Los Angeles FC will take part in this summer’s FIFA Club World Cup after being drawn into Group D. They’ll face Chelsea, Espérance Sportive de Tunis and Flamengo, with each group stage match taking place at a different venue across the United States.
1) Who will LAFC face at the Club World Cup?
LAFC have been drawn into Group D and these are their group stage fixtures:
16 June: vs Chelsea. Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta.
20 June: vs Espérance Sportive de Tunis. Geodis Park, Nashville.
24 June: vs Flamengo. Camping World Stadium, Orlando.
2) Last minute ticket
Back when the draw was conduced on 5 December, LAFC were not involved, so how have they ended up in this tournament? Well, 2023 CONCACAF champions Club León were due to compete, but were expelled from the competition because they share owners with Liga MX rivals Pachuca.
To replace them, a one-off play-in game took place as recently as 31 May, just a fortnight before the tournament opener. Mexican giants Club América appeared set to qualify when they took the lead from the penalty spot at BMO Stadium, only for Igor Jesus to snatch a last-gasp equaliser, thereby forcing extra time. Then, as penalties loomed large, Olivier Giroud's lay-off was lashed home by Denis Bouanga, snatching victory and sparking wild celebrations.
3) Instant MLS success
Los Angeles FC are one of Major League Soccer's newest clubs, beginning play as recently as 2018, but they've certainly made their mark. Across the last seven seasons, the Black and Gold have finished as the best in the west three times, including last year, picking up the Supporters' Shield in both 2019 and 2022, the honour given to the team who accumulates the most regular season points.
Three years ago, LAFC become only the fourth club since 2002 to complete the double, getting their hands on MLS Cup for the very first time, playing out an exhilarating 3-3 draw with Philadelphia Union, before prevailing on penalties. They following year, they reached MLS Cup again, only this time the Black and Gold were defeated by Columbus Crew in Ohio. In 2024, they did add to their list of titles by winning the U.S. Open Cup for the very first time, courtesy of a 3-1 victory over Sporting Kansas City.
4) Coming close to CONCACAF glory
Despite their rapidly growing collection of domestic silverware, continental glory has so far remained illusive. Back in 2020, during only the third season of their existence, they got all the way to the CONCACAF Champions League Final, ousting three Mexican teams en route, before suffering a 2-1 defeat to Tigres UANL in Florida.
Three years later, they reached the final again, but disappointingly lost both legs to Club León. They also appeared in the Leagues Cup Final in 2024, but once again ended up with runners-up medals, defeated again by old foes Columbus Crew.
5) A mixed season so far
Coming into this Club World Cup campaign, the Black and Gold have endured a mixed campaign.
LAFC lost four of their first seven MLS matches this year, but are unbeaten in nine games since then, albeit five of these have ended in draws. Last Sunday, goals from Eddie Segura, Denis Bouanga and then Olivier Giroud saw them defeat Sporting Kansas City 3-1 at home. This leaves them fifth in the MLS Western Conference, which is pretty underwhelming considering they've finished no lower than third since 2021.
In fairness, earlier in the campaign, they were prioritising CONCACAF Champions Cup, memorably knocking out Columbus in the round of 16, before being eliminated by Inter Miami in the quarters.
6) Past Club World Cup expirence
Los Angeles FC will make their Club World Cup debut this summer. In fact, before this edition, only one MLS team had ever featured in the tournament, namely rivals Seattle Sounders in 2023.
7) LAFC players to watch: Denis Bouanga
Denis Bouanga scored the goal that secured Los Angeles FC's spot at the Club World Cup and he is certainly their main man for goals.
Since arriving from Saint-Étienne three summers ago, the Gabonese international has scored 80 goals in 127 appearances for the club, thereby averaging a goal every 135 minutes. 11 of these strikes have come in 2025, including seven of his last eight MLS outings, so can he continue this hot streak this summer?
8) LAFC players to watch: Hugo Lloris
At the other end of the field, Hugo Lloris is one of the more recognisable figures in this team. Since moving stateside from Spurs in December 2023, the French World Cup winner has played 67 times for the Black and Gold, keeping 26 clean sheets and conceding only 77 goals. Thus, if they're going to make any sort of run this summer, the 38 year old will need to be at his best.
9) Manager Steve Cherundolo: looking to sign off in style
Back in April, manager Steve Cherundolo announced that he will step down at the end of 2025 following four seasons in charge. Amazingly, after Bob Bradley, he is only the second head coach in the club's entire history.
Cherundolo will be a tough act to following, having won all there is to win in American domestic soccer, reaching six finals and winning three trophies, but attempting to make an impact at Club World Cup level will be the toughest assignment his LAFC team have ever faced.
10) Will LAFC get out of the group?
Los Angeles FC begin their campaign against Chelsea in Atlanta, before taking on Espérance de Tunis in Nashville and then Flamengo in Orlando.
Just qualifying was a major success for the Black and Gold, with very few expecting that they'll be able to get a win on the board, let alone reach the knockout stages.