FIFA Confirms Final Playoff for 2025 Club World Cup Spot

Apr 13, 2025
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FIFA has scheduled a last playoff match in the United States to determine the last qualifier for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. Such an announcement has drawn considerable attention in the football world, particularly in the Concacaf region, where two giants, LAFC and Club América, will vie for the last remaining spot.

This playoff serves not just as the final stepping stone into the prestigious tournament but also as a statement of intent for FIFA’s revamped global club competition. The outcome will shape the final tournament bracket and intensify excitement around this historic edition of the Club World Cup.

Quick Overview of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup

Quick Overview of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup


The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup will start a new chapter in international Club football. Thirty-two clubs worldwide will compete in a month-long tournament in the summer of 2025 in venues across the United States.

The competition will feature a mix of continental champions, top-performing clubs based on historical coefficients, and one last playoff winner from the Concacaf region. Teams from UEFA, CONMEBOL, AFC, CAF, OFC, and Concacaf have already secured their spots, with one final place remaining.
2025 Fifa World cup Thirty-two clubs

The Final Playoff: LAFC vs. Club América​

FIFA has designated Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) and Club América to contest the final Club World Cup Concacaf playoff. LAFC, the 2022 MLS Cup champions, earned their place in contention through recent domestic success and international competitiveness.

Club América, Mexico’s most decorated team, enters the playoffs based on its historical achievements and top rankings in regional club metrics. With only one Concacaf spot left unclaimed, this single match will determine which of these two giants will represent the region on the world stage.

While FIFA and Concacaf still need to confirm the specific date and location, the fixture is already generating significant anticipation.

Background on the Teams​

LAFC has rapidly established itself as one of Major League Soccer’s elite clubs. Known for its dynamic playing style and a roster featuring internationally recognized talents, LAFC combines youth and experience to deliver fast-paced, crowd-pleasing football. Their 2022 MLS Cup win capped a remarkable rise in the domestic league and showcased their ambition to compete globally.

Club América, on the other hand, stands as a symbol of tradition and dominance in Mexican football. With multiple Liga MX and CONCACAF Champions League titles to its name, the club boasts one of the largest fan bases in Latin America. Club América’s international pedigree and ability to perform under pressure make it a formidable contender for this high-stakes encounter.

Both clubs represent different traditions and styles of play, and the playoff adds a compelling North American narrative to an already prestigious event.


LAFC vs. Club América

What FIFA Said About the Decision​

FIFA explained the playoff decision as part of its broader effort to ensure a competitive and balanced Club World Cup field. By choosing two of Concacaf’s most prominent clubs—one reflecting recent domestic success and the other historical dominance—FIFA aims to maintain both competitive fairness and regional representation.

According to FIFA, “This playoff reflects our commitment to global competitiveness and fairness. Each confederation deserves representation that not only honors historical excellence but also recent achievements.”

Concacaf has echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that the region’s representative at the Club World Cup is worthy of the global spotlight.

Impact on the Tournament Field​

The final playoff is almost over, and the confirmed teams are nearly complete. UEFA Champions Real Madrid and Manchester City, CONMEBOL representatives like Flamengo, and title-winners from Asia, Africa, and Oceania are all preparing for a global showcase.

The addition of either LAFC or Club América will add depth to the competition, reinforcing Concacaf’s competitive credibility. The playoff also injects late drama into the tournament’s lead-up, offering fans a final, high-stakes match that underscores the tournament’s magnitude.

Regardless of who wins, the presence of a strong Concacaf club in the bracket enhances the global balance of the 2025 edition and provides further legitimacy to the tournament’s new structure.

What Happens Next​

While FIFA has not yet confirmed the date or venue for the LAFC vs. Club América playoff, an official announcement is expected in the coming weeks. The timing will fit within international calendars and ensure maximum visibility.

Following the playoff, the full tournament bracket will be unveiled, with match schedules and host venues revealed shortly thereafter. The United States, preparing to host its first-ever 32-team FIFA Club World Cup, is expected to launch an extensive promotional campaign leading up to the summer of 2025.

Fans worldwide can anticipate an unprecedented tournament experience, blending international club prestige with the energy and infrastructure of U.S. sports markets.


FIFA

Frequently Asked Questions​

Who will play in the 2025 Club World Cup playoff?

LAFC and Club América will go head-to-head to decide the last team to secure a spot in the league.

How many teams will compete?

A total of 32 clubs will participate, marking the tournament’s first expansion to this format.

Why is the 2025 Club World Cup significant?

It represents FIFA’s new vision for a global club competition, with broader participation and a more competitive structure, which will be in the United States.
 
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