LAFC and América got this opportunity after FIFA disqualified León because of its rules against participation by multiple clubs owned by the same entity. León and fellow Liga MX qualifier Pachuca are owned by the same group, and León lost its appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport after attempting to change its ownership structure.

Black & Gold, who fell short short of qualifying in 2023, host the Mexican powerhouse Saturday with $9.55 million and ‘an amazing opportunity’ on the line.