LAFC's season midpoint fuels ambition at the Club World Cup

The late exclusion of Leon opened up a spot that was contested by Los Angeles FC (runners-up in the Concachampions, which Leon won) and Club America (top-ranked CONCACAF side that season). FIFA settled the matter with a play-off between the two, which the Los Angeles side won.

The Californian outfit were the last to secure qualification and arrive at the Club World Cup in the middle of their 2025 campaign. Last season, they lifted the US Open Cup, reached the Leagues Cup final, and made the MLS semi-finals – a track record that proves their strength in knockout football.

With no pressure and plenty to gain – both financially and in sporting terms – LAFC are dreaming of a place in the knockout stages. That objective is likely to come down to a tight head-to-head with Flamengo in a Group D also featuring Chelsea and Esperance de Tunis.

Squad list

Players to watch

In terms of performance, LAFC's standout player is Denis Bouanga. The Gabon international has been the Californian side's talisman for years, racking up 81 goals and 33 assists in 128 appearances.

He heads into the tournament in top form, having netted nine goals and delivered five assists in his last 10 matches. While Bouanga leads on the pitch, the squad also includes other notable names.

None bigger than former France internationals Hugo Lloris and Olivier Giroud. The goalkeeper remains the first choice, while Giroud, despite his age, continues to show his quality, whether starting or coming off the bench. In fact, he was featured as a substitute in LAFC's four matches, leading into the tournament, scoring twice and providing two assists.

Coach

Steve Cherundolo is a club legend at LAFC. At the helm since January 2022, the former Hannover 96 player has taken charge of 176 matches and led the club to five trophies: one MLS Cup, one US Open Cup, one Supporters’ Shield, and two Western Conference titles.

The 46-year-old coach, who comfortably switches between 4-4-2 and 4-3-3 formations, has perhaps fallen short on the international stage, finishing as Concachampions runner-up in both 2023 and 2024. The Club World Cup now offers him a platform to prove himself at the highest level globally.

Group stage fixtures

Matchday 1

Los Angeles FC begin their Club World Cup campaign on Monday, 16 June, at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta against Chelsea. It will be their first ever meeting with a Premier League side.

Matchday 2

Later that week, LAFC will face Esperance de Tunis on Saturday, 21 June, at Geodis Park in Nashville. It will also be their first-ever clash with a CAF opponent.

Matchday 3

Finally, in what could be a decisive match if predictions hold true, Los Angeles FC will meet Flamengo on Wednesday, 25 June, at the Camping World Stadium in Orlando. LAFC have only faced a CONMEBOL side once before – a 2–0 friendly win over Penarol in 2020.

Possible starting XI