As the FIFA Club World Cup expands and Earth’s eyes turn towards the United States and the representatives for the 2025 edition, a heated debate simmers between fans: Who should get the golden ticket? 

GiveMeSport’s Tom Bogert (in collaboration with Ben Jacobs) announced late morning that FIFA has allowed LAFC and Club America to play a one-off playoff match in Los Angeles at the end of the month to claim the final spot. The announcement comes after Club Leon was stripped of their qualification in the tournament due to their owners also owning Pachuca CF, who claimed the 2024 Concacaf Champions Cup 3-0 over the Columbus Crew. 

There is a massive pushback towards FIFA regarding the playoff match, and Inter Miami CF has a chance to play in the Club World Cup. But why not the Crew? 

Let’s get one thing straight: give the Seattle Sounders their flowers for capturing their qualification fair and square by winning the Concacaf Champions Cup in 2022. 

So now, we get into the fact that the Columbus Crew has not been considered once but twice for a chance to participate in this prestigious tournament. 

Tangible success over hype

Let’s be clear: The Club World Cup should reward actual achievement, not brand hype. Although LAFC was strong in the regular season, winning the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup and being finalists a few years back in the CCC, they fell short when it mattered the most. Inter Miami, on the other hand, while bolstered by the Lionel Messi effect, hasn’t even qualified for the playoffs consistently and was given their spot because they won the 2024 MLS Supporters Shield. They haven’t even lifted a major continental trophy. 

Meanwhile, during their CCC involvement in 2024, the Columbus Crew were No. 1 in the Concacaf club rankings for numerous weeks before their CCC finals appearance. The Black & Gold performed consistently in high-stakes matches. Under the direction of Wilfried Nancy, they’ve shown tactical maturity, depth, and resilience—hallmarks of a team that can go toe-to-toe with some of the world’s biggest Clubs.

Identity and Philosophy That Translates Globally

The Crew isn’t just winning and performing above expectations—they’re doing it with a progressive style of play. Nancy has instilled a dynamic, possession-based system emphasizing technical ability, fluid movement, and attacking creativity. Unlike teams overly reliant on individual stars (ahem, Miami), Columbus thrives as a collective, which is essential when competing against seasoned squads from Europe and South America. 

Columbus’s identity mirrors successful global clubs, not just in philosophy but also in execution. Their dominant performances in the 2023 MLS Cup playoffs and their title-winning performance in the 2024 League Cup showed they can control the tempo, adapt tactically, and finish ruthlessly.

A Club Rooted in MLS Tradition with a Modern Edge

Being the first MLS club, the Crew has a rich history and a loyal fan base. 

Yet they’ve managed to stay ahead of the curve–investing in player development from their youth team in Columbus Crew 2, and consistently packing a state-of-the-art stadium in Lower.com Field. They’re not clinging to nostalgia but building a sustainable, modern footballing model. 

Contrast that with the Herons, whose project feels more like a celebrity experiment than a true sporting institution. And LAFC, while flashy and well-backed, hasn’t proven itself worthy enough of being on one of the biggest stages in Club football. As of the publishing of this article, they’re not even in the Top 5 of the Concacaf Club Rankings. Neither is Miami. 

MLS’s Best Shot at Respectability

If FIFA wants the Club World Cup to feel legitimate, its host league needs a representative who can compete. Columbus is balanced, tactically intelligent, and doesn’t rely on aging superstars or gimmicks. They’re a genuine football team that could surprise a few giants on the global stage. 

Final Thought

As tempting as it would be to hand LAFC a spot because of their market appeal or to Inter Miami because of Messi, the Club World Cup should not be about brand strength—it should be about merit. Since 2023, the Columbus Crew has earned the right to fly the MLS flag on soccer’s biggest global platform and show the world what a true American soccer team looks like.