For fans of the United States Men’s National Team, the playoff guarantees that another member of the team’s player pool will not be available for the Gold Cup, which runs concurrently with the FIFA Club World Cup this summer. LAFC features midfielder Timothy Tillman, who has not featured on the national team since he made his debut in January 2024.

A FIFA Club World Cup spot is on the line for MLS side LAFC and Liga MX’s Club América this spring. FIFA shared initial plans earlier in the year, but the one-game playoff became official this week after the Court of Arbitration for Sport upheld Mexico’s Club Léon's disqualification.