Flamengo takes on Los Angeles FC in Orlando with mixed squad in Club World Cup

The inaugural Club World Cup, held in the United States in 2025, reaches the final round of the group stage with Flamengo already qualified as Group D leaders. On Tuesday, June 24, at 9:00 PM (Brasília time), the Rubro-Negro faces Los Angeles FC at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, in a match that could yield around R$11 million in prize money for a win. The game, broadcast by TV Globo, sportv, ge, Dazn, and CazéTV, marks the end of the tournament’s initial phase, which features 32 clubs from five continents. Flamengo, led by Filipe Luís, is expected to field a mixed team, while Los Angeles FC, already eliminated, aims to bow out with dignity. The FIFA-organized competition has drawn global attention, and the match is set to captivate fans in Florida.

The clash is strategic for Flamengo, who secured first place with wins over Espérance and Chelsea. Squad rotation aims to preserve players for the round of 16, while Los Angeles FC, after losses in both opening rounds, seeks to upset. Below are key details of the match and the tournament’s context.

• Wide broadcast: TV Globo, sportv, ge, Dazn, and CazéTV air the game live, with real-time coverage on ge.
• Prize at stake: Each group stage win is worth about R$11 million, an extra incentive for Flamengo.
• Iconic stadium: Camping World Stadium in Orlando, one of the 12 tournament venues, holds 60,000 fans.

The tournament, launched in June 2025, has introduced a new dynamic to global football, with matchups across confederations. Flamengo, Brazil’s sole representative, carries the responsibility of maintaining strong performance in the global competition.

📍Flamengo x @LAFC
🏆 @FIFACWC
🏟️ Camping World Stadium

Rio de Janeiro x Los Angeles#FIFACWC #TakeittotheWorld pic.twitter.com/onOnDIfYXh

— Flamengo (@Flamengo) June 24, 2025

Group D scenario

Group D of the Club World Cup includes Flamengo, Los Angeles FC, Chelsea (England), and Espérance (Tunisia). On the same night, Chelsea and Espérance clash at 9:00 PM (Brasília time) to decide the second qualifier. Flamengo, with six points and convincing victories, has already locked in first place, regardless of the result against Los Angeles FC.

The American team, however, has underperformed. Beaten 2-0 by Chelsea and 1-0 by Espérance, Los Angeles FC enters the match with no chance of advancing. The team, coached by Steve Cherundolo, aims for an honorable farewell before their home crowd.

Flamengo’s early qualification reflects the consistency of Filipe Luís’ work, who took over with the mission of keeping the club competitive. Rotating players for Tuesday’s game also showcases the squad’s depth, blending starters and reserves without losing quality.

Lineups and strategies

Flamengo is likely to field significant changes. Filipe Luís plans to rest players at risk of suspension, such as Pulgar, Gerson, Bruno Henrique, and Plata, and give starters a break for the round of 16. The probable lineup includes Rossi in goal, Varela, Danilo (or João Victor), Léo Ortiz, and Alex Sandro in defense, with Evertton Araújo, Allan, and Luiz Araújo (or Wallace Yan) in midfield. Up top, Michael, Cebolinha, and Pedro are set to lead the attack.

Los Angeles FC, despite elimination, maintains a solid core under Steve Cherundolo. The American side has doubts in attack, with Martínez and Ordaz vying for a spot, and Giroud and Ebobisse competing for a starting role. Their likely lineup features Lloris in goal, Sergi Palencia, Long, Segura, and Hollingshead in defense, Tillman, Igor Jesus, and Delgado in midfield, and Martínez (or Ordaz), Giroud (or Ebobisse), and Bouanga up front.

• Flamengo absence: De la Cruz, with a left knee injury, is ruled out.
• Los Angeles FC suspensions risk: Sergi Palencia, David Morales, and Tillman face potential bans.
• Playing styles: Flamengo relies on possession and quick transitions, while Los Angeles FC looks to exploit counterattacks.

The strategies reflect the teams’ distinct goals. Flamengo, with qualification secured, prioritizes squad management, while Los Angeles FC aims to seize the chance to face a South American giant for experience.

Refereeing and organization

The match will be officiated by a team led by Salman Falahi from Qatar. Assistants Ramzan Al Naemi and Majdi Al Shammari, also from Qatar, join him, with Juan Gabriel Benitez from Paraguay as the fourth official. The selection of referees from different confederations underscores the tournament’s global nature, promoted by FIFA.

The 2025 Club World Cup’s organization has been praised for its stadium infrastructure and logistics in the U.S. Camping World Stadium, the match venue, is known for hosting major sports and cultural events, with modern facilities for thousands of fans. The tournament uses 12 stadiums across the country, including iconic venues like Hard Rock Stadium in Miami and Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.

Prize money significance

A win against Los Angeles FC won’t change Flamengo’s group standing but carries financial weight. Each group stage victory nets approximately R$11 million, funds that can bolster the club’s future investments. The tournament’s total prize pool is among the largest in world football, with amounts increasing per knockout round.

The prize money reflects FIFA’s ambition to make the Club World Cup a cornerstone of the global calendar. For Flamengo, already guaranteed at least R$22 million from two early wins, each match is a chance to strengthen its financial and sporting position.

Fans and atmosphere in Orlando

Orlando, famed for its theme parks and vibrant vibe, has welcomed a large number of Flamengo fans. The Brazilian community in Florida, particularly in Miami and Orlando, has organized events and gatherings to support the Rubro-Negro. Expectations are high for a strong crowd at Camping World Stadium, with banners, flags, and chants set to create a festive atmosphere.

Los Angeles FC, though playing at a neutral venue, enjoys support from American fans and the local Latino community. The presence of players like Giroud, a former World Cup winner with France, also draws curiosity from locals eager to see international football stars up close.

Tournament format

The 2025 Club World Cup introduces a bold format, with 32 teams split into eight groups of four. Each team plays three group stage matches, and the top two from each group advance to the round of 16. From there, the tournament proceeds with single-elimination knockout rounds, with extra time and penalties for ties.

Flamengo, by securing Group D’s top spot, will face a second-placed team in the round of 16, with matchups set after the group stage concludes. The tournament, running through mid-July, will culminate in a grand final at one of the U.S.’s most prestigious stadiums.

Flamengo’s tournament stats

Flamengo’s group stage performance has been robust. With two wins in two games, the team scored five goals and conceded just one. Defensive solidity, paired with attacking efficiency, positions the Rubro-Negro as a favorite for the knockout stages.

• Top scorers: Pedro, with two goals, leads Flamengo’s attack.
• Stout defense: Rossi’s key saves have bolstered the team’s stability.
• Record: 100% in the group stage, with six points from six possible.

These stats highlight the squad’s strength, blending young talents like Evertton Araújo with veterans like Alex Sandro and Allan. Filipe Luís’ planned rotation should maintain competitiveness, even with lineup changes.

Los Angeles FC’s background

Founded in 2014, Los Angeles FC is a relatively new player in American soccer. Despite its short history, the club won the MLS in 2022 and has stood out for signing high-profile players like Giroud and Bouanga. In the Club World Cup, however, the team struggled against more seasoned opponents like Chelsea and Espérance.

Their participation, even without advancing, serves as a platform for Los Angeles FC to build its global brand. Facing Flamengo offers a chance to test themselves against one of South America’s biggest clubs.

Flamengo’s next steps

With Group D leadership secured, Flamengo awaits their round of 16 opponent. The knockout stage draw will occur after the group phase, with the Rubro-Negro set to face a second-placed team from another group. Preparations for the knockout rounds include recovering injured players like De la Cruz and maintaining competitive rhythm.

The Los Angeles FC match, while not affecting qualification, allows testing new formations and giving minutes to squad players. The coaching staff is also tracking Chelsea and Espérance’s performances, which could shape Flamengo’s path ahead.