Giroud Eyes Chelsea Reunion at Club World Cup Through LAFC’s Playoff Bid at 38

Olivier Giroud Eyes Chelsea Reunion at Club World Cup as LAFC Battle for Spot

[Image: Giroud celebrating with LAFC]
Olivier Giroud, 38, aims to lead LAFC to the Club World Cup, with Chelsea awaiting in the group stage.

Former Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud is determined to fire Los Angeles FC into the revamped Club World Cup, setting up a potential reunion with his old club. The 38-year-old Frenchman, who left Stamford Bridge in 2021 after winning the Champions League, now faces a high-stakes playoff against Mexico’s Club America on Saturday. The winner secures a place in FIFA’s lucrative 32-team tournament, where Chelsea await in Group D.

The Road to the Club World Cup
The playoff became necessary after Mexican side Club Leon was disqualified due to multi-club ownership rules. LAFC and Club America will clash in a winner-takes-all match streamed free on DAZN in the UK. Giroud, a key figure for LAFC since joining in 2023, emphasized the significance of the game: “We need to start strong, play with intensity, and use our qualities. This is a massive chance for us.”

[Image: Giroud lifting the Champions League with Chelsea in 2021]
Giroud won the Champions League with Chelsea before joining AC Milan and later LAFC.

Giroud’s Chelsea Connection
Giroud spent three seasons at Chelsea, scoring crucial goals in their 2021 Champions League triumph. Now, he could face his former teammates on June 16 if LAFC advance. “It would be nice to meet Chelsea again,” he said. “But first, we must focus on Club America.” Teammate Hugo Lloris, his 2018 World Cup-winning compatriot, will also play a pivotal role in LAFC’s quest.

A Tournament of Opportunities
The expanded Club World Cup, running from June 14 to July 13, features a $2.5 billion prize pool. For MLS side LAFC, qualification would mark a historic milestone. Club America, meanwhile, seeks to reclaim regional dominance after Liga MX’s recent struggles in CONCACAF competitions.

[Image: Club World Cup trophy]
The revamped Club World Cup offers teams a shot at global glory and significant financial rewards.

Catch the decisive playoff live on DAZN this weekend, with the victor advancing to football’s grandest stage.

Stay updated on the Club World Cup and more sports news on DAZN.