Although the Los Angeles Football Club plays this Sunday against the Seattle Sounders. LAFC fans can still see six players in action during the international break.
- Dénis Bouanga – Gabon
- Maxime Crepèau – Canada
- Filip Krastev – Bulgaria
- Cristian Olivera – Uruguay
- Denil Maldonado – Honduras
- Stipe Biuk – Croatia U21
With six days remaining, Black and Gold fans hope no player is injured ahead of an important game at Luman Field. Let’s dive in to see if the players are performing or not.
Gabon Denis Bouanga: 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifying – CAF Group Stage
One player LAFC supporters keep an eye on the most is Denis Bouanga. The MLS Golden Boot winner played two full games versus Kenya and Burundi, scoring two goals. Not only is Bouanga moving mountains for LAFC, but also for his nation. Gabon never qualified for a World Cup and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s goals were insufficient.
The 2026 World Cup has expanded from 48 teams instead of 32 teams. Gabon has a chance to qualify. Nine African teams can directly qualify, and the Gabon group is decent. Gabon is in Group F with Ivory Coast, Kenya, Burundi, Gambia, and Seychelles. Bouanga’s goals can lead his national team to their first-ever World Cup.
Canada Maxime Crepèau: CONCACAF Nations League
Canada beat Jamaica 2-1 Saturday morning at National Stadium Independence Park. Maxime Crepèau didn’t appear for Canada, which is good news for LAFC fans. Canada plays against Jamaica again tomorrow evening, and let’s see if Crepèau starts.
Bulgaria Filip Krastev: UEFA European Championship Qualifying
LAFC attacker Filip Krastev played 90 minutes for Bulgaria in a 2-2 draw against Hungary. It was Krastev’s 13th appearance at senior level. He also played 77 minutes against Serbia and also drew 2-2.
In the last two games, Bulgaria were 2-1 up but Serbia and Hungary scored ten minutes before full-time. Serbia and Hungary qualified directly for the EURO 2024 in Germany, while Bulgaria are out.
Uruguay Cristian Olivera: 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifying
LAFC winger Cristian Olivera was on the bench as Uruguay ended Argentina’s 14-game streak in Bueno Aires. Ronald Araujo and Darwin Nunez’s goals ruined the celebration of Lionel Messi’s eighth Ballon d’Or trophy.
After beating Brazil and Argentina, Uruguay will face Bolivia on Tuesday, November 21.
Honduras Denil Maldonado: CONCACAF Nations League
Denil Maldonado played 90 minutes for Honduras and kept a clean sheet versus Mexico 2-0 on Friday, November 17. La H is one game away from reaching the CONCACAF Nations League Semi-final, but it won’t be an easy game at Estadio Azteca.
The last time Honduras beat Mexico at the Estadio Azteca was a decade ago in the 2014 World Cup Qualification back in September with the score 2-1.
Croatia U21 Stipe Biuk: UEFA Euro U21 Championship Qualifying
Stipe Buik got 66 minutes in the tanks as Croatia defeated Belarus 1-0 at the Armaviri Hakob Tonoyani Stadium. They remain the only team in Group G without a loss. Portugal U21 and Greece U21 are on top.
Overall, the six players on international duty are fit ahead of a big game this Sunday. However, there are still some international games to be played this week.
