🇺🇸 LAFC vs Espérance de Tunis – Full Match Preview, Predicted Lineups & Tactical Breakdown (Club World Cup 2025)

🗓 Match Date: June 20, 2025
🕓 Kickoff Time: 5:00 PM ET | 2:00 PM PT
🏟 Venue: GEODIS Park, Nashville, Tennessee

Introduction

Group D at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 is heating up, and the upcoming clash between LAFC and Espérance de Tunis could decide who stays alive in this competitive group. With both teams having lost their first matches (LAFC to Chelsea, Espérance to Flamengo), this fixture has become a must-win for both sides.

For LAFC, this match is about redemption, resilience, and proving that their MLS dominance can translate on the world stage. For Espérance, one of Africa’s most decorated clubs, it’s about pride, structure, and tactical execution.

Let’s dive into everything fans need to know: lineups, kickoff info, tactical setups, key players, predictions, and what’s at stake.

Lineups Updated – Source: FIFA.com

Predicted Starting XIs

LAFC (4-3-3)

• Goalkeeper: Hugo Lloris

• Defenders: Sergi Palencia, Aaron Long, Jesús Murillo, Ryan Hollingshead

• Midfielders: Timothy Tillman, Ilie Sánchez, Mateusz Bogusz

• Forwards: Denis Bouanga, Olivier Giroud, Cristian Olivera

Manager: Steve Cherundolo (USA)

Espérance de Tunis (4-2-3-1)

• Goalkeeper: Bechir Ben Saïd

• Defenders: Mohamed Amine Tougai, Yassine Meriah, Houssem Dagdoug, Mohamed Ben Ali

• Midfielders: Ghaylen Chaaleli, Roger Aholou

• Attackers: Anayo Iwuala, Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane, Youcef Belaïli

• Striker: Rodrigo Rodrigues

Manager: Maher Kanzari (Tunisia)

Tactical Breakdown

LAFC: The Cherundolo Philosophy

Steve Cherundolo’s LAFC plays a dynamic 4-3-3 system with clear transitions from midfield to attack. Olivier Giroud is the target man, Bouanga brings pace and width on the left, while Tillman and Bogusz operate as creative engines in midfield.

Expect LAFC to:

• Use overlapping fullbacks (Hollingshead, Palencia) to stretch Espérance’s shape

• Create overloads in wide areas and deliver early crosses for Giroud

• Press high early in the game to unsettle Espérance’s build-up

Espérance: Structure, Patience & Moments

Maher Kanzari’s team will aim to control tempo and hit on counters. Belaïli, their biggest attacking asset, is known for deadly runs behind defenders and set-piece accuracy.

Espérance may:

• Sit in a compact 4-2-3-1/4-4-2 block to close spaces

• Allow LAFC possession and attack in short bursts through Belaïli or Rodrigo Rodrigues

• Play long diagonal switches to exploit LAFC’s advanced fullbacks

Key Match-Ups

• Olivier Giroud vs Tougai: Physical battle inside the box

• Bouanga vs Ben Ali: Speed vs discipline on the flanks

• Belaïli vs Long: Smart movement could catch LAFC off guard

• Tillman vs Aholou: Midfield engine battle to control tempo

Head-to-Head

This is the first-ever meeting between LAFC and Espérance de Tunis. Both teams have experience at continental level, but LAFC are new to the FIFA Club World Cup while Espérance have competed multiple times (2011, 2018, 2019).

Group D Standings Before Match

• Chelsea – 3 pts (+3)

• Flamengo – 3 pts (+2)

• LAFC – 0 pts (-2)

• Espérance – 0 pts (-3)

What’s at Stake?

This is a knockout-level match dressed as a group game. The loser will likely finish bottom of the group and exit the tournament. A draw may also not be enough unless the final match ends in their favor with goal difference support.

For LAFC: Progressing in the FIFA Club World Cup would solidify their global standing and help MLS prove its growth.
For Espérance: Advancing past the group stage would be a historic first, strengthening the reputation of North African clubs.

How to Watch

• USA: DAZN, Fox Sports app

• Canada: DAZN

• Global (select regions): FIFA+

Match Prediction

Final Score: LAFC 2 – 1 Espérance de Tunis

Goal Scorers:

• LAFC: Giroud (29′), Bouanga (62′)

• Espérance: Belaïli (pen 74′)

Expect a game of contrasting styles. LAFC’s superior attacking options could break Espérance’s structure — but the Tunisian side will get chances through counter-attacks and set-pieces. Still, LAFC’s experience and composure should see them through.

Stats Spotlight

• LAFC had 58% possession vs Chelsea despite losing 2–0

• Giroud recorded 3 shots on target in last game

• Espérance managed only 1 shot on goal vs Flamengo

• Belaïli had 4 successful dribbles in that game

Fan Perspective

“As a fan who’s been following LAFC since day one, this game is more than just survival. It’s about stepping up under pressure. I’ve seen this team dig deep — and if Bouanga gets the space, he’ll make Espérance pay. That said, we cannot underestimate Belaïli. It’s gonna be a wild one in Nashville

FAQs

1. Who is favored to win: LAFC or Espérance?
   – LAFC is slightly favored due to their attacking depth and MLS form.

2. Where is the match being played?
   – GEODIS Park, Nashville, Tennessee, USA.

3. Can LAFC qualify with a draw?
   – Unlikely. They would need other results to go their way, plus goal difference support.

4. What’s special about Espérance’s Youcef Belaïli?
   – Belaïli is known for his set-pieces, creativity, and ability to change games in an instant.