Manchester City, managed by Pep Guardiola, are favoured to dominate their Group G opener, and they will be keen to make a mark on the expanded Club World Cup.
The Sky Blues’ form improved towards the end of last season, as they won seven of their last nine games of the 2024/25 campaign. However, they suffered a surprising 1-0 defeat to Crystal Palace in the FA Cup final, highlighting vulnerabilities in their attack. Despite creating numerous chances, they managed only two shots on target in the second half.
City’s defensive displays played a key role in their end-of-season improvement, as they kept five clean sheets in their last eight games across all competitions. According to current updates on football facts, they were however underwhelming in attack, scoring just five times in their final four games of the season.
Their star-studded squad, featuring the likes of Erling Haaland and Bernardo Silva, has the quality to overwhelm opponents, but consistency has been an issue.
The Citizens have never faced Wydad AC in competitive action, making this an intriguing tactical battle. However, City’s experience in high-stakes tournaments, including their 2023 Club World Cup triumph, gives them a clear edge.
Wydad AC, hailing from Morocco’s Botola Pro League, qualified for the tournament as 2022 CAF Champions League champions. Their preparations have been disrupted by the departure of coach Rhulani Mokwena, leaving the team without a permanent manager for this clash. Despite a recent defeat by Union Touarga, Wydad remains a dangerous side with a reputation for upsetting bigger teams.
The Moroccan outfit has been solid defensively, conceding just three goals in their last four matches, but their attack has underwhelmed, scoring only six times in that span. Wydad will rely on their physicality and counter-attacking threat to challenge City’s possession-based style.
Manchester City form (all competitions):
Wydad AC form (all competitions):
Team News
Manchester City will be without midfielder Mateo Kovacic, who is sidelined for three months following Achilles surgery. Kevin De Bruyne is unlikely to feature after agreeing to join Napoli on the expiration of his contract, though he remains under contract until June 30.
Pep Guardiola is expected to field a strong side, with Ederson in goal and a back four of Josko Gvardiol, Manuel Akanji, Rúben Dias, and a potential start for Rico Lewis. In midfield, Ilkay Gündoğan and Matheus Nunes could anchor the side, with Nico González pushing forward. Up top, Erling Haaland is set to lead the line, supported by Jeremy Doku and Omar Marmoush.
For Wydad AC, key players such as Abdelmounaim Boutouil and Jamal Harkass are expected to feature in defence, with midfielder Oussama Zemraoui pulling the strings in the centre of the park. In attack, Mohamed Rayhi will likely be their main attacking threat.
Manchester City possible starting lineup: Ederson; Lewis, Akanji, Dias, Gvardiol; Gündoğan, Nunes, González; Doku, Haaland, Marmoush
Wydad AC possible starting lineup: El Motie; Moufi, Harkass, Boutouil, Moufid; Malsa, Zemraoui; Lorch, Amrabat, Rayhi; Aziz Ki
We Say: Manchester City 3-0 Wydad AC
While Wydad AC’s resilience and counter-attacking ability could frustrate Manchester City early on, the Premier League side’s superior quality and depth should shine through. Expect Haaland to capitalise on City’s dominance in possession, with Wydad struggling to create clear-cut chances against a well-drilled defence.
