LAFC vs Espérance de Tunis is a crucial Group D match of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup on Friday, June 20, at GEODIS Park in Nashville, Tennessee. Kickoff is scheduled for 5:00 PM CDT (10:00 PM UTC), with streaming available on DAZN and its partner platforms. Both teams enter the match in strong form—LAFC are unbeaten in their last six games, including a recent playoff win, while Espérance are also undefeated across domestic competitions. This clash is expected to be tightly contested, with strong defenses and a pivotal midfield battle likely determining the outcome. As both sides look to advance from a group that also includes Chelsea and Flamengo, this match could play a decisive role in shaping the tournament’s knockout stage.
Recent Team Form
A clear snapshot of the recent form for both teams heading into their clash:
LAFC (Los Angeles Football Club)
LAFC have been in electric form, remaining undefeated in their last 9 matches across all competitions compiling a 4–0–5 record since early April . They secured a dramatic 2–1 extra-time win over Club América on June 2 to qualify for their first-ever FIFA Club World Cup . Additionally, they’ve demonstrated defensive strength in the Concacaf Champions Cup, blanking the Columbus Crew 3–0 and recording four straight clean sheets in March.
Summary: On a 9-match unbeaten run, with clutch late-game performances and key clean sheets.
Espérance de Tunis
Espérance are riding a wave of domestic success this season. They sit top of the Tunisian Ligue 1, boasting a record of 17 wins, 8 draws, and only 2 losses in 27 matches, with a strong goal difference (+29) and 12 clean sheets . In recent Cup competitions, they claimed the Tunisian Super Cup on ∼Feb 16 and the Tunisian Cup on June 1, both by narrow 1–0 scorelines . They also notched a 4–2 league victory over ES Zarzis on February 19 .
Summary : Dominating domestically with strong defensive structure and silverware momentum.
Team Details
The brief team format details of both teams:
LAFC
Coach: Steve Cherundolo
Key Players:
Hugo Lloris (GK) – experienced leader
Denis Bouanga – top scorer, dynamic winger
Olivier Giroud – veteran striker, aerial threat
Strengths: High pressing, quick transitions, strong attacking depth
Recent Form: Unbeaten in last 9 matches
Espérance de Tunis
Coach: Formerly Laurențiu Reghecampf (left in March 2025), Maher Kanzari (currently)
Key Players:
Yassine Meriah – captain and defensive leader
Strengths: Strong defense, tactical discipline, consistent form
Recent Form: Winners of Tunisian league, Cup, and Super Cup
Predicted lineups
The predicted starting lineups for the Group D clash:
LAFC (4–3–3)
From Group D preview lineup:
Coach: Steve Cherundolo
GK: Hugo Lloris
Defense: Sergi Palencia (RB), Aaron Long (CB/captain), Eddie Segura (CB), Ryan Hollingshead (LB)
Midfield: Igor Jesus (DM), Mark Delgado (CM), Timothy Tillman (CM)
Attack: Nathan Ordaz (RW), Jeremy Ebobisse (CF), Denis Bouanga (LW)
Bench options: Olivier Giroud, David Martínez, Frankie Amaya, Marlon, among others
Espérance de Tunis (Probable 4–3–3 / 4–2–3–1)
Based on squad list and key players:
Coach: Maher Kanzari
GK: Bechir Ben Saïd (likely starter)
Defense: Mohamed Ben Ali (RB), Yassine Meriah (CB & captain), Mohamed Amine Tougai (CB), Ayman Ben Mohamed (LB)
Midfield: Khalil Guenichi or Onuche Ogbelu (CM), possibly with Chiheb Jebali or Houssem Teka; creative pivot Yan Sasse (CAM)
Attack: Youcef Belaïli (LW), Rodrigo Rodrigues or Achraf Jabri (ST), Yan Sasse or Youcef Belaïli swapped to RW
Importance of the Match: LAFC vs Espérance de Tunis
• Crucial Group Stage Clash: This match is the opening game for both teams in Group D of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, which also includes Chelsea and Flamengo — two tournament favorites. A win here is essential to have any chance of advancing to the knockout stage.
• Momentum Builder: Both clubs are in strong form, and a victory would boost confidence ahead of much tougher group games.
• For LAFC: It’s their first-ever appearance in a FIFA Club World Cup. A win would make a statement for MLS teams on the global stage and justify their growing international profile.
• For Espérance: With rich continental history, they are looking to prove themselves against non-African opposition and improve upon past Club World Cup performances, where they’ve struggled beyond early rounds.
• Tiebreaker Implications: With only two teams advancing per group, and with Chelsea and Flamengo likely to be heavy favorites, this match could effectively determine third vs. second place and possibly who progresses.
Conclusion
The LAFC vs Espérance de Tunis matchup is a pivotal Group D encounter in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. With tournament giants Chelsea and Flamengo also in the group, both teams will view this match as their best opportunity to secure vital points and boost their chances of progressing. LAFC enters with attacking firepower and home advantage, while Espérance brings defensive discipline and recent domestic success. The outcome could define the group standings and for either side, a strong start here could turn ambition into reality on the world stage.
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