Los Angeles FC could cause major MLS scheduling disruption

Los Angeles FC could become Major League Soccer’s third representatives at this summer’s Club World Cup. Inter Miami, as hosts and the Seattle Sounders as 2022 CONCACAF Champions League winners have already booked their places at the newly-revamped 32-team tournament. If LAFC join them, it could have repercussion for the league’s schedule, forcing adjustments to matches originally set for June and July.

LAFC and América to contest the play-in match this month

The pivotal showdown will take place on May 31 at BMO Stadium, when LAFC will face América in the decisive play-in match to claim the spot vacated by Club León. Playing at home gives LAFC a potential advantage, as it looks to earn the chance to compete against European big guns like Chelsea and Real Madrid.

However, the situation has sparked debate in Mexico, with some arguing that América shouldn’t be in contention for a spot it didn’t win outright. Meanwhile, LAFC is making final preparations for its upcoming match against LA Galaxy before the high-stakes clash.

BMO Stadium will host the high-stakes playoff between LAFC and América on May 31, with the winner claiming the final vacant spot in the Club World Cup. However, this scheduling has created a logistical challenge — LAFC already had an MLS match scheduled at the same venue against the Colorado Rapids...

To accommodate the Club World Cup play-in match, LAFC’s MLS fixture against Colorado has been rescheduled. The team is now navigating a packed schedule, with a crucial El Tráfico showdown against LA Galaxy just days before the playoff.

Rescheduling LAFC’s match against Colorado Rapids is just the beginning of a scheduling nightmare involving five MLS clubs that were originally set to face LAFC during the Club World Cup window.

If LAFC secures a place at the tournament, the league will have to adjust multiple fixtures, affecting Sporting Kansas City, Toronto FC, Real Salt Lake, Vancouver Whitecaps, and Austin FC. The ripple effect of these changes could disrupt the rhythm of the regular season, forcing teams to adapt to unexpected gaps in their schedules.

While LAFC is making waves with its potential Club World Cup qualification, let’s not forget that the team has yet to secure its spot. For now, their focus remains on Sunday’s high-stakes showdown against LA Galaxy, a crucial match in the MLS season.

What would happen if LAFC qualify for the Club World Cup?

If LAFC defeats América, it will become the last team to book a place at the Club World Cup, setting the stage for high-profile matchups against European giants like Chelsea and Real Madrid.

Steven Cherundolo would enter Group D, alongside Flamengo, Espérance de Tunis and Chelsea with their opening game against the Premier League side on June 16.

But what about LAFC’s MLS matchups? The Colorado Rapids is the first team already affected by LAFC’s scheduling shake-up on May 31.

Originally, LAFC was set to host Colorado at BMO Stadium at 10:30 p.m. ET, but the venue will now be used for the high-stakes Club World Cup play-in match against Club América, scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET.

Which LAFC games would need to be rescheduled?

As a result, LAFC’s MLS fixture against Colorado has been officially rescheduled to July 9. The Rapids, along with several other MLS teams, will have to adjust their schedules as LAFC prepares for a potential international campaign.

New dates would also need to be found for the games against Sporting Kansas (9 June), Toronto (13 June), Salt Lake (25 June) and the Whitecaps (28 June).

And if LAFC advances to the Club World Cup quarterfinals, it will also miss its scheduled MLS matchup against Austin FC, set for July 5 at Q2 Stadium in Austin, TX. A headache for those in charge of mapping out the MLS fixtures calendar.

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