U.S. Soccer and MLS reportedly approve pre-Club World Cup transfer window for participating teams

U.S. Soccer and MLS have reportedly approved a pre-Club World Cup transfer window that will run June 1-10 ahead of the 2025 competition. Only teams competing in the CWC will be eligible to engage in the window, with the participants limited to Inter Miami, Seattle Sounders and, potentially, LAFC.

With the expulsion of Leon from the Club World Cup, LAFC will face Liga MX side Club America in a one-game playoff at the end of May, with the final spot in the competition at stake.

GIVEMESPORT was first to report the transfer window agreement, adding that because no Canadian side qualified for the tournament, that federation would not authorize the opening of the window.

As a result, MLS chose not to open the window for the entire league, as the three Canadian teams would not be eligible, and instead, just authorized it for the participating MLS teams.

In October, FIFA announced an "exceptional registration window" ahead of the tournament that will also run June 1-10, and several European leagues have already adopted it to allow teams to bolster their ranks ahead of the competition.

MLS's secondary transfer window does not open until July 24, meaning if Miami, Seattle, or potentially LAFC sign a player during the 10-day window, they will be handed a boost before the opening of the secondary transfer window. Any player signed during the window will be eligible to play in Club World Cup and MLS regular season matches.

By the time the secondary transfer window opens, most MLS teams will have played 24 matches on their 34-match schedule, leaving minimal time for summer signings to make a lasting impact.

The winner of the LAFC vs. Club America match will effectively be awarded nearly $10M. The victor of the match will earn a guaranteed entry fee of $9.55 million, plus an additional $2 million per group stage win, along with round-by-round prize money.

The final spot in the 2025 competition will be determined on May 31 when LAFC host Club America in a one-match playoff to join Group D with the likes of Chelsea, Flamengo and Esperance de Tunis. The tournament begins on June 14 when Inter Miami host Al Ahly.