The LA Galaxy-LAFC rivalry, affectionately known as El Tráfico, was born in 2018 when the latter joined Major League Soccer. Since then, it has become the fiercest rivalry in the league.  El Tráfico returns to Dignity Health Sports Park on July 17 following a stretch of closely contested meetings between the clubs. In the 2025 season, the Galaxy earned a 2–2 draw at home behind a two-goal performance from Marco Reus, including a late equalizer, before playing to a 3–3 draw at BMO Stadium two months later, with Gabriel Pec recording a brace and Maya Yoshida converting a stoppage-time header.
Welcome to MLS, Zlatan
Welcome to MLS, Zlatan
Zlatan Ibrahimović arrived at the LA Galaxy in 2018 ahead of the first ever meeting with LAFC. After going down 3-0, Ibrahimović entered the match in the 71st minute with the Galaxy trailing 3-1. At 3-2, he produced one of the most iconic goals in MLS history before scoring the winner with a header in stoppage time, putting his stamp on the rivalry on Day 1. He is still the Galaxy's all-time leading scorer in the rivalry with nine (9) goals despite playing just two seasons for the Blue, White, and Gold.
Record at the Rose Bowl
Record at the Rose Bowl
After rain postponed the 2023 season opener between LA Galaxy and LAFC at the Rose Bowl, the match moved to the 4th of July. The fireworks weren't just in the sky that night, with the Galaxy beating their crosstown rivals 2-1 in front of 82,110 fans, setting an MLS standalone regular season game attendance record that still stands heading into their first 2026 meeting at Dignity Health Sports Park.
Comeback Win on way to 6th MLS Cup
Comeback Win on way to 6th MLS Cup
With the 2024 regular season winding down, the top spot in the Western Conference was up for grabs. Falling behind 2-0, the Galaxy fought back to a 4-2 win with all four goals coming in the second half. With two goals in two minutes highlighted by Edwin Cerrillo's 55th minute strike from outside the box, the Galaxy marched on to victory. The club went on to win the 2024 MLS Cup less than three months later.
Going into July 17, 2026:
The LA Galaxy lead 10-9-7 in the all-time series against LAFC. With 57 goals for and 56 goals against, the rivalry has been remarkably even. Home field advantage is certainly a factor in the rivalry as the Galaxy hold an 8-2-3 record at home against LAFC, The last three games have been closely contested with the Galaxy winning 4-2 in September of 2024 before the two sides drawing 2-2 and 3-3 in 2025.
