Though formed in 2014, The Black and Gold only began playing in the MLS in 2018 as an expansion team. The club has come a long way in such a short period of time to grow beyond being seen as the other team in Los Angeles.
LA Galaxy are one of the most famous teams in the World and they owe a great deal to global Super Star, David Beckham’s surprise move from Real Madrid to Los Angeles, and in subsequent years, they have atracted more big stars including the magicc of Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
These mavericks helped to build a cult following and LA have responded with results on the pitch to match their growing base and commercial success.
When they step onto the pitch for their first-ever appearance at the FIFA Club World Cup, they won’t just be representing Major League Soccer — they’ll be carrying the hopes of a new generation of American clubs aiming to leave their mark on the global stage.
In just a few years, the club has built an impressive résumé, winning the MLS Cup in 2022, two Supporters’ Shields (2019 and 2022), and the U.S. Open Cup in 2024, quickly positioning them among the most competitive teams in the U.S.
The team plays its home matches at BMO Stadium, a purpose-built, 22,000-seat arena in Los Angeles. Beyond the impressive architecture, what truly sets the club apart is its atmosphere.
LAFC’s journey to the Club World Cup comes after finishing twice runners-up in the Concacaf Champions League (2020 and 2023), clinching a ticket to this year’s expanded Club World Cup by defeating Club América in a playoff for the final CONCACAF spot.
Under the guidance of manager Steve Cherundolo, a former U.S. international, LAFC have built a squad that blends youthful energy with seasoned experience. The 2024 additions of French World Cup winners Olivier Giroud and Hugo Lloris added star power and leadership to a team already brimming with talent. Before Giroud’s arrival Gabonese forward Denis Bouanga has been crucial in attack.
Expectations
LAFC just have an equal chance as Esperance in causing an upset in this tournament. The MLS is rated amongst the top 10 leagues in the world and has thus far become a lot more competitive in team quality, talent production as well as its incoming signed players. LAFC boast of two World Cup winners in Hugo Lloris and Oliver Giroud, experienced and proven winners throughout their careers. Gabon international Denis Bouanga and well travelled Turkish international Cengiz Under add diversity to an attack that doesn’t struggle to find the net. However, their fate in the group is dependent on their opener against UEFA Conference League winners Chelsea. Chelsea have players who have played quite a number of games this season as well as international fixtures during the off-season, something LAFC might seize to their advantage and serve as the right momentum needed to qualify from a quite tricky group.
