Flamengo handed Club World Cup test after LAFC's dramatic turnaround | OneFootball

Los Angeles FC have secured their place as Flamengo’s group stage opponents at the Club World Cup after a dramatic 2-1 extra-time win over América-MEX on Saturday. The playoff clash, played in Los Angeles and officiated by Brazilian referee Wilton Pereira Sampaio, was tightly contested but ultimately swung in LAFC’s favor after a late winner.

The opening half was largely cautious, with few clear opportunities. América threatened through Erick Sánchez, drawing a save from Hugo Lloris, while LAFC came close when Ordaz narrowly missed following a well-worked move. The breakthrough arrived in the second half after a VAR review led to a penalty for América-MEX. Eric Sánchez was tripped inside the area and, following intervention from the video assistant, Sampaio awarded the spot-kick. Brian Rodríguez put América ahead, beating Lloris with a composed finish.

Olivier Giroud entered from the bench to energize LAFC, with the World Cup winner testing Mexican goalkeeper Malagón on multiple occasions. The hosts leveled late in normal time through Igor Jesus—a Flamengo academy graduate—who rose highest to head home, forcing extra time.

During the additional period, América dominated possession but struggled to convert their control into clear chances, with Lloris making a key save to deny Rodríguez a second. LAFC, buoyed by the equalizer, pushed forward in the closing moments. In the dying minutes, Dénis Bouanga unleashed a shot from distance that took a deflection and beat Malagón to seal the comeback and LAFC’s ticket to Group D.

For Flamengo, this result finalizes their first-round opponents in a challenging group that also features Chelsea and Esperánce. The matchup with LAFC is now set, pitting the Rio giants against an MLS side on a rapid rise, featuring high-profile names and capable of late-game resilience.

The fixture also brings added narrative for Flamengo, with Igor Jesus—having come through the club’s youth ranks—demonstrating the danger LAFC can pose, even from the bench. Saturday’s contest reinforced LAFC’s depth and ability to perform in high-pressure scenarios, adding intrigue ahead of their World Cup debut.

Flamengo’s preparation for the Club World Cup will involve close analysis of this play-off, especially given LAFC’s mix of experience and unpredictability, highlighted by contributions from former European stars and emerging talents alike.

Source: Lance