Wydad AC and Al Ain will meet at the Audi Field stadium in Washington, D.C. on Thursday, 26th June at 20:00 GMT. The game won’t mean much for these teams as they both struggled to get any points from their matches against Manchester City and Juventus, although pride is still at stake.
Al Ain FC, representing the UAE, qualified for the FIFA Club World Cup through their strong performances in the AFC Champions League. They were thrashed 6-0 by a much-changed Manchester City team, as Citizens boss Pep Guardiola aimed to rotate his squad and avoid any unnecessary injuries to key players.
Wydad AC and Al Ain FC have never met in competitive action, according to our football facts, with some punters giving Al Ain FC a slight edge due to their familiarity with high-stakes Asian competitions. Al Ain’s attacking output relies heavily on their forward line, but they’ve scored just twice in their last four competitive matches.
Wydad’s head coach, Mohamed Amine Benhachem, is under pressure to deliver after a turbulent season, which saw the departure of Rulani Mokwena following disappointing domestic results. Meanwhile, Al Ain’s manager, Vladimir Ivic, is banking on homegrown talent and key imports to turn their tournament fortunes around.
Wydad’s away form in international competitions has been a concern, with only one win in their last six matches on foreign soil. Al Ain, playing in a neutral venue, have won just three of their last 13 away games, but showed resilience in their AFC Champions League run.
Wydad AC FIFA Club World Cup form:
- Manchester City: 0-2 (L) 18/06/2025
- Juventus: 1-4 (L) 22/06/2025
Wydad AC form (all competitions):
- L (A) 2-0 against Union Touarga (Excellence Cup) 10/06/25
- W (A) 2-1 against Stade Marocain (Excellence Cup) 03/06/25
- W (H) 2-0 against RCA Zemamra (Botola Pro League)
- W (A) 2-0 against JS Soualem (Botola Pro League)
- W (H) 2-1 against AS FAR Rabat (Botola Pro League)
Al Ain FIFA Club World Cup form:
- Juventus: 0-5 (L) 19/06/2025
- Manchester City: 0-6 (L) 23/06/2025
Al Ain form (all competitions):
- W (A) 2-0 against Al-Nasr (UAE Pro League) 23/05/25
- D (H) 0-0 against Ajman Club (UAE Pro League) 19/05/25
- W (A) 3-0 against Sharjah FC (UAE Pro League) 12/05/25
- D (H) 1-1 against Al-Jazira (UAE Pro League) 04/05/25
- W (A) 3-0 against FC Baniyas (UAE Pro League) 22/04/25
Team News
Wydad AC could see Nordin Amrabat starting on the right wing, with his experience likely to be crucial against Al Ain’s high-pressing style. Thembinkosi Lorch, the Mamelodi Sundowns loanee, is expected to feature in midfield, providing creativity alongside Oussama Zemraoui.
Defensively, Wydad may opt for a back five of Mohamed Moufid, Abdelmounaim Boutouil, Bart Meijers, Guilherme Ferreira and Fahd Moufi, with El Mehdi Benabid in goal.
For Al Ain, Soufiane Rahimi is expected to lead the line, supported by wingers Nassim Chadli and Mohammed Al-Baloushi. The duo of Yahia Nader and Abdoul Traore will likely anchor the midfield, with the latter tasked with unlocking Wydad’s compact defence. Al Ain’s backline, led by their experienced centre-backs Yong-woo Park and Rami Rabia, will need to be wary of Wydad’s counter-attacking threat.
Wydad AC possible starting lineup: Benabid; Moufid, Boutouil, Meijers, Ferreira, Moufi; Lorch, Moubarik, Zemraoui, Amrabat; Obeng
Al Ain possible starting lineup: Eisa; Zabala, Park, Rabia, Niang, Jasic; Chadli, Nader, Traore, Al-Baloushi; Rahimi
We say: Wydad AC 1-1 Al Ain
This match pits two sides looking to end their Group G campaigns on a positive note. Wydad’s passionate support and Amrabat’s experience could give them an edge, but Al Ain’s structured approach and attacking flair make them a tough opponent. A draw seems the most likely outcome, with both teams sharing the spoils in a cautious, tactical battle.
