'Give everything for América and Mexico' - Defender Israel Reyes assures that the team would compete if elevated to Club World Cup

At América, players continue to voice their thoughts on the possibility of taking León's spot in the upcoming Club World Cup this summer. Although the team issued a statement saying they have not had any contact with FIFA regarding a potential match against LAFC to fill the vacant spot left by La Fiera, some players, including head coach André Jardine, have already commented on the issue.

Defender Israel Reyes, a key starter, took a measured approach to the topic: "We would give everything for América and for Mexico," he told El Universal. "It’s something that’s out there, it’s been talked about a lot. I’m not someone who gets involved in such matters, I’m very honest. As a player, it’s something that’s not in my hands.”

Despite the strong interest at América to participate in the CWC, which will feature 32 teams for the first time, they insist that the team's focus is currently on Liga MX and the Champions Cup, not the summer competition.

“We have two important tournaments now," Reyes said. "That's what we have right around the corner, and it’s what we want to win today.”

Rumors continue to swirl regarding who could take León’s spot in the Club World Cup if they are not reinstated in the competition. It seems that the vacant spot could be filled by León - if they win their appeal - LAFC, Alajuelense, or América. The only certainty is that the Esmeraldas will have to appear before the CAS during the week of May 5 in Madrid.

León earned their spot in the Club World Cup by winning the 2023 CONCACAF Champions Cup final against LAFC.

Las Águilas have qualified for the Liga MX final phase for eight consecutive years. The last time América failed to make the playoffs was in the Clausura 2017, a tournament in which their fierce rival, Guadalajara, managed to become champions after an 11-year drought - while América had to watch the playoffs from television.

Under the guidance of André Jardine, América secured their spot in the final phase for the Clausura 2025 by reaching 30 points. On Saturday, they will visit Pachuca, and it is expected that the Brazilian coach will make some rotations in the lineup to give rest to players who have seen the most action in recent matches, as they will face Cruz Azul on Tuesday in the second leg of the Champions Cup Quarterfinals.