Los Angeles FC has solidified their status as one of the top clubs in American soccer over the past five years, yet their lack of continental success has extended their wait for a first-ever appearance at the Club World Cup.

Under Steve Cherundolo, the team came closest to ending their CONCACAF Champions Cup drought in the 2023 edition, ultimately falling to a decisive 3-1 aggregate defeat against Leon in a largely one-sided final.

That setback has now paved the way for Los Angeles FC to potentially make their Club World Cup debut, as they and Club America have been selected to compete for the spot vacated by the 2023 North American champions in next month's global tournament in the United States.

The two teams are familiar foes, having met three times in the last five years, with their most recent clash being a friendly match in mid-February.

Heading into Sunday's encounter unbeaten in their last eight league matches, the home side has shown resilience, though they have secured only three wins in that period.

This mixed form stems largely from defensive inconsistencies, as Los Angeles FC has kept just two clean sheets and conceded at least two goals in five of those eight games.

In contrast, Club America boasts a rich history in the Club World Cup, having claimed a record seven CONCACAF Champions Cup titles, though their last appearance was in 2016.

Andre Jardine's squad reached the continental final four years ago but lost to Monterrey; they earned this opportunity to face Los Angeles FC as the highest-ranked CONCACAF team not already qualified.

Leading into this decisive matchup, Club America, known as Los Millonetas, has won just one of their last four games, failing to score in the two most recent outings against Toluca earlier this week.

A 0-0 draw followed by a 2-0 loss to the same opponents over three days left them as runners-up in the LIGA MX Clausura, preventing a consecutive title.

With limited time to recover from these disappointments, Jardine must rally his team for a Club World Cup berth, though their away form—one win in nine games since March—poses a significant challenge.

Timothy Tillman missed Los Angeles FC's latest MLS game against CF Montreal due to a leg injury and remains a major doubt for Sunday's match.

If Tillman is unavailable, Frankie Amaya is likely to start, marking only his third appearance in the lineup this season.

After a slow beginning, Denis Bouanga has contributed to 10 goals in his last eight matches, making him a key player to watch.

For Club America, Chilean international Igor Lichnovsky is sidelined with a long-term knee injury from early last season.

Additionally, 21-year-old Patricio Salas is also out and far from returning to the first team.

Los Angeles FC possible starting lineup:

Lloris; Smolyakov, Long, Segura, Palencia; Amaya, Delgado, Jesus; Bouanga, Ebobisse, Ordaz

Club America possible starting lineup:

Malagon; Borja, Caceres, Juarez, Reyes, Alvarez; Fidalgo, Dos Santos, Sanchez; Martin, Zendejas