U.S. club representatives, Seattle Sounders FC and Inter Miami CF groups, opponents and schedule are:

Seattle Sounders FC

• June 15 vs. Botafogo – 10 pm ET | Lumen Field, Seattle, Wash.
• June 19 vs. Atlético Madrid – 6 pm ET | Lumen Field, Seattle, Wash.
• June 23 vs. Paris Saint-Germain – 3 pm ET | Lumen Field, Seattle, Wash

Inter Miami CF

• June 14 vs. Al Ahly – 8 pm ET | Hard Rock Stadium – Miami, Florida
• June 19 vs. FC Porto – 3 pm ET | Mercedes-Benz Stadium – Atlanta, Georgia
• June 23 vs. Palmeiras – 9 pm ET | Hard Rock Stadium – Miami, Florida

LAFC

• June 16 vs. Chelsea – 3 pm ET | Mercedes-Benz Stadium – Atlanta, Georgia
• June 20 vs. Espérance Sportive de Tunis – 5 pm ET | GEODIS Park, Nashville
• June 24 vs. Flamengo – 9 pm ET | Camping World Stadium, Orlando

LAFC JOINS SOUNDERS AND INTER MIAMI IN THE 2025 FIFA CLUB WORLD CUP

It wasn’t easy. In fact, it was nearly impossible—especially after Club América struck first in the 10th minute. Former LAFC winger Brian Rodríguez buried a penalty kick, putting the Black & Gold on the back foot and keeping their FIFA Club World Cup dreams firmly under América’s control.

But LAFC refused to fold. With time running out, hope came in the 89th minute when Igor Jesus rose to meet a Denis Bouanga corner and headed home the equalizer. The goal breathed life back into LAFC, forcing extra time and breaking América’s iron grip on the match.

Then, in the 115th minute, Bouanga turned hope into history. Picking up the ball at the top of the box, he fired a blistering strike that took a crucial deflection and flew past Luis Malagón—sealing a dramatic 2–1 victory.

With the win, LAFC secured their first-ever qualification for the FIFA Club World Cup and a prize of $9.55 million. They now take Club León’s place in Group D, where they’ll face Chelsea (England), Flamengo (Brazil), and ES Tunis (Tunisia).

WINDFALL FOR LAFC & CLUB AMÉRICA: $10 MILLION, A CLUB WORLD CUP TICKET, AND EVERYTHING TO PLAY FOR

A massive opportunity worth almost $10 million lands at the feet of LAFC and Club América, with just 90 minutes on Saturday night, May 31st, to claim a golden ticket to the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.

The one-off playoff will determine who takes the final Concacaf slot in this summer’s expanded 32-team Club World Cup, held June 14 to July 13 across the United States. With every participating team guaranteed $9.55 million just for showing up — not to mention a shot at the tournament’s $1 billion prize pool — the stakes couldn’t be higher.

Why the Playoff?

The playoff became necessary after Club León, the 2023 Concacaf Champions Cup winners, were disqualified by FIFA due to multi-club ownership rules. With a spot in Group D up for grabs — alongside Chelsea (England), Flamengo (Brazil), and ES Tunis (Tunisia) — Concacaf tapped two regional giants to battle for the replacement bid.

Two Titans Collide

There’s no disputing the pedigree of Club América. Though they fell to Toluca in last weekend’s Liga MX Clausura final, Las Águilas remain the most decorated club in North American soccer history, with 36 major trophies, including 14 league titles and a record seven Concacaf Champions Cup (CCC) crowns. For them, another shot at global glory feels like destiny.

But LAFC are no pretenders. Since their debut in 2018, the Black & Gold have become one of MLS’s elite teams, capturing two Supporters’ Shields, one MLS Cup, and a U.S. Open Cup. Their attacking style and tournament consistency make them a formidable opponent. And after defeating América 2–1 in a friendly at BMO Stadium just this February, they’ll carry quiet confidence into Saturday’s showdown.

If LAFC triumph, they’ll become the third MLS team in the 2025 Club World Cup, joining Seattle Sounders FC (2022 CCC winners) and Inter Miami CF (host nation berth). And with top-four finishes reportedly worth tens of millions more, the potential financial windfall is staggering.

Not Just Rivals — Business Partners

These clubs don’t just clash on the field — they negotiate off it, too.

In 2022, América signed LAFC’s record transfer, Brian Rodríguez, for a reported $6 million. Though his time in Los Angeles had highs and lows, the Uruguayan winger — nicknamed Rayito — was once among MLS’s most promising young stars, making the league’s 22 Under 22 list twice.

Now, he returns to BMO Stadium wearing América’s blue and yellow, and LAFC will hope their inside knowledge can help neutralize their former teammate.

Neutral Site… Sort Of

Though LAFC will technically host the match at BMO Stadium, FIFA took pains to ensure a neutral atmosphere. Both teams received equal ticket allocations, and with a massive Club América fanbase already in Los Angeles, the stands could feel like a true split.

This solution came only after logistical hurdles, with FIFA unable to secure a venue until early May, following a final Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ruling on León’s disqualification. Given time constraints and market priorities, LAFC’s home became the most viable option.

A Giant Awaits

The winner won’t have much time to celebrate. A spot in Group D brings a brutal challenge: Chelsea, Flamengo, and ES Tunis — champions from three continents. But first things first: LAFC vs Club América. One night. One prize. One path to the world stage