The LAFC forward believes LAFC is now one of the best teams in the world following their win over America
Bouanga highlights significance of Club World Cup qualificationLAFC star scores decisive 115th-minute winner to secure tournament spotVictory guarantees minimum $9.55 million prize and international spotlightWatch every FIFA Club World Cup game free on DAZNStream nowAFPWHAT HAPPENED
Denis Bouanga believes LAFC won the biggest match of their short history with their 2-1 result over Club America in the Club World Cup playoff match last Saturday.
“Yes, I think so,” Bouanga told FIFA.com. “It opens doors and allows us to participate in tournaments that others may not play and will never play, so yes, it's a big opportunity. Personally, I really wanted to do it (qualify for the Club World Cup), because it's not something that happens to everyone. It's perfect for LAFC. It will put even more spotlight on the club.”
The Gabon international was at the center of LAFC’s dramatic comeback, scoring the winning goal in the 115th minute to send the club to the expanded 32-team FIFA Club World Cup. After conceding a penalty to former LAFC winger Brian Rodríguez in the 64th minute, the hosts responded late with an equalizer from Igor Jesus in the 89th to force extra time.
“I feel relieved, simply put,” Bouanga said. “It was a high-stakes match, a match with very high stakes. We had to qualify and reach the FIFA Club World Cup. It was on home turf. We had to give everything, give 100%. Now, I truly feel relieved.”
Bouanga described the moment as a rare and special one—not just for himself, but for the entire club.
“I think it was an achievement. Everyone would have liked to be in our position. Everyone would have liked the chance to play a final before going to the FIFA Club World Cup,” he said. “Personally, I was eager to start this match and to finish it the way we did today. For the team and everyone, I think it’s a huge moment. I think most of the players—and maybe even the club—won’t do this again in four years. For me, it’s a magical moment.”
The win secures LAFC the final North American slot in the 2025 Club World Cup, joining Inter Miami CF and Seattle Sounders FC as MLS representatives.
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The MLS side will be grouped alongside Brazilian outfit Flamengo, English giants Chelsea, and Tunisian Ligue 1 champions Espérance de Tunis in Group D. Bouanga admitted that the club has a tough fight ahead but believes that his side has a chance and is eager to face them.
“They’re very good teams. If they’re there, it’s not by accident. I think now we can say that we’re one of the best teams in the world, just by being part of this tournament. We’re eager to face them, and I hope we’ll have a few chances," Bouanga added.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
LAFC's qualification for the Club World Cup places them among some of the world's most prestigious clubs and provides an opportunity to elevate their global brand. The tournament, running from June 14 to July 13 across the United States, features 32 teams, including European giants like Chelsea, who LAFC will face in their group stage opener on June 16.
AFPWHAT’S NEXT?
While they have qualified for the Club World Cup, LAFC’s eyes will turn towards back-to-back home games, starting with Sporting KC on June 8, before hosting Toronto FC on June 13. Following that, the club will prepare for their first game in the Club World Cup, where they’ll face Chelsea on June 16.
