LAFC’s Club World Cup Dream Ends After Narrow Defeat to Espérance
NASHVILLE, TN — Los Angeles FC’s historic Club World Cup campaign came to a heartbreaking end on Friday night as they fell 1–0 to Tunisia’s Espérance de Tunis at Geodis Park.
A 70th-minute goal by Youcef Belaïli was enough to seal victory for the African champions, eliminating LAFC from Group D contention with zero points from two matches.
Frustration in the Final Third
Steve Cherundolo’s side created chances but lacked composure in front of goal. Denis Bouanga came closest, forcing a diving save late in the first half, but Espérance’s defense stood tall throughout the 90 minutes.
LAFC’s midfield was overrun at times, and the final whistle confirmed their early exit from a tournament that began with promise but ended in disappointment.
Group D: Updated Standings
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Flamengo (BRA) | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 1 | +4 | 6 |
| 2 | Chelsea (ENG) | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| 3 | Espérance (TUN) | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | -1 | 3 |
| 4 | LAFC (USA) | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 3 | -3 | 0 |
Next Up
LAFC will finish their group stage campaign against Brazilian powerhouse Flamengo on June 24 at Camping World Stadium in Orlando. While the match will not change LAFC’s fate, it offers a final stage to show pride and end on a high note.
Meanwhile, Chelsea and Espérance face off in a decisive clash that will determine who joins Flamengo in the knockout stage.
Match Info
June 24 – 9:00 PM EDT
Camping World Stadium, Orlando
🇺🇸 LAFC vs 🇧🇷 Flamengo
→ A final stand for LA’s club on the world stage.
June 24 – 9:00 PM EDT
Camping World Stadium, Orlando
🇹🇳 Espérance vs 🇬🇧 Chelsea
→ Group D’s fate hangs in the balance.
For LAFC, it’s goodbye—for now.