The two teams who could replace expelled Club Leon in FIFA Club World Cup revealed as Chelsea lie in wait - with MLS handed fresh hope

Leon were disqualified from the tournament due to the multi-club ownership rule violations. The Mexican side had originally secured their place by winning the 2023 Concacaf Champions League, but FIFA ruled that their shared ownership with Pachuca—another Club World Cup qualifier—breached tournament regulations. As a result, a replacement team must be found, and LAFC and Club America have emerged as the two leading candidates.

Unhappy with their disqualification, Club Leon has taken legal action, appealing FIFA’s decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). Their case will be heard on April 23, and if they succeed, they could regain their place in the tournament. Interestingly, Costa Rican club Alajuelense - who originally lodged a complaint against Leon’s participation - also has an ongoing appeal with CAS, which will be reviewed at the same hearing.

A FIFA statement (via BBC) read: "Fifa can confirm it is considering one play-off match between LAFC and Club America for the right to participate in the Fifa Club World Cup 2025."

If the play-off is confirmed, the winner will join Group D in the competition, a section that already includes Chelsea, Flamengo, and Esperance Sportive de Tunis.

FIFA’s selection process for the potential play-off is based on recent performances in the Concacaf region. LAFC finished as runners-up to Club Leon in the 2023 Concacaf Champions League final, while Club America is the highest-ranked team behind Club Leon in the Confederation’s rankings that has not yet qualified for the Club World Cup.

If LAFC wins the play-off, they will represent MLS along with Inter Miami, in the 32-team tournament, which will be held in the United States from June 15 to July 13, 2025. The team boasts former Arsenal and Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud and ex-France captain Hugo Lloris among its ranks, making them a competitive force in the tournament.