BOUANGA SENDS LAFC TO THE CLUB WORLD CUP IN EXTRA-TIME THRILLER

Bouanga and Segura of LAFC trying to win a ball from Club America's defender K. Alvarez

LOS ANGELES — May 31, 2025

It was loud. It was tense. And it was unforgettable.

LAFC defeated Club América 2-1 in extra time in front of a sold-out crowd at BMO Stadium, booking their spot in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup and locking in a $9.55 million prize. The “$10 million match” lived up to the hype — and then some.

🎯 A One-Off Game for Global Glory

The matchup was born from a unique twist: Club León’s disqualification due to FIFA’s multi-club ownership rules. That opened the door for LAFC — runners-up in the 2023 CONCACAF Champions League — to face Club América, CONCACAF’s top-ranked team, for the final North American slot in the expanded 32-team tournament.

The result? A full house, a neutral-feeling stadium split between América yellow and LAFC’s 3252, and 120 minutes of high-stakes soccer.

Club America fans with the smokes and flairs as the kick off of the LAFC vs Club AMerica Club Worldcup qualification match!

🧊 Rodríguez Strikes First

The opening half was cagey. Both Hugo Lloris and Luis Malagón stood tall between the posts.

In the 64th minute, Mark Delgado clipped Erick Sánchez in the box. After a VAR review, the ref pointed to the spot. Former LAFC winger Brian Rodríguez stepped up and slotted it past Lloris to give Club América a 1-0 lead — silencing much of the home support.

Lloris keeping an eye through The3252 smokes and flairs

🔁 LAFC Answer with Heart

Down a goal and staring at elimination, Steve Cherundolo turned to his bench, bringing on Olivier Giroud and David Martínez. The urgency grew. LAFC pushed.

Then, in the 89th minute, it clicked.

Denis Bouanga whipped in a dangerous corner, and Igor Jesus, just 22 years old, rose up and powered a header through traffic and into the net.

1-1.

Game. On.

The stadium erupted. Extra time was inevitable.

Bouanga fired up just moments after he almost scored the winning goal. ( He later scored the winning goal )

💫 Bouanga Seals It in Extra Time

Once the match entered extra time, LAFC took control — dominating possession and chances.

In the 115th minute, Frankie Amaya played a sharp pass into Giroud, who laid it off just enough to draw defenders. The ball spilled into space. Bouanga pounced. His shot took a deflection off a defender and flew past Malagón.

Goal. Stadium chaos. Front flip.

2-1 LAFC.

Bouanga’s celebration lit up the night — and LAFC’s path to the world stage was clear.

🔐 Closing It Out

Late pressure from Club América forced Lloris and LAFC’s backline to stay sharp. But with Marlon replacing a fatigued Aaron Long, and Jesús Murillo anchoring the back, the Black & Gold held firm.

The final whistle blew. And history was made.

🗣️ Cherundolo Keeps It Simple

It wasn’t flashy. It was facts.

“There’s no better way to qualify for a tournament than winning games,” said Steve Cherundolo after the match.

No appeals. No rankings. No luck. Just grit, subs that worked, and a squad that stepped up when it mattered most.

Denis Bouanga running back to help the LAFC defense.

🌍 LAFC’s Global Journey Begins

The win places LAFC in Group D of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, where they’ll face:

• 🆚 Chelsea (June 16 – Atlanta, GA)

• 🆚 Espérance Sportive de Tunis (June 20 – Nashville, TN)

• 🆚 Flamengo (June 24 – Orlando, FL)

They’ll represent MLS alongside Inter Miami and Seattle Sounders, with Pachuca and Monterrey flying the Liga MX flag.

For a club founded in 2018, this moment is about more than silverware — it’s about proving they belong on the world stage.

🏁 From BMO to the World

This wasn’t just a win. It was a message.

LAFC isn’t chasing greatness anymore. They’re in it.

With Bouanga’s flair, Igor Jesus’ grit, and Cherundolo’s steady hand, LAFC heads into the summer not just to compete — but to make noise.

Next stop: the world.