Club América’s defeat to Los Angeles FC in the playoff match for the final spot in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup came with a high price tag. The tournament will award approximately $9.5 million just for participation—money the Mexican side will no longer receive.

That base amount was only the beginning. Each win in the group stage would have brought in an additional $2 million, while a draw would have been worth $1 million. Advancing through the knockout rounds yields even bigger rewards: $7.5 million for reaching the Round of 16, $13.1 million for the quarterfinals, $21 million for the semifinals, $30 million for finishing as runner-up, and $40 million for winning the title.

A Defeat That Hurts Beyond the Pitch

Failing to qualify means América loses not only financially but also in terms of global exposure. Participation in the tournament would have boosted the club’s international image, opened doors to new sponsorship deals, and helped strengthen its brand across markets outside of Mexico.

The revenue from the Club World Cup could have also been used to reinforce the squad, invest in infrastructure, or develop youth academies. It was a chance to showcase themselves as a global contender and solidify their status as one of the continent’s top teams.

América Left Off the Global Stage

The absence of Club América from FIFA’s most prestigious club competition is a blow to both the club’s legacy and the broader image of Mexican football. Clubs from other regions will now have the opportunity to showcase their talent and grow their institutions, while the Águilas will have to watch from home.

The loss to LAFC was more than just an elimination—it was the end of what could have been one of the biggest financial opportunities in the club’s recent history.