Denis Bouanga’s extra-time goal sends LAFC to 2025 Club World Cup in US

Los Angeles FC secured the final berth in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup with a dramatic 2-1 extra-time victory over Club America at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles.

The match was a playoff to determine the 32nd team in the expanded tournament, following Club Leon's disqualification due to an ownership rule breach.

LAFC's comeback was sparked by Igor Jesus, who scored his first goal for the club with a header from a corner in the 89th minute, sending the game into extra time.

"Denis Bouanga scored an extra-time winner to lift Los Angeles FC to a 2-1 victory," sealing their spot in the prestigious competition.

The 2025 Club World Cup, hosted in the United States from June 14 to July 13, will feature 32 teams and a record $1 billion in prize money.

Among the participants are notable clubs such as Chelsea, who qualified by winning the Champions League in 2021, Flamengo from Brazil making their third appearance, and Africa's Esperance de Tunis, appearing for the fourth time.

LAFC's qualification adds to the tournament's global appeal, highlighting the growing stature of MLS clubs on the world stage.

"The final team to book their spot in the Club World Cup, LAFC did it in style with a thrilling 2-1 comeback victory over Club America in the play-in qualifier," underscoring the competitive nature of the expanded event.

The tournament promises to be a landmark event in club football, bringing together champions from across continents in a high-stakes competition.

Denis Bouanga scored an extra-time winner as Los Angeles FC defeated Club America 2-1 in a playoff at BMO Stadium, securing the final spot in the expanded 32-team 2025 Club World Cup in the U.S., which runs June 14 to July 13 with $1 billion in prize money.