LAFC grab final spot in Club World Cup with dramatic win over Club America

Los Angeles FC defeated Mexican giants Club America 2-1 in extra time to earn the final spot in this summer's Club World Cup.

Star forward Denis Bouanga scored the winning goal in the 115th minute to seal a valuable comeback victory for LAFC and ensure there will be three Major League Soccer teams in the upcoming event.

Club America appeared on track to grab the tournament berth - and the guaranteed $9.5 million in participation money - after former LAFC player Brian Rodriguez opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 64th minute.

But unlikely scorer Igor Jesus equalized with a header off a corner kick in the 89th minute. Then Bouanga, who looked threatening all match, decided the contest with a dramatic winner when it seemed like a penalty shootout may be required at BMO Stadium.

Bouanga's deflected shot from just outside the box wrong-footed America netminder Luis Malagon and found the back of the net.

The victory means LAFC will slot into Group D for the revamped competition, alongside Premier League heavyweights Chelsea, Flamengo of Brazil, and Tunisian club Esperance Sportive de Tunis.

That spot had belonged to Liga MX outfit Leon, but the Mexican squad was ruled ineligible by FIFA and removed from the tournament in March for being part of the same ownership group as Pachuca, another Mexican team that is participating in the event.

FIFA then organized a one-off playoff match between LAFC and America, rewarding the former for being the CONCACAF Champions Cup runners-up in 2023, and the latter for being the top-ranked team in the confederation.

LAFC join Inter Miami and the Seattle Sounders as MLS representatives in this summer's expanded competition, which will feature 32 teams from around the world for the first time.

The Club World Cup begins June 14 in the United States, with the final slated for July 13 at MetLife Stadium.

The club that takes home the trophy is expected to earn over $100 million in total prize money.