Both teams enter this pivotal Group D fixture after opening-round defeats—LAFC fell 2–0 to Chelsea, while ES Tunis lost 2–0 to Flamengo. With only the top two teams advancing to the knockout stage, this match is a virtual elimination game. Expect urgency, tactical adjustments, and high-stakes drama.
Los Angeles FC: Redemption on Home Soil
Last Match: 0–2 loss vs Chelsea
Manager: Steve Cherundolo
Key Player: Denis Bouanga – 12 goals, 6 assists in 2025
Strengths:
Veteran Leadership: Hugo Lloris and Olivier Giroud bring World Cup-winning pedigree.
Attacking Depth: Bouanga, Giroud, and Timothy Tillman form a dynamic front line.
Home Comforts: LAFC is unbeaten in two previous visits to GEODIS Park.
Concerns:
Injury Woes: David Martínez (ankle) and Lorenzo Dellavalle (ACL) are out.
Finishing Efficiency: Just 4 shots on target vs Chelsea despite 35% possession.
Projected XI (4-3-3):
Lloris; Palencia, Long, Segura, Hollingshead; Tillman, Jesús, Delgado; Bouanga, Giroud, Yeboah
ES Tunis: North African Giants Under Pressure
Last Match: 0–2 loss vs Flamengo
Manager: Maher Kanzari
Key Player: Youcef Belaïli – 9 goals, 6 assists in 2025
Strengths:
Defensive Backbone: Yassine Meriah and Mohamed Amine Tougai anchor a disciplined back line.
Creative Spark: Belaïli remains the most dangerous playmaker, especially on the left wing.
Tactical Flexibility: Capable of switching between 4-2-3-1 and 4-3-3 mid-match.
Concerns:
Lack of Cutting Edge: Just 2 shots on target vs Flamengo.
Tournament History: Only 1 win in 6 previous Club World Cup matches.
Projected XI (4-2-3-1):
Ben Saïd; Ben Ali, Meriah, Tougai, Ben Hamida; Guenichi, Ogbelu; Konaté, Mokwana, Belaïli; Jabri
Head-to-Head & Match Insights
| Category | LAFC | ES Tunis |
| Club World Cup Record | 0W–0D–1L (2025) | 0W–0D–1L (2025) |
| Goals Scored (2025) | 0 | 0 |
| Goals Conceded | 2 | 2 |
| Last 5 Matches (All) | W–D–D–W–L | W–W–W–D–L |
This is the first-ever competitive meeting between a U.S. and Tunisian club in FIFA competition.
LAFC has scored in 41 of their last 42 matches across all competitions.
ES Tunis had kept 9 clean sheets in 11 matches before their loss to Flamengo.
Both teams are desperate for a result, but LAFC’s home advantage, veteran leadership, and attacking options give them the edge. Expect a cagey first half and a breakthrough after the hour mark.
MATCH ODDS
Los Angeles FC – 105 Draw + 235 ES Tunis + 310
Over 2.5 + 115 Under 2.5 – 150
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Thursday, June 19, 2025
