The highly anticipated 2025 Club World Cup is set to feature the best teams from around the globe competing for international supremacy. However, one of the biggest storylines leading up to the tournament is the exclusion of Mexico’s Club León. With their spot now vacant, reports suggest that either Los Angeles FC or Club América will step in as their replacement.
According to journalist César Luis Merlo via X (formerly Twitter), FIFA has confirmed that LAFC, last season’s MLS Cup runner-up, and Club América, the highest-ranked Concacaf club, will face off in a playoff match to determine who qualifies.
“[CONFIRMED] América or LAFC will replace León in the Club World Cup. FIFA sources confirm that the MLS team, runner-up in 2023, and Las Águilas, the top-ranked Concacaf club, will play a match to decide who secures the spot.”
A third option?
There is also a potential precedent for an alternative approach. UEFA’s ranking system played a role in Red Bull Salzburg’s entry into the Club World Cup after Real Madrid won consecutive Champions League titles. A similar ranking-based decision could come into play here.
Alejandro Zendejas of America
For now, the playoff scenario hinges on Club León’s appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) as they fight to be reinstated. FIFA’s final decision may depend on the resolution of León’s dispute with Costa Rican soccer club Liga Deportiva Alajuelense.
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America’s head coach weighs in
LAFC representatives declined to comment on the situation. However, Club América head coach André Jardine addressed the topic, emphasizing that qualification should be earned on the pitch.
“León should go to the Club World Cup. I’m sad for the institution and hope they can find a solution,” Jardine said. “If that doesn’t happen, América has been performing at a high level for a long time. It’s true we haven’t yet won the Concacaf Champions Cup, which remains a major goal.
“We lead most Mexican tournaments and the Concacaf ranking, which is one of the criteria. Of course, I’d love for América to play in the Club World Cup, but I’d prefer to qualify by earning it on the field. That’s what we are working toward.”
Why was Club Leon excluded?
On March 23, FIFA ruled that Club León’s participation in the Club World Cup would violate regulations prohibiting two clubs with the same ownership from competing in the tournament. León is owned by Grupo Pachuca, which also owns Liga MX club Pachuca, creating a conflict under FIFA’s rules.
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FIFA officially announced the decision on March 21, stating: “In line with article 10, paragraph four of the regulations for the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, FIFA has determined that Club León will be removed from the competition, with the club to be admitted as a replacement to be announced in due course.”
