Soccer <\/p>\n
LAFC<\/a> are headed to their first-ever FIFA Club World Cup<\/a>, featuring in the expanded 32-team tournament that’s hosted across the United States this summer.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n This year’s tournament begins June 14 and ends with the July 13 final at MetLife Stadium. An unprecedented $1 billion prize pool<\/a> is up for grabs.<\/p>\n Here is everything you need to know.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n LAFC begin their CWC journey against English Premier League giants Chelsea, who won the 2025 UEFA Conference League. They’ll then face Tunisian champions ES Tunis before closing the group against Brazilian powerhouse Flamengo.<\/p>\n The top two teams per group advance to the knockout stage. Should that include LAFC, they’d play a Round of 16 match on June 28 or 29 against a Group C opponent.<\/p>\n Every Club World Cup match will be streamed live on DAZN.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n LAFC missed their first opportunity at CWC qualification with a loss in the 2023 Concacaf Champions Cup<\/a> final against LIGA MX side Club Le\u00f3n.<\/p>\n However, following Le\u00f3n’s disqualification from the tournament due to FIFA multi-club ownership rules, the Black & Gold were given a second chance in a single-match playoff against another LIGA MX powerhouse, Club Am\u00e9rica.<\/p>\n Courtesy of clutch goals from Igor Jesus<\/a> and Denis Bouanga<\/a>, LAFC mounted an epic comeback to beat Las \u00c1guillas 2-1 in extra time<\/a> at BMO Stadium on May 31, securing the final spot in the 2025 Club World Cup.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n Steve Cherundolo has led LAFC since 2022, the same year they completed a domestic double as MLS Cup and Supporters’ Shield champions. Their MLS Cup triumph featured Gareth Bale’s iconic extra-time header<\/a> that set up a penalty-kick shootout win over the Philadelphia Union<\/a>.<\/p>\n A former USMNT fullback and club icon for Bundesliga side Hannover 96, Cherundolo will depart LAFC after the 2025 season. The unexpected news was announced in mid-April<\/a>, creating equal parts clarity and urgency around his final season on the Black & Gold sidelines.<\/p>\n Can Cherundolo lead LAFC on a tournament run, as he so often has in numerous competitions?<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n \u2014 LAFC (@LAFC) June 1, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote><\/div>\n LAFC began the season strong in the Concacaf Champions Cup, ousting the Colorado Rapids<\/a> and Columbus Crew<\/a> en route to the quarterfinals. Then they encountered Lionel Messi<\/a> and Inter Miami CF<\/a>, losing a Leg 2 heartbreaker on the road.<\/p>\n Following their CCC exit, the Black & Gold have charted a nine-game unbeaten streak across all competitions. They’re right in the Western Conference chase with games in hand as well.<\/p>\n The Black & Gold will hope their historic victory over Club Am\u00e9rica can propel them into this inaugural CWC quest.<\/p>\nGroup D schedule<\/h3>\n<\/p>\n
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How to watch<\/h3>\n<\/p>\n
How they qualified<\/h3>\n<\/p>\n
Key players<\/h3>\n<\/p>\n
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Head coach<\/h3>\n<\/p>\n
2025 thus far<\/h3>\n<\/p>\n
Club achievements<\/h3>\n<\/p>\n