'A chance to fulfill a dream' - Club America's Andre Jardine excited for chance to book Club World Cup ticket with playoff clash against LAFC

With a ticket to the first 32-team FIFA Club World Cup on the line, Club América head coach André Jardine knows just how much is riding on one match. Set to face LAFC on May 31 at BMO Stadium, the Mexican giants are aiming to become the third Liga MX side to qualify for the historic tournament, joining Monterrey and Pachuca.

“We see it as a great opportunity to fulfill a dream,” Jardine told FIFA ahead of the decisive clash. “This is something everyone dreams about - fans, players, and the club. Every ounce of effort will be worth it to make that dream come true.”

The one-off playoff was scheduled after León, 2023 CONCACAF Champions Cup winners, were ruled ineligible due to ownership conflicts tied to Pachuca’s multi-club ownership structure. As a result, the final spot for CONCACAF will be decided between América and LAFC, with the winner earning a place in Group D alongside Chelsea, Flamengo, and Tunisia’s Esperance.

Adding to the urgency for América is their recent heartbreak in the Clausura 2025 final, where they were defeated by Toluca. Now, Jardine and his squad must quickly regroup to deliver on the international stage.

“Every final has its weight, but this one carries global significance,” said the Brazilian coach. “A victory here would take América’s name beyond national borders - it would project the club on the world stage.”

The stakes go beyond prestige. The winner will face the UEFA Europa Conference League champions in Chelsea on June 16, marking their debut in a reimagined tournament that promises worldwide exposure and high-stakes competition.

“It’s a moment this club has earned,” Jardine added. “We’ll give everything we have to put América in that Club World Cup, because we know how much it means to this institution and to everyone involved.”

LAFC vs Club América. Kickoff is set for 8:30 p.m. CT (10:30 p.m. ET) on Saturday in Los Angeles.