Los Angeles FC (LAFC) will face Chelsea in the opening match of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup on June 16. The Major League Soccer side defeated Liga MX’s Club América, 2-1 in extra-time at BMO Stadium after a late equalizer from LAFC and Olivier Giroud’s decisive assist in the 115th minute. This win marks LAFC’s replacement for Club León, which was removed due to shared ownership with Club Pachuca.
LAFC had previously lost to León in the 2023 CONCACAF Champions League, but were granted an opportunity to replace them by beating a team that didn’t meet FIFA’s original qualification requirements. The tournament has struggled to attract attention, and LAFC’s win could bring more viewers to the event. Giroud scored his second assist of the season, adding to his limited goal tally of four in 32 appearances since joining LAFC from AC Milan last summer.
Source: https://weaintgotnohistory.sbnation.com/2025/6/1/24440910/lafc-beat-club-america-to-qualify-for-fifa-club-world-cup-and-play-against-chelsea