3 things we learned about LAFC at the Club World Cup | OneFootball

Los Angeles Football Club was the first MLS team eliminated from the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup after their 1-0 loss to ES Tunis last week, and the second to conclude their campaign with a 1-1 draw against Flamengo on Tuesday.

Here are three things we learned about the Black-and-Gold as they return to MLS play on Sunday night against the Vancouver Whitecaps.

It's just not working for Olivier Giroud

The struggles of France's all-time leading international goal-scorer during a year in MLS have been well documented. But after his goals in two finals last year, and his influential performance in the Club World Cup playoff match against Club America, there was a case that Giroud was still a clutch performer for the Black-and-Gold if not a consistent one.

That's a lot harder to argue following a Club World Cup campaign that was just overwhelmingly anonymous. And perhaps it was the final straw in the 38-year-old's willingness to try and make this thing work.

In the days since reports have emerged that Lille have approached LAFC about Giroud's services. Even if the fee was nominal, you'd think LAFC would willingly move on just to jettison the rest of his salary and Designated Player status.

LAFC can't afford to lose Denis Bouanga right now

The Gabon international has drawn some criticism for middling MLS production this season relative to 2023 and 2024 when he posted 20 goals each time. But his production was better in Cocacaf play this spring, and he scored the decisive goal in the playoff against Club America.

And then in the tournament itself, he was in the middle of most of LAFC's dangerous moments. Yes, that included a saved late penalty against Tunis. But he also scored a goal essentially from nothing on a stunningly worked set piece in the 84th minute against Flamengo. Meanwhile, the transfer rumor mill suggests Club America are keen on adding him to their perennial Liga MX title-contending squad.

Maybe MLS defenses are catching on to some of Bouanga's tricks. And maybe the fee Club America is willing to pay is quite high for a 30-year-old. But it's unclear where the attacking menace is going to come from if Bouanga's not there. At the very least, LAFC would have to have a near-perfect summer transfer window to replace him.

Cherundolo still has the dressing room

With Cherundolo announcing he is resigning following the 2025 season, the disappointment of LAFC's first two tournament performances could have set up for a disengaged final match.

In particular, Cherundolo seemed to have no answers to help his side regain control against underdogs ES Tunis, who eventually earned a deserved 1-0 win after a second-half goal and saved a very late Bouanga penalty.

But the effort was exceptional against Flamengo, even if there was one lapse leading to the Brazilians' 86th-minute equalizer. That suggests a team that should still be taken very seriously in the Western Conference in the second half of the season if most of the squad remains intact.