That’s a significant upset for LAFC! Getting eliminated by ES Tunis 1-0 in the FIFA Club World Cup is definitely disappointing, especially when their star players didn’t show up when it mattered most.
This kind of result highlights how unpredictable international club competitions can be – MLS teams often struggle against teams from other confederations, even when they’re considered favorites on paper. The absence of key performances from LAFC’s marquee players during crucial Cup matches is particularly concerning for their fans and management.
LAFC was eliminated from the FIFA Club World Cup after Denis Bouanga had a penalty saved deep into stoppage time of a 1-0 loss to Esperance Sportive de Tunis in Nashville on Friday.
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – JUNE 20: Mohamed Amine Ben Hamida #20 of Esperance De Tunisie celebrates after the team’s victory during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group D match between Los Angeles Football Club and Esperance de Tunis at GEODIS Park on June 20, 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Stuart Franklin – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images) NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – JUNE 20: Bechir Ben Said #32 of Esperance De Tunisie reacts after saving a penalty kick from Denis Bouanga #99 of LAFC during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group D match between Los Angeles Football Club and Esperance de Tunis at GEODIS Park on June 20, 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Stuart Franklin – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images) NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – JUNE 20: Denis Bouanga #99 of LAFC holds his cleats in the dressing room prior to the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group D match between Los Angeles Football Club and Esperance de Tunis at GEODIS Park on June 20, 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Stuart Franklin – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
The victory takes Esperance level with Chelsea in Group D, after the Premier League side lost 3-1 to Brazil’s Flamengo earlier on Friday.
Youcef Belaïli put the Tunisian side in front in the 70th minute, but LAFC looked set to level and keep its hopes alive going into the final round of games when referee Espen Eskas awarded a late spot kick following a video review, ruling Khalil Guenichi had felled Marlon in the area.
But Bouanga drove his ensuing penalty kick into the dive of Ben Said, to confirm the exit of LAFC, which gained its place after winning a playoff with Club América just three weeks ago.
The winner of Esperance’s meeting with Chelsea on Tuesday in Philadelphia will move on to the knockout phase, with Chelsea advancing on a draw based on superior goal differential. Esperance’s victory on Friday confirmed Flamengo’s place in the round of 16.
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