The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup could have a surprise qualification match featuring an MLS team. According to a report by Jeff Carlisle and Lizzy Becherano of ESPN, FIFA has a contingency to hold a one-game playoff between LAFC and Club América to replace León in this summer’s tournament.
With ESPN colleague @lizzybecherano.bsky.social …Sources: FIFA is putting together a plan to replace Club Leon at the FIFA Club World Cup w/the winner of a one-game playoff between Club America and #LAFC. This is assuming Club Leon loses its appeal to be reinstated.
— Jeff Carlisle (@jeffreycarlisle.bsky.social) 2025-03-30T18:58:25.434Z
It all goes back to FIFA’s ruling on March 21st that León had violated competition rules preventing two clubs with the same owner from participating in the same tournament, leading to León’s expulsion from the Club World Cup. León and Pachuca, who is also in the Club World Cup, are under the same parent ownership. FIFA issued a statement confirming its decision:
Following disciplinary proceedings against CF Pachuca and Club León, the chairman of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee decided to refer the case directly to the FIFA Appeal Committee in accordance with article 56 paragraph 3 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code.
After evaluating all evidence on file, the chairman of the FIFA Appeal Committee decided that CF Pachuca and Club León failed to meet the criteria on multi-club ownership defined under article 10 paragraph 1 of the Regulations for the FIFA Club World Cup 2025.
In line with article 10 paragraph 4 of the Regulations for the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, FIFA has determined that Club León will be removed from the competition, with a replacement to be announced in due course.
Costa Rican club LD Alajuelense filed a complaint in the Court of Arbitration for Sport, arguing for León’s dismissal from the Club World Cup as direct replacements. Arguments will be presented on April 23rd. Meanwhile, FIFA plans for LAFC, the runners-up to León in the 2023 Concacaf Champions League, to face Club América, the top-ranked team in the Club World Cup’s confederation rankings, featuring USMNT midfielder Alex Zendejas. However, the playoff date will be set only after the Court of Arbitration for Sport rules on the complaint and confirms León’s removal from the tournament.
Should LAFC be selected for the playoff and win, they would become the third Major League Soccer team in the field of 32 at the Club World Cup, joining Inter Miami and the Seattle Sounders. They would take León’s spot in Group D, where they would open against Chelsea FC on June 16th at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, followed by Espérance de Tunis at Geodis Park in Nashville on June 20th, and concluding group play against Flamengo on June 24th at Camping World Stadium in Orlando.
LAFC and MLS will need to reorganize their schedule if they qualify for the Club World Cup. Currently, they have five matches scheduled during the tournament, including three in the group stage that would need to be rescheduled. Additionally, adjustments to the LAFC schedule for the playoff and potential tournament advancement would also be required. All of this hinges on the Court of Arbitration for Sport’s decision on León’s removal. Major League Soccer would welcome another team in the tournament, especially in a big market like Los Angeles with international stars like Olivier Giroud and Hugo Lloris.
There remains a lot to happen before LAFC can prepare for a Club World Cup playoff. The decision now rests with the CAS, and the world awaits as the teams are just 10 weeks away from the tournament’s start.
