FIFA has sparked controversy with a major decision: the Club World Cup 2025 Play-In between Club América and LAFC will take place at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, home of the MLS club. Scheduled for May 31 at 7:30 PM (local time), the announcement has already caused unrest in the América camp.

Home Advantage for LAFC in What Was Supposed to Be Neutral Ground

Initially expected to be held at a neutral venue, FIFA’s move to hand home-field advantage to LAFC has raised serious concerns. Club América will now have to fight for a Club World Cup spot as visitors, something they feel compromises the fairness of this pivotal playoff match.

Within América’s inner circle, there’s growing frustration over what’s being viewed as an imbalance in a match that determines the final slot for the most prestigious club competition on the planet.

Why Is There a Play-In?

This unique situation arose after Club León was excluded from the tournament due to FIFA’s multi-ownership rule. Since both León and Pachuca are owned by the same group—and Pachuca had already qualified—FIFA ruled León ineligible. As a result, a Play-In was organized between:

• LAFC – 2023 Concacaf Champions Cup runners-up
• Club América – highest-ranked team in the Concacaf regional rankings not yet qualified

The winner of this high-stakes encounter will enter Group D, which already features Chelsea, Flamengo, and Espérance de Tunis.

More Than Pride on the Line

Beyond prestige, qualification offers a massive financial opportunity. The champion of the Club World Cup 2025 could walk away with up to $97 million USD—making this Play-In far more than just a formality.

While LAFC continues its MLS campaign, América is fully focused on the Clausura 2025 Liguilla, juggling domestic ambitions with international pressure. And now, with the Play-In already tilted in LAFC’s favor, the Eagles’ uphill battle has officially begun.