FIFA Reveals Which Two Teams Could Replace Club Leon at Club World Cup 2025

With 2025 FIFA Club World Cup just around the corner, FIFA is already working on a backup plan to determine Club Leon’s replacement.

The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup is set to be the biggest edition in the tournament’s history, featuring 32 of the world’s top clubs battling it out. With an expanded format and participation from every continent, the tournament is designed to showcase the very best in club football.

Club Leon were removed from this summer’s Club World Cup by FIFA after failing to meet tournament regulations on multi-club ownership. Leon is owned by Grupo Pachuca, which also owns Liga MX club Pachuca, creating a conflict under FIFA’s rules. With the tournament just around the corner, FIFA is already working on a backup plan to fill the open spot quickly. FIFA has reportedly identified two contenders as Club Leon Replacement at FIFA Club World Cup 2025.

LAFC and Club America Could Play for Club World Cup Spot

On Sunday, ESPN reported that FIFA will organize a playoff between Major League Soccer side LAFC and Liga MX giants Club America to determine Club Leon’s replacement.

🚨 Mexican club América or MLS side LAFC will replace León in the Club World Cup.

They will play a match to determine the final spot in the tournament.

(Source: @CLMerlo ) pic.twitter.com/8OKW6Ei5RP
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) March 31, 2025

A statement release by FIFA read, “FIFA can confirm it is considering one play-off match between LAFC and Club America for the right to participate in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, replacing Club Léon following the decision of the FIFA Appeal Committee.”

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”LAFC would participate as runner-up to Club Léon in the 2023 Concacaf Champions League through which Club Léon had qualified. Club América would participate as the top-ranked team in the FIFA Club World Cup confederation ranking through which qualification is also determined.”

”The winner of the play-off would qualify unless legal proceedings rule otherwise.”

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Club Leon is currently fighting FIFA’s decision to kick them out of the 2025 Club World Cup, taking their case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). A final decision on whether Leon stays or is replaced won’t come until at least April 23, the date set for the CAS hearing. In the meantime, FIFA is preparing for all outcomes, including potentially organizing a playoff between LAFC and Club América.

Club America

Club Leon

Club World Cup

LAFC

Abhinav Goel

soccer

I am a soccer writer at The PlayOffs, covering everything from match analysis to transfer buzz and tactical deep dives. Ever since I was a kid, soccer has been more than just a sport to me—it’s been an obsession. Playing and watching the game from a young age fueled my passion, eventually leading me into the world of sports media and betting. Now, I get to analyze the sport I love and bring the latest updates to fans worldwide.