The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup is set to kick off on Saturday, June 14, bringing together top teams from around the world in a unique global competition. For clubs outside soccer’s traditional powerhouses, it’s a rare chance to prove themselves on the biggest stage. LAFC striker Olivier Giroud, a veteran of elite European football, delivered a strong message to Major League Soccer teams ahead of the tournament.
LAFC secured its spot in the Club World Cup after defeating Club America 2–1 in extra time in a playoff, taking the place vacated by Club Leon due to multi-ownership concerns. In preparation for the tournament, LAFC bolstered its squad by signing Javairo Dilrosun on loan from America.
During pre-match media availability ahead of LAFC’s opening game against Chelsea, Giroud was asked about the tournament’s significance and how it reflects on MLS: “It’s a great opportunity for Seattle (Sounders), Inter Miami and LAFC to show the quality of the league. The fact that over 10 or 15 years the football ‘Soccer’ has grown a lot in a good direction. That’s why it’s good to see where we stand now, the MLS teams, compared to the top level teams.”
The former Chelsea and Arsenal forward also pointed out a potential advantage for MLS sides, noting that European clubs arrive at the Club World Cup after grueling seasons: “I even think that the top European teams will feel a little bit tired after a long season, so maybe we have an advantage. It’s always nice to stay positive and think that we have the opportunity to put some intensity.
“Some of them I read that they played 60, 75 games already, so I think it’s a good test for the MLS teams, and we need to grab that chance to show to Europe what we are made of,” Giroud concluded, acknowledging that MLS teams might have a window of opportunity given their fresher legs.
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Which European teams will the MLS clubs face?
As Giroud noted, MLS clubs may benefit from being midseason, while many European teams are just coming off the long 2024–25 campaign with little rest. However, each one of the teams from the US will have different challenges to face.
Inter Miami, for instance, will face what’s perceived to be one of the more beatable European teams in Group A—FC Porto. The Portuguese side finished third in its domestic league and was eliminated in the UEFA Europa League playoff round by AS Roma. Coach Martín Anselmi’s position is reportedly under scrutiny heading into the tournament.
Seattle Sounders, meanwhile, drew a difficult Group B with Spanish giants Atlético Madrid and reigning UEFA Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain. They’ll open against Brazilian club Botafogo, a crucial match before facing the top European competition.
Lastly, LAFC will open Group D play against Chelsea. It’s a special fixture for Giroud, who won both the Europa League and Champions League during his time with the London club and remains a fan favorite. The World Cup winner will look to use his experience to tilt the balance in LAFC’s favor.
