Flamengo face MLS test as Club World Cup path revealed | OneFootball

Flamengo’s path in the Club World Cup is now set after Los Angeles FC clinched a dramatic 2-1 victory over Club América in extra time in Los Angeles, securing their place in Group D as the Brazilian side’s key group stage opponent.

The decisive play-off, officiated by Brazilian referee Wilton Pereira Sampaio, provided limited chances in a cautious first half. América’s threat came through Erick Sánchez, whose long-range effort drew a save from Hugo Lloris, while LAFC’s best early opportunity saw Ordaz narrowly miss the target.

The breakthrough came after the break in contentious fashion. After a long VAR review, Sampaio awarded América a penalty when Sánchez was tripped in the box. Substitute Brian Rodríguez converted, giving the Mexican side a second-half advantage.

LAFC’s response was defined by the impact of their bench. World Cup winner Olivier Giroud came on and tested América’s goalkeeper Malagón with a string of efforts. But it was Igor Jesus, a Flamengo academy graduate, who rose highest in the closing minutes to head home the equalizer and force extra time.

During the added period, América controlled possession and forced an alert save from Lloris, but failed to regain the lead. As the match neared penalties, Denis Bouanga struck decisively from distance, his effort deflecting past Malagón to hand LAFC victory.

For Flamengo, the outcome means a showdown with an LAFC side featuring a mix of youth and experience, including the in-form Bouanga—who has already scored 11 goals in MLS this season—plus European veterans Lloris and Giroud, both of whom joined the club in 2024. The group also features Chelsea and Esperánce, leaving little margin for error.

The fixture brings extra narrative for Flamengo fans, as Igor Jesus—who started his career in the Rio club’s youth system—showed his knack for crucial moments coming off the bench, highlighting LAFC’s attacking depth and unpredictability.

LAFC’s presence in the Club World Cup comes after their runner-up finish in the 2023 Concacaf Champions League. This late qualification route has set up a compelling final group game against Flamengo on June 24 in Orlando. Before that, LAFC face Chelsea and Esperánce, while Flamengo’s own preparation will focus on countering LAFC’s blend of direct attack and experienced leadership.

In MLS, LAFC currently sit sixth in the Western Conference, with results pointing to a team capable of resilience rather than dominance, but with enough quality to trouble continental heavyweights.

As Flamengo eye their opening fixtures, every lesson from LAFC’s play-off performance will be scrutinized, with an understanding that the American side’s momentum and individual match-winners could prove decisive in a tightly contested group.

Source: Lance