Having kicked out Club León from the Club World Cup without a ready replacement — well done, boys, good process — FIFA are apparently considering a one-game playoff between LAFC and Club América to decide who takes the vacant spot.
That is, unless Club León win their appeal at CAS on April 23, wherein they will argue against their expulsion. They were removed by FIFA on the grounds that they’re owned by the same group as CF Pachuca, who are also in the competition. It’s a bit tough to argue against that fact, so perhaps León will want Pachuca expelled instead? It’s all a bit convoluted, including the process to replace León, which FIFA seem to be making up as they go along.
Pachuca qualified as the winners of the 2024 Champions Cup (the CONCACAF equivalent of the Champions League), while León did so as the 2023 winners. They beat LAFC in that final. Meanwhile, the highest ranked (by FIFA’s own rankings) CONCACAF team are Liga MX giants Club América. But FIFA’s own rules also stipulate that no country can have more than two qualifiers unless they are both winners of continental cups, so in that case, if neither the US or Mexico were allowed to send another team, then the spot should go to LD Alajuelense from Costa Rica.
Whoever gets in will be scheduled to play Chelsea on June 14 in Atlanta. Hopefully at least that part is set in stone.
FIFA are exploring a one-off game between Club América and Los Angeles Football Club to decide who takes the final Club World Cup spot, replacing Club Leon. A FIFA spokesperson has confirmed the plan with the winner set to enter Chelsea's group.
Game expected to go ahead if… pic.twitter.com/jsO85sYKSV
— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) March 31, 2025