian Rodríguez (Club América) and Igor Jesus (LAFC). In extra time, Denis Bouanga scored the winning goal for the MLS club.
LAFC ends up in group C, with the Brazilian Flamengo, the Tunisian Espérance Sportive de Tunis and Chelsea. The club from Los Angeles is the third American club to qualify, after Seattle Sounders FC and Inter Miami.
The first edition of the new Club World Cup, which is held once every four years, starts on June 14. The final is on July 13.
In addition to the sporting aspect, finances also play a major role in the tournament. A winner from Europe can earn a maximum of 125 million dollars (116 million euros) according to FIFA.