Los Angeles Football Club v Club América - FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Play-In
Dénis Bouanga and Igor Jesus scored for LAFC after Brian Rodríguez had put the visitors ahead early
Los Angeles Football Club v Club América - FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Play-In
WHAT HAPPENED?
In less than a week, América and coach André Jardine have dealt their fans two heavy blows - a pair major disappointments that have deeply shaken the club.
Yes, the three-peat will go down in history, nothing can take that away. But losing the final to Toluca and now missing out on the Club World Cup after falling 2-1 to LAFC on Saturday night? Two very difficult outcomes. The dream was big, and the pain is just as great. Jardine knows it.
“We’re very hurt. Their pain is ours, keep believing," he said. "This will be a difficult period we have to go through, together. And we’ll go through it the right way, with full confidence that we’re going to move in the direction of becoming stronger for the next tournament. Keep believing - we truly want to take that next step. If it hasn’t happened yet, it’s because something is still missing, and we’re going to figure out what that is."
Jardine said the team, while frustrated, also need rest after a demanding campaign.
“We’ll analyze every area of the team," he said. "And for now, the goal is to rest. There’s no doubt the squad is very tired after such a tough stretch of games, but we have to find a way to come back stronger next season. It’s frustrating - you almost have the victory in your hands.”
Los Angeles Football Club v Club América - FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Play-In
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Club América head into the offseason earlier than expected after failing to defeat LAFC in a one-off match for the Club World Cup spot left vacant by León, who were disqualified for violating multi-ownership rules.
It's a heavy blow for Jardine and his team. After being knocked out by Cruz Azul in the Champions Cup quarterfinals and losing the Clausura final to Toluca, Las Águilas now miss out on the Club World Cup as well.
This was also the final match in an América jersey for several players, including Diego Valdés, Javairô Dilrosun, Brian Rodríguez and Néstor Araujo.
Los Angeles Football Club v Club América - FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Play-In
DID YOU KNOW?
LAFC continues their dominance over the Mexican side, as the Eagles have yet to win in any of their four encounters.
February 2024: LAFC defeated América 2–1 in a friendly.
Leagues Cup 2022: Scoreless draw.
Champions Cup 2022: LAFC claimed a 2–1 victory over Las Águilas.
May 2025 (Club World Cup play-in): LAFC came from behind to win 2–1.
América remains winless against LAFC in all competitions.
Los Angeles Football Club v Club América - FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Play-In
WHAT JONATHAN DOS SANTOS SAID
Midfielder Jonathan dos Santos shared his thoughts on the emotional fallout.
“That’s América - most of Mexico wants us to lose.," he said. "Many teams, many people are happy this happened to us. But this is part of our lives. This is football. Sometimes you win, and sometimes you lose.”
Los Angeles Football Club v Club América - FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Play-In
WHAT NEXT FOR LOS ANGELES FC?
LAFC will make their Club World Cup debut on June 16 against Chelsea at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. They will then face Espérance de Tunis on June 20, and will wrap up the group stage against Flamengo on June 24.
Let's start our Daily Laugh today. RIPDiogo Jota , Andre Silva Rest in peace Diogo Jota1996-2025 Beautiful image It's been 11 years since the iconic "The Last Game" by Nike was released...Only the OGs remember this legendary animated ad film!One of the greatest ad films ever made!We're getting old... How to scout each team's players Brighton whenever Chelsea call USA VS. MEXICO IN THE GOLD...
Paul Pogba has said that he hopes to make a return to the French national team but added that there are "stages" to the process, as he was officially presented by AS Monaco on Thursday.The former Manchester United and Juventus midfielder signed for the Ligue 1 club on a free transfer after serving an 18-month doping ban, after testing positive for DHEA, which boosts testosterone levels."It's the w...
WHAT HAPPENEDThere has been various levels of speculation in recent days about the possibility of Lionel Messi leaving MLS at the end of his contract, even though Inter Miami are confident that they will be able to extend his deal.Former MLS and USMNT star Herculez Gomez said, even if the odds are low against a departure, Messi leaving Miami would ring alarm bells for the league."House of cards cr...
Diogo Jota's body will return to Portugal ahead of the Liverpool player's funeral proceedings starting tomorrow (Friday) afternoon. The Portuguese international died in a car crash alongside his brother Andre Silva while the pair were in Spain.The incident happened in the early hours of Thursday morning, with the car they were travelling in said to have veered off the road and set on fire. Police ...
Newcastle on brink of £55m deal for Premier League starNewcastle United have stepped up their efforts to secure the services of Nottingham Forest winger Anthony Elanga, lodging a substantial £55 million (€64m/$75m) offer for the 23-year-old.Ex-Arsenal star Ramsey signs for PumasAaron Ramsey, the former Arsenal midfielder, has joined Liga MX Side Pumas.Al-Nassr eye shock £73m s...
Barcelona 'pessimistic' about Nico Williams transferBarcelona are reportedly 'pessimistic' about being able to get the Nico Williams deal done after encountering several major financial difficulties.Barcelona have been pushing to sign the 22-year-old all summer but are now starting to realise the gravity of their financial situation.Athletic Club aren’t budging on their demand that the ̈́...
Arne Slot pens emotional message after Diogo Jota's tragic passingLiverpool manager Arne Slot has penned an emotional letter following the tragic passing of Diogo Jota.Jota, 28, and his brother Andre Silva, 25, passed away in a road accident on Thursday (July 3rd) in the province of Zamora, in north-west Spain.The footballing world is now grieving a player who had made a significant impact for clu...
Chelsea ace Noni Madueke 'open' to Arsenal switchChelsea winger Noni Madueke is reportedly 'open' to moving across London and joining Arsenal this summer as discussions over a potential deal continue.The 23-year-old enjoyed a decent 2024-25 season without pulling up any trees for Chelsea, scoring 11 goals and providing four assists in his 41 games.Arsenal are understood to be discussing a potentia...
Inter Milan target in demand Palmeiras midfielderInter Milan are reportedly targeting a move for in demand Palmeiras midfielder Richard Rios following a string of impressive performances at the FIFA Club World Cup.The 25-year-old has had a starring role for the Brazilian club as they reached the quarterfinals of the tournament with a game against Chelsea next.According to Calciomercato, Inter Mila...
FC Salzburg v Real Madrid CF: Group H - FIFA Club World Cup 2025Head coach Luis Enrique is pushing PSG to sign Real Madrid winger Rodrygo, who has struggled for minutes under new manager Xabi Alonso.WHAT HAPPENED?Paris Saint-Germain are keen on adding one more dimension to their already phenomenal attack, with head coach Luis Enrique pushing the club to sign Rodrygo from Real Madrid. The former Sa...
- 1 Liverpool willing to make swap proposal to Palace for Guehi
- 2 Raphinha happy to see Barcelona miss out on FIFA Club World Cup
- 3 Transfer news & rumours LIVE
- 4 Mystery blonde who had night out with Kieran Trippier
- 5 Inside jet-setting England star Dominic Solanke's honeymoon with wife Erica
- 6 Chelsea transfer at 'final stages'
- 7 Club World Cup 2025: Benfica v Chelsea predictions, best bets and odds
- 8 Transfer news & rumours LIVE
- 9 Sporting CP president Varandas: Gyokeres knows price he can leave for
- 10 Frustrated Arsenal turn to Eintracht Frankfurt striker Ekitike