'Wish you the very best' - FIFA president Gianni Infantino congratulates LAFC on historic Club World Cup qualification

In the aftermath of LAFC's thrilling 2-1 extra-time victory over Club América that secured their place in the FIFA Club World Cup, FIFA President Gianni Infantino issued a congratulatory message to the club.

The Los Angeles side became the third MLS team to qualify for the CWC, joining Inter Miami and Seattle Sounders as representatives from the American top flight. The playoff was unique, coming just more than two weeks before the tournament begins. FIFA organized the match after Club Leon was expelled from the CWC due to multi-team ownership violations.

The expanded Club World Cup, featuring 32 teams competing across the United States from June 14 to July 13, represents FIFA's effort to elevate the tournament's profile ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

"Congratulations to LAFC on qualifying for the brand-new FIFA Club World Cup 2025," he said. "I wish you the very best for this global, inclusive tournament which will crown the official FIFA club world champions!"

LAFC's qualification for the Club World Cup represents a remarkable achievement for a club founded just nine years ago in 2014. Since their MLS debut in 2018, the Black and Gold have established themselves as one of the league's most successful franchises, winning the Supporters' Shield twice and an MLS Cup in 2022.

LAFC will face Premier League giants Chelsea, Brazilian powerhouse Flamengo, and African champions Esperance Sportive de Tunis in Group D of the CWC.