Denis Bouanga delivers in extra time as LAFC beat Club América in richest North America soccer match to book 2025 Club World Cup ticket

Los Angeles FC are heading to the Club World Cup - and they’re $10 million richer - after a stunning 2-1 extra-time upset over Club América.

América entered the match as the favorite, but LAFC represented MLS well. The hosts tested America's goalkeeper Luis Malagón early with a close-range shot on target and threatened repeatedly on the counter. Still, Las Águilas began to impose their will after the break, building momentum and pushing possession above 60 percent. Then, disaster struck for the Black and Gold in the 63rd minute.

Erick Sánchez broke into the box and fired a shot just as Mark Delgado came flying in to block. The LAFC midfielder clipped Sánchez’s leg after the attempt, and the referee pointed to the spot. Former LAFC star Brian Rodríguez coolly converted the penalty to give Club América the lead.

But the late introduction of Olivier Giroud would shift the tide. The Frenchman, still finding his footing in MLS, used his size and instincts to spark the attack. He forced two point-blank saves from Malagón, nearly set up Denis Bouanga for an equalizer, and earned a corner that would prove decisive.

Club América’s grip weakened following a mass substitution, including the exit of U.S. international Alejandro Zendejas. LAFC pounced. Igor Jesus capitalized on some sloppy defending to score his first goal for the club and level the match at the 89th minute. The hosts followed with a flurry of corners, two of which fell to rising young attacker David Martínez - both efforts sailing high into the stands.

In extra time, LAFC were largely on the back foot. But in the 115th minute, one final counter delivered the knockout blow. Bouanga, still flying after 90-plus minutes of action, sprinted past his defender and slotted a precise finish past Malagón in a one-on-one. América couldn’t muster a response with five minutes left - sealing the victory for LAFC.

LAFC celebrated not only the win but the record $10 million purse in what was dubbed the most expensive club match in North American history. Their next reward? A date with recent Europa Conference League winners Chelsea FC, which Giroud starred for from 2018-21, in the Club World Cup on June 16.

LAFC had no shortage of heroes on the night. Jesus leveled the match late. Timothy Tillman was a ball-winning machine, making crucial tackle after crucial tackle. Giroud changed the game with his presence and athleticism.

But make no mistake, LAFC doesn't win this match without Bouanga.

The 30-year-old was electric from the first whistle and covered every blade of grass across all 120 minutes. Even as Club América keyed in on him defensively, Bouanga never let up. His 115th-minute winner was a deserved payoff for a performance that easily could’ve included another goal or assist.

After helping LAFC win the 2022 MLS Cup and now delivering in the CWC playoff, Bouanga should be considered an icon in Black and Gold. That’s how monumental this performance - and his impact over the past three years - has been.

Delgado would have walked away with this had LAFC lost, but in a game of tight margins, America boss Andre Jardine will have questions asked of him.

In particular, his decision to make several substitutions right before a corner for LAFC in the 88th minute cost Las Águilas as they conceded immediately after. While he can point to some of the injuries on America - especially lead striker Henry Martin - as reasons why the team lost, America still had the edge due to their depth and higher payroll.

Also, America struggled to score throughout the Liga MX playoffs - why weren't there better adjustments made?

LAFC have two matches before they take part in the Club World Cup, going up against Sporting KC on June 8 and hosting struggling Toronto FC on June 13. It remains to be seen if the second match will be rescheduled due to LAFC's entry into FIFA's tournament.