🌎 The Club World Cup guide to...LAFC
Our guide to all 32 clubs participating at the FIFA Club World Cup continues.
You can check out the full list so far here.
Today we're looking at...LAFC.
How did they qualify for the Club World Cup?
LAFC booked passage to the summer showcase after a one-off clash with Liga MX giants Club América in the wake of Club León being removed from the competition.
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Goals from Igor Jesus and an extra-time winner through star forward Denis Bouanga cancelled out a Brian Rodríguez second half penalty to send the SoCal side into the group stage.
History at the Club World Cup
📸 Photo Credit: © Gary A. Vasquez | 2025 May 31 - Imagn Images
Despite being a key feature across MLS since their inaugural season in 2018, this summer will be a first-ever Club World Cup appearance for the Black and Gold.
How did they perform in the 2024/25 season?
At the time of writing, LAFC sits fifth in the Western Conference, a position in the table deemed a bit too low for their lofty expectations and credible star power under manager Steve Cherundolo.
Who is the coach?
📸 Photo Credit: © Alex Gallardo | 2025 May 14 - Imagn Images
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Speaking of Cherundolo, the 46-year-old Illinois native is a name very familiar to fans of football in the United States and Germany.
A former full international for the US, Cherundolo spent 15 years at Hannover 96 after a credible collegiate career with the University of Portland.
Cherundolo achieved cult hero status at the Niedersachsenstadion while also earning 87 international caps for the US before heading into management with Hannover's U15 and U17 sides. He would then go on to manage the Las Vegas Lights before being named head coach of LAFC in 2022.
Who is their star player?
The buck undoubtedly stops at Denis Bouanga.
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It came as no surprise that the Gabonese forward netted their match-winner against Club América, in a goal that highlighted not just his overall influence, but ability on the pitch.
Quick, silky smooth on the ball, and deadly from range, the 30-year-old Le Mans-born star could light up the tournament if he's in the mood.
Expected performance at the Club World Cup
A tricky prediction to make, with MLS clubs likely to struggle against some of the elite sides they will come up against, assuming the top clubs will field first-choice XIs.
In a group comprised of Chelsea, Flamengo, and ES Tunis, LAFC have the attacking power to comport themselves well, and could sneak into the knockout stage as runner-up, but should not underestimate Flamengo along the way.
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Anything beyond that would be a massive success for the club.
📸 Luke Hales - 2025 Getty Images
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