FIFA Club World Cup place decided by playoff game | OneFootball

Club León was removed from the FIFA Club World Cup last week following FIFA's confirmation that the Guanajuato club infringes multi-ownership regulations, given their connection to Pachuca, who also qualified for the event.

The news has left a lot of questions, most importantly, who will replace them at the inaugural event?

Some have suggested that Costa Rican side Alajuelense will enter the fray, as they won the 2023 Central America Cup, the same year León was crowned champions of the CONCACAF. Elsewhere, people have called for English Premier League leaders Liverpool to be invited.

To add clarity around the matter, reporter César Luis Merlo has announced that a one-game playoff is being considered between Mexico's most decorated side, Club América and LAFC, who lost to León in that 2023 final.

Club América lifted the most recent Liga MX title in December and are on a streak of three straight titles as LAFC find themselves in 8th during the early stages of the new MLS season.

Whoever does replace León will join Chelsea, Flamengo and Esperance Sportive de Tunis in Group D of the rebranded competition, which will begin on 15th June.