Daijiworld Media Network – Los Angeles

Los Angeles, Jun 1: Denis Bouanga scored a dramatic 115th-minute winner as Los Angeles FC edged Club América 2-1 in extra time on Saturday night, clinching the final spot in the FIFA Club World Cup for the first time in club history.

The decisive moment came after a tense 24 minutes of extra time at BMO Stadium, where Bouanga fired a deflected shot from the edge of the box to spark wild celebrations. LAFC will now join Chelsea, Flamengo, and ES Tunis when group play begins across the U.S. South in two weeks.

The victory comes with big rewards a guaranteed $9.55 million in prize money and a shot at nearly $100 million from FIFA’s massive prize pool for the expanded 32-team tournament.

América took the lead in the 64th minute through a penalty by Brian Rodríguez, a former LAFC player. The Uruguayan winger scored after a VAR-reviewed challenge by Mark Delgado. But LAFC struck back late as Jesus, the 22-year-old Brazilian midfielder, leveled with a header.

With tensions high, LAFC surged in the final moments. Goalkeeper Hugo Lloris made a crucial save to deny Javairô Dilrosun before Bouanga sealed the win.

The match had added intrigue after León was disqualified due to FIFA rules prohibiting two clubs with the same ownership group León and Pachuca from participating. That opened the door for this high-stakes play-in.

The raucous crowd reflected the stakes América fans filled the south stands, while LAFC’s North End brought the energy. Fireworks, smoke bombs, and passion set the tone for what promises to be a thrilling summer.

The Club World Cup 2025, the largest ever, will be staged across the US as a precursor to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. LAFC joins Inter Miami and Seattle Sounders from MLS, with Pachuca and Monterrey already in from Liga MX.