The energy at BMO Stadium is usually electric, but there’s a different kind of buzz lately. It’s not just about the next MLS match or the latest rivalry with the Galaxy. People are talking about the world stage. Specifically, they are talking about the LAFC Club World Cup journey, a path that has been years in the making and filled with more drama than a Hollywood script.
Honestly, it’s about time.
For a club that only started playing in 2018, Los Angeles Football Club has moved at light speed. They didn’t just want to participate in MLS; they wanted to dominate it. But the real "north star" for the ownership group, including figures like Larry Berg and Bennett Rosenthal, was always global recognition. They didn't just build a stadium in the heart of LA to play against San Jose and Salt Lake forever. They built it to host the giants of Europe and South America. Now, with the expanded FIFA Club World Cup 2025 on the horizon, that dream is a reality.
The Long Road to the LAFC Club World Cup Spot
You can't talk about LAFC on the global stage without talking about the heartbreak in Leon. Or the nights in Orlando during the bubble.
Getting into the Club World Cup isn't like getting a wild card in a local tournament. You have to earn it through the CONCACAF Champions League (now the Champions Cup). LAFC’s relationship with this tournament has been... complicated. In 2020, they were minutes away from glory before Tigres snatched it away. Then came 2023. That final against León was brutal. Watching the trophy slip away on their own home turf was a gut punch to the 3252 and the entire city.
But here is where the math gets interesting.
FIFA decided to blow up the old format. Instead of a tiny seven-team tournament that nobody in the US really watched, they created a 32-team behemoth. Because the 2025 edition is being held right here in the United States, there was always going to be a "host" slot. While some argued it should go to the MLS Cup winner, the criteria eventually solidified. LAFC’s consistent performance over a four-year ranking period made them an undeniable candidate. They didn't just luck into this; they stayed relevant long enough for the gates to open.
Why the 2025 Format Changes Everything
The old Club World Cup was a bit of a joke to European fans. It was a mid-season distraction for Real Madrid or Manchester City. They’d fly to the Middle East, play two games, and fly home with a trophy.
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The new version? It's basically a mini-World Cup for clubs.
We are talking about Chelsea, Real Madrid, Manchester City, Bayern Munich, and Flamengo all descending on American soil. For LAFC, this isn't a friendly. It’s a chance to see how their high-press, transition-heavy style holds up against a midfield led by Rodri or Jude Bellingham. It’s the ultimate litmus test for MLS quality. If you've ever sat at a bar and argued that "LAFC could totally hang in the Bundesliga," well, we are about to find out if you were right or just delusional.
What the LAFC Club World Cup Presence Means for the Brand
Brand. It's a word that makes some football purists cringe, but in Los Angeles, brand is everything.
John Thorrington, the Co-President and GM, has been incredibly calculated about this. When they signed Carlos Vela at the start, it was a statement. When they brought in Gareth Bale and Giorgio Chiellini, it wasn't just for the shirts they'd sell—it was for the winning mentality. They wanted players who had already stood on the podiums LAFC aspired to reach.
Participating in the Club World Cup elevates the "LAFC" letters from a local success story to a global trademark. Think about the scouting advantages. When a 19-year-old wonderkid in Argentina or Belgium is looking at an MLS offer, seeing "Club World Cup Participant" on the resume matters. It changes the pitch from "Come play in a growing league" to "Come play against the best in the world while wearing Black and Gold."
The financial windfall isn't exactly small change either. While FIFA has been a bit cagey about the exact distribution of the multi-billion dollar commercial pot, the participation fee alone is rumored to be in the tens of millions. For an MLS club, that is transformative money. It’s "build a new training wing and sign a third DP" money.
The Roster Strategy for 2025
You can't go into a tournament against Inter Milan or Al-Hilal with a thin bench. We've seen MLS teams struggle with fixture congestion before. The "summer of soccer" in 2025 is going to be a gauntlet.
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Steve Cherundolo has a massive task ahead. He has to balance the hunt for the Supporters' Shield with the physical demands of playing world-class opposition in high-stakes matches. Expect the front office to be aggressive in the upcoming transfer windows. They need depth. Not just "serviceable MLS backup" depth, but "can start against a mid-table La Liga side" depth.
We’ve already seen the arrival of Olivier Giroud. That’s a Club World Cup move. You bring in France’s all-time leading scorer because he doesn't get rattled when he looks across the tunnel and sees world-class center-backs. He’s been there. He’s won the Champions League. He knows exactly what the LAFC Club World Cup experience is going to require.
Reality Check: Can an MLS Team Actually Win?
Let’s be real for a second. The gap between the top of UEFA and the top of CONCACAF is still a canyon.
If LAFC draws a group with Manchester City and Palmeiras, surviving the group stage would be a massive achievement. The speed of play in the elite European tiers is just... different. It's faster. The mistakes are punished instantly. In MLS, you might get away with a lazy backpass once or twice a game. In the Club World Cup, that ball is in the back of your net before you can even yell "sorry."
However, LAFC has a few things going for them:
- Home Field Advantage: The tournament is in the States. While not every game will be at BMO, the travel will be easier for them than for the European giants coming off a long domestic season.
- The Heat: Playing in US summers is a nightmare for teams used to cool European evenings. LAFC is conditioned for it.
- The "Nothing to Lose" Factor: Nobody expects LAFC to hoist the trophy. That lack of pressure can be a superpower.
I’ve talked to fans who think we’re going to get embarrassed. I’ve talked to others who think we’re making the semi-finals. The truth usually lives somewhere in the middle. Getting out of the group would be a statement heard around the world.
Logistics and the "Host City" Factor
Los Angeles is almost certain to be one of the primary hubs for the tournament. It makes too much sense. You have the Rose Bowl, SoFi Stadium, and BMO Stadium all within a stone's throw.
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This means LAFC fans won't have to travel halfway around the world to see their team play a "global" match. It brings the world to the 3252. Imagine the North End during a match against Atletico Madrid. The atmosphere will be suffocating for the visitors. That’s the "LAFC way"—making life miserable for anyone who steps onto their grass.
What You Should Do Now
If you are a fan or just a casual observer of the LAFC Club World Cup saga, there are a few things you need to keep an eye on to stay ahead of the curve.
- Watch the Roster Slots: Keep a close eye on the "Discovery List" and any movement with the Designated Player slots. Any signing made from now on is being made with 2025 in mind.
- Follow the FIFA Rankings: While the slots are mostly locked in, the seeding for the group stage will depend on club coefficients and rankings. Where LAFC sits will determine if they get a "Group of Death" or a manageable path.
- Secure Your Membership: If you aren't a season ticket holder yet, getting access to these games is going to be a nightmare on the secondary market. Prices will likely be astronomical.
- Monitor the Injury Report: The biggest threat to a successful 2025 run isn't the opposition; it's burnout. How Cherundolo rotates the squad in the months leading up to the tournament will be telling.
The LAFC Club World Cup appearance isn't just a game on the calendar. It's the culmination of a vision that started when the club was just a logo on a hat. Whether they win, lose, or draw, the Black and Gold have officially crashed the party of the global elite. And knowing LA, they’re going to make sure everyone knows they’ve arrived.
Check the official FIFA 2025 portal for the specific match schedule as the draw approaches, and make sure your passport is updated—even if the games are in your backyard, the international vibe is going to be very real.
The path is set. The world is coming to Los Angeles. It’s time to see if the hype matches the reality.
Actionable Insight: To prepare for the tournament, fans should prioritize securing stadium memberships or official supporters' group affiliations now. FIFA's ticketing priority often trickles down through official club channels before hitting the general public. Additionally, keep a close watch on CONCACAF's 2024-2025 schedule, as any deep runs there will serve as the primary tactical "dress rehearsal" for the global stage in 2025.