Kane saves Tuchel's blushes as England limp past Andorra

What next for Sancho after Chelsea snub?

Eight issues Chelsea must fix in the transfer window

Madrid must loan out Endrick to make room for Mastantuono

Biggest winners & losers as Lionesses name Euros squad

Editors' Picks

Guardiola apologises to Yamal as he makes Messi claim

Ballon d'Or Power Rankings: This is Dembele's Golden Ball!

Jamaica told Greenwood decision needs 'acceptance from nation'

Transfers LIVE: Man Utd face Spurs battle for Mbeumo

Mbappe and Cherki heroics not enough as France lose classic

RANKED: Top candidates to replace Ange after Spurs sacking

'Back to reality' for Dyer & Bowen after rainy honeymoon

Ronaldo snatches the glory but Mendes is Portugal's hero

Article continues belowArticle continues belowArticle continues below<script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>The winner will qualify for Group D</li><li>Winner will debut will be on June 16 against Chelsea</li><li>Winner will share the group with Flamengo and Espérance Tunis </li></ul><div data-name="DAZN" class="affiliate-button-container theme-1"><div class="affiliate-button"><img height="40" width="72" src="https://eu-images.contentstack.com/v3/assets/bltcc7a7ffd2fbf71f5/blt2a657c326f3152f3/65709dfdfcc91a04075bd960/DAZN.png" class="logo" style="width: 72px; height: 40px;">Watch every FIFA Club World Cup game free on DAZN</div><a href="https://prf.hn/click/camref:1100lfsPh/destination:https://www.dazn.com/welcome/fifa-club-world-cup" target="_blank" class="affiliate-button-link">Stream now</a></div>

'We know we're not the favorites' - LAFC Coach Steve Cherundolo admits scope of challenge ahead of match against América for final Club World Cup spot

Major League Soccer

Los Angeles FC

Sporting Kansas City

LAFC and Club América are gearing up for a high-stakes clash Saturday night at BMO Stadium, with the <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-us/lists/club-world-cup-playoff-preview-denis-bouanga-lafc-alejandro-zendejasclub-america-liga-mx-fifa-mls-usmnt/blt22466acb56bf6d84" target="_blank">final spot in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup on the line</a>. The berth became available after FIFA expelled Club León due to issues related to shared ownership with Pachuca - another Mexican team already qualified for the tournament.In the lead-up to the match, LAFC head coach Steve Cherundolo acknowledged América’s footballing pedigree. He admitted that the Mexican giants hold a stronger legacy and are likely considered the favorites going into the match. Still, he made it clear that LAFC will be doing everything in their power to claim that last ticket to the world stage.“You can talk about Club América’s history, its fanbase, and its traditions - it’s obviously a bigger club than LAFC. Bigger in the sense that it’s older and more established. We know we’re not the favorites,” said Cherundolo at a pre-match news conference.Despite the challenge ahead, Cherundolo emphasized that his team’s preparation remained consistent.“We didn’t have to travel, and the players stayed local, which helped," he said. "There are tons of América fans here in Los Angeles - they’re even around my neighborhood. Their fanbase is massive."

WHAT HAPPENED?

América, the most decorated and historic team in Mexico, take on LAFC, one of Major League Soccer’s strongest sides since joining the league. Only one will earn the right to join Group D of the Club World Cup, alongside Chelsea, Flamengo, and Espérance de Tunis.The winner will debut on June 16 against Chelsea.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

“Playing in the Club World Cup is a dream,” América coach Andre Jardine said. “It feels like a gift from above - for both us and LAFC. Since I arrived here, it’s been clear how much this club wants to be part of a competition of this magnitude. We’re embracing the challenge with full responsibility and pride. Moments like this, fighting for something so big, don’t come often.”Jardine also addressed about the team's heartbreak in the Liga MX final, where they were denied a historic fourth consecutive league title by Toluca.“These days right after a final - whether you win or lose - are crucial for reflection and learning,” he noted. “Sometimes, it’s also about letting go."

WHAT ANDRÉ JARDINE SAID

Looking back at their head-to-head history, LAFC holds a slight edge over Club América, having won two of the three matches played between the sides since 2020.Their most recent meeting came in a friendly match in February. Although it was an exhibition game, LAFC came out on top 2-1. Goals for the MLS side were scored by Denis Bouanga and Nathan Ordaz, while Richard Sánchez netted the lone goal for Las Águilas.

DID YOU KNOW?

'We know we're not the favorites' - LAFC Coach Steve Cherundolo admits scope of challenge ahead of match against América for final Club World Cup spot | Goal.com

LAFC and Las Águilas will face off Saturday night at BMO Stadium with the final spot in the CWC on the line

&apos;We know we&apos;re not the favorites&apos; - LAFC Coach Steve Cherundolo admits scope of challenge ahead of match against América for final Club World Cup spot

Next Match