The new FIFA Club World Cup is heating up across the United States, with 32 elite teams battling for global supremacy in a month-long football festival. Los Angeles FC (LAFC) faces a massive test against Premier League giants Chelsea at Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Monday.
For many football fans, LAFC might be unfamiliar territory compared to their star-studded opponents. Let's dive into who this American side really is and why they shouldn't be underestimated.
LAFC's Impressive Rise to Prominence
Founded just a decade ago in 2014, LAFC has enjoyed a meteoric rise in American soccer. They played their first professional match in 2018 and quickly established themselves as MLS heavyweights.
Their trophy cabinet has filled impressively fast. LAFC claimed the MLS Supporters' Shield in 2019 with a then-record 72 points. They repeated this feat in 2022 before going on to win the MLS Cup final against Philadelphia Union on penalties.
The club continues to collect silverware, most recently lifting the 2024 U.S. Open Cup after defeating Sporting Kansas City. They're currently sitting fifth in the MLS Western Conference with 26 points from 16 games and haven't lost in their last 10 matches across all competitions.
This impressive form makes them an interesting underdog bet against Chelsea, especially considering the English side's inconsistent performances last season.
Star Power: LAFC's Key Players
Denis Bouanga leads LAFC's attack with devastating effect. The forward has netted 48 league goals since the start of 2023 – more than any other MLS player during that period. This season alone, he's scored 11 goals in 21 appearances across all competitions.
Between the posts, World Cup winner Hugo Lloris brings elite European experience. The former Tottenham and Lyon goalkeeper has recorded five clean sheets in 15 MLS starts this season, providing crucial stability at the back.
Perhaps most exciting for LAFC fans is the addition of Olivier Giroud. The France national team's all-time leading scorer brings world-class finishing ability and big-game experience that could prove decisive against Chelsea.
LAFC earned their Club World Cup spot dramatically, defeating Club América 2-1 in a playoff match. This victory came after Mexican side Club Leon was disqualified due to ownership rule violations.
Bouanga played hero in that crucial qualifier, scoring the extra-time winner to secure LAFC's place in this prestigious tournament. His form will be vital if the Americans hope to upset Chelsea.
For bettors, LAFC's unbeaten streak and talented roster make them an intriguing option, especially with favorable odds likely available against the Premier League side. Their proven ability to perform in knockout competitions also suggests they won't be intimidated by the occasion.
The clash represents a fascinating collision of footballing cultures and a rare chance to see how MLS champions measure up against Europe's elite on a global stage.
