Los Angeles FC and Esperance Tunis face a crucial Group D showdown on Friday at Geodis Park, with both sides seeking to bounce back from opening-day defeats in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.
Having lost their first games 2-0 to Chelsea and Flamengo respectively, the two teams are fighting to keep their tournament hopes alive in what is likely their best chance to secure three points.
Match Overview
LAFC’s Club World Cup journey is a Cinderella story. Initially excluded from the competition, the MLS side earned a surprise berth after Club Leon’s disqualification and a subsequent playoff win over Club America. But their debut didn’t start ideally, as they fell to Premier League giants Chelsea.
Despite a spirited performance, LAFC struggled to convert possession into clear chances and eventually fell behind to Pedro Neto’s strike before Enzo Fernandez sealed the result. That loss snapped a 10-match unbeaten run for Steve Cherundolo’s men and raised the stakes for this Friday’s clash.
With Flamengo awaiting in their final group game, LAFC know that only a win will realistically keep their knockout hopes alive. The pressure is on to deliver in front of a home crowd and take advantage of a matchup against theoretically their weakest group opponent.
Esperance Tunis, meanwhile, were equally disappointed in their opening fixture, suffering a 2-0 loss to Flamengo. The Tunisian champions—who entered the tournament on an 11-game unbeaten run—were completely outplayed, managing only one shot on target and conceding multiple goals for the first time in 12 outings.
Their record at the Club World Cup is modest, with just one win in six previous appearances. A victory here would not only reignite their hopes of qualification but also mark one of their most significant results in the modern format of the tournament.
Team News
Los Angeles FC face a blow with 19-year-old David Martinez ruled out after sustaining an injury in the Chelsea match. Lorenzo Dellavalle remains unavailable due to a long-term ACL issue.
Veteran striker Olivier Giroud, who came off the bench against Chelsea, is expected to start and could provide the experience and firepower LAFC lacked in the opener. Denis Bouanga and Nathan Ordaz are likely to flank him in a front three, while Hugo Lloris anchors a defence that will be eager to earn its first clean sheet.
Esperance emerged from their Flamengo loss without any injury concerns. However, Maher Kanzari is expected to make tactical tweaks. Algerian star Youcef Belaili remains their chief attacking threat and will be vital to unlocking LAFC’s backline.
Rodrigo Rodrigues could drop to the bench after an ineffective showing in the opener, with 23-year-old Achref Jabri tipped to start up front. Captain Yassine Meriah continues to lead the defence following his recent return from injury.
Tactical Review
LAFC are expected to dominate possession and push the tempo from the wings, with Giroud providing a target man option and Bouanga offering direct pace. Their midfield trio will be tasked with setting the rhythm and shielding the defence against Esperance’s counterattacks.
Esperance will likely sit in a mid-to-low block, aiming to disrupt LAFC’s passing lanes and strike in transition through Belaili and Yan Sasse. Their compact structure and physicality could frustrate LAFC, but they must offer more creativity and final-third threat than they did against Flamengo.
How to Watch
Catch the match live on TNT Sports, Fox Sports, or via streaming platforms like DAZN and FIFA+. Viewers in Africa and North America can follow updates through local broadcasters and FIFA’s official platforms.
Predictions
Softfootball Prediction: Los Angeles FC 1-0 Esperance Tunis
With both teams in a must-win situation, expect a tense and tightly contested match. LAFC’s international pedigree and home advantage could prove decisive, allowing them to edge a narrow victory and keep their Club World Cup dreams alive.