LAFC 0-1 ES Tunis, FIFA Club World Cup 2025: Belaili’s Strike Puts Esperance Back In Contention

Esperance Sportive de Tunis secured their first win of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 in the Group D fixture against Los Angeles FC at Geodis Park in Nashville, Tennessee, on 21 June. Both sides were evenly matched in the contest, looking for their first points in the tournament after losing their opening games. It was the North African giants who emerged victorious despite having less than 40% possession. Youcef Belaili put ES Tunis ahead in the 70th minute from a difficult angle after a good run into the box by Mohamed Amine Ben Hamida. Hugo Lloris made a number of saves to keep LAFC in the game. The MLS side had a lifeline in the final seconds of the game after being awarded a penalty, but Bechir Ben Said saved the effort from Denis Bouanga, knocking LAFC out of the Club World Cup.

Photo Webdesk

Updated on: 21 June 2025 6:19 pm

CWC Soccer 2025: LAFC vs ES Tunis | Photo: AP/Johnnie Izquierdo

Esperance de Tunis' Youcef Belaïli celebrates after the Club World Cup Group D soccer match between Los Angeles FC and ES Tunisie in Nashville, Tenn.

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CWC Soccer 2025: ES Tunis vs LAFC | Photo: AP/Johnnie Izquierdo

Esperance de Tunis' Mohamed Ben Ali heads the ball away for Los Angeles FC's Denis Bouanga during the Club World Cup Group D soccer match between Los Angeles FC and ES Tunisie in Nashville, Tenn.

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FIFA Club WC: LAFC vs ES Tunis | Photo: AP/Johnnie Izquierdo

Esperance de Tunis' Youcef Belaïli celebrates after scoring with fans, Mohamed Ben Ali and Abdramane Konate during the Club World Cup Group D soccer match between Los Angeles FC and ES Tunisie in Nashville, Tenn.

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FIFA Club WC: ES Tunis vs LAFC | Photo: AP/George Walker IV

Los Angeles FC's Javairo Dilrosun, centre, looks to pass the ball past Esperance de Tunis' Mohamed Amine Ben Hamida, left, and Onuche Ogbelu, right, during the Club World Cup Group D soccer match between Los Angeles FC and ES Tunisie in Nashville, Tenn.

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FIFA Club WC 2025: LAFC vs ES Tunis | Photo: AP/George Walker IV

Esperance de Tunis supporters react during the Club World Cup Group D soccer match between Los Angeles FC and ES Tunisie in Nashville, Tenn.

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FIFA Club WC 2025: ES Tunis vs LAFC | Photo: AP/George Walker IV

Los Angeles FC's Denis Bouanga, right, battles for the ball with Esperance de Tunis' Yassine Meriah during the Club World Cup Group D soccer match between Los Angeles FC and ES Tunisie in Nashville, Tenn.

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FIFA Club World Cup: LAFC vs ES Tunis | Photo: AP/George Walker IV

Esperance de Tunis' Yan Sasse, left, and Los Angeles FC's Ryan Hollingshead battle for the ball during the Club World Cup Group D soccer match between Los Angeles FC and ES Tunisie in Nashville, Tenn.

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FIFA Club World Cup: ES Tunis vs LAFC | Photo: AP/George Walker IV

Esperance de Tunis' Elias Mokwana, and Los Angeles FC's Ryan Hollingshead, right, battle for the ball during the Club World Cup Group D soccer match between Los Angeles FC and ES Tunisie in Nashville, Tenn.

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CWC LAFC ES Tunisie Soccer | Photo: AP/George Walker IV

Los Angeles FC's Ryan Hollingshead, right, heads the ball away from Esperance de Tunis' Elias Mokwana during the Club World Cup Group D soccer match between Los Angeles FC and ES Tunisie in Nashville, Tenn.

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CWC ES Tunisie LAFC Soccer | Photo: AP/George Walker IV

Esperance de Tunis' goalkeeper Bechir Ben Said kicks the ball clear of Los Angeles FC's David Martinez during the Club World Cup Group D soccer match between Los Angeles FC and ES Tunisie in Nashville, Tenn.