Los Angeles vs América

Los Angeles FC vs. Club América Preview: FIFA Club World Cup Group D Showdown

Los Angeles FC and Club América will face off at BMO Stadium on Sunday to determine the final Group D spot in the expanded FIFA Club World Cup, capitalizing on Club León’s disqualification due to multi-club ownership rules involving CF Pachuca.

Los Angeles FC, a dominant force in American soccer over the past five years, have yet to make their mark in continental competitions. Their closest attempt came in the 2023 CONCACAF Champions Cup, where they suffered a 3-1 aggregate loss to León in a lopsided final. That defeat, however, has paved the way for LAFC to secure a debut Club World Cup berth, stepping in alongside Club América to replace the 2023 North American champions.

The two sides are no strangers, having clashed three times in the last five years, though their most recent meeting was a friendly in February. LAFC enter the match unbeaten in their last eight league games, but their record shows only three wins in that stretch. Defensive frailties have been a concern, with just two clean sheets and at least two goals conceded in five of those eight matches.

In contrast, Club América bring a wealth of Club World Cup experience, with a record seven CONCACAF Champions Cup titles, though their last appearance in the global tournament was in 2016. André Jardine’s squad, runners-up to Monterrey in the 2021 continental final, earned this opportunity as the highest-ranked CONCACAF team not already qualified for the group stage. However, América’s form has been shaky, with only one win in their last four matches, including a goalless draw and a 2-0 loss to Toluca in recent days, costing them consecutive LIGA MX Clausura titles.

Jardine must now rally his troops for this high-stakes clash, but América’s dismal away record—one win in nine games since March—suggests a challenging night ahead. Both teams will be desperate to seize this rare chance to shine on the global stage.

Timothy Tillman was sidelined for Los Angeles’ recent MLS clash against CF Montreal due to a leg injury, and the 26-year-old remains doubtful for Sunday’s game as well.

If Tillman is ruled out again, Frankie Amaya is expected to step into the starting lineup—a move that would mark just his third start of the season.

Meanwhile, Denis Bouanga has hit his stride after a sluggish start, contributing directly to 10 goals in his last eight appearances. The in-form forward is certainly one to watch in the upcoming match.

On the injury front, Club America will once again be without Chilean defender Igor Lichnovsky, who continues to recover from a long-term knee injury sustained early last season.

Additionally, 21-year-old Patricio Salas remains unavailable for the away side, with no imminent return to first-team action in sight.