For the first time ever, a club from the United States and one from Tunisia will meet in a competitive match as LAFC and Espérance de Tunis face off this Friday in Tennessee. With both sides coming off opening defeats in the Club World Cup, the stakes couldn’t be higher. It’s a historic showdown where pride, points, and survival in the tournament are all on the line.
LAFC vs Espérance de Tunis preview
After both were beaten on opening night at this summer's Club World Cup, will either team find all the right notes in Music City? Los Angeles FC began their group stage campaign with a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Chelsea in Atlanta, competing well for long periods, but ultimately defeated.
Steve Cherundolo's side only qualified for this tournament less than three weeks ago, courtesy of a dramatic, come from behind 2-1 victory over Club América in California, with very few forecasting that the Black and Gold will go beyond the group stages. Nevertheless, should LAFC manage a victory in Nashville, they'd go into next Tuesday's clash with Flamengo in with a shout of advancing.
Similarly, Espérance Sportive de Tunis were also defeated 2-0 in their tournament opener, conceding towards the start of both halves against Flamengo in Philly. That was ES Tunis' seventh match at a Club World Cup and, to date, they've lost five of them, their victories coming over Chivas Guadalajara on penalties in 2018 and Al-Sadd a year later, both in inconsequential matches for fifth place.
Having not won the CAF Champions League since 2019, very little was expected of the Red and Yellows ahead of this competition, although victory for Maher Kanzari's team in Nashville would keep their hopes of a last 16 spot alive. Thus, it is do or die for both teams at Geodis Park on Friday night, so who will claim a priceless three points?
LAFC vs Espérance de Tunis head-to-head record
These two clubs have never previously met.
LAFC team news
Forward Nathan Ordaz was replaced in the first half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium due to a suspected concussion which, if that is the case, would rule him out of this one, with David Martínez thereby likely to start in his place. Meantime, Steve Cherundolo switched his centre-forward at half time against Chelsea, but Jeremy Ebobisse could once again get the nod over out of form Olivier Giroud.
LAFC predicted lineup vs Espérance de Tunis: (4-3-3): Lloris; Palencia, Long, Segura, Hollingshead; Igor Jesus, Delgado, Tillman; Martínez, Bouanga, Ebobisse.
LAFC player to watch vs Espérance de Tunis
Denis Bouanga is unquestionably LAFC's star man, having scored 12 times in 2025, including the extra time winner against América that got the Black and Gold into this tournament, so will he be the hero in Nashville?
Espérance de Tunis team news
Captain Yassine Meriah's inclusion in the starting lineup against Flamengo was the headline team news. That's because he'd seen just one minute of action since rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament against Djoliba AC on 26 November, but impressively lasted the full 90 minutes.
Espérance de Tunis predicted lineup vs LAFC: (5-3-2): Ben Saïd; Ben Ali, Amine Tougai, Meriah, Ben Hamida; Ogbelu, Guenichi, Jebali, Sasse, Belaïli; Rodrigues.
Espérance de Tunis player to watch vs LAFC
Youcef Belaïli scored 18 goals across all competitions this season, seven of which came in the CAF Champions League, so could he be Espérance de Tunis' hero in Tennessee.
LAFC vs Espérance de Tunis prediction
This clash at Geodis Park is so tough to call, but we give the slight edge to LAFC, albeit the game could very much go either-way; there should be goals at least: LAFC 2-1 Espérance de Tunis.
LAFC vs Espérance de Tunis FAQs - FIFA Club World Cup
How to watch LAFC vs Espérance de Tunis FIFA Club World Cup game on TV channel?
LAFC vs Espérance de Tunis FIFA Club World Cup game will be available on the following TV channels;
- UK: DAZN UK
- USA: DAZN USA.
- Canada: DAZN Canada
How to watch LAFC vs Espérance de Tunis FIFA Club World Cup game on live streaming?
LAFC vs Espérance de Tunis FIFA Club World Cup game will be available on the following streaming services;
- UK: DAZN UK
- USA: DAZN USA.
- Canada: DAZN Canada
What is the date and kick-off time for LAFC vs Espérance de Tunis in the FIFA Club World Cup?
LAFC vs Espérance de Tunis takes place on Friday 20 June 2025, with kick off at 23:00 (BST), 18:00 (EDT) & 15:00 (PDT).