Manchester City kicked off their FIFA Club World Cup journey with a composed 2-0 win over Moroccan champions Wydad AC on Wednesday afternoon at Lincoln Financial Field. First-half goals from Phil Foden and Jérémy Doku proved enough for the European giants, who controlled the tempo despite late drama and a flurry of chances at both ends.
Pep Guardiola elected to rest several high-profile names, including Erling Haaland, Rodri, Rúben Dias, and Bernardo Silva, among them. Despite the rotation, City showed their depth, with summer signings Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Cherki making full debuts and delivering assured performances.
City wasted no time establishing control. In the 2nd minute, Savinho whipped in a cross from the right that Wydad goalkeeper Mehdi Benabid could only parry. Foden reacted quickest, meeting the rebound with a first-time finish to give City an early 1-0 advantage.
Despite the early blow, Wydad remained resolute and nearly produced a spectacular equalizer in the 15th minute. Cassius Mailula spotted Ederson off his line and attempted a daring lob from midfield that floated just over the bar. Minutes later, Mohamed Moufid’s low cross narrowly missed Thembinkosi Lorch, who came inches from connecting for a tap-in.
Manchester City doubled their lead just before halftime. Foden turned provider in the 42nd minute, delivering a pinpoint corner to the far post. Doku timed his run to perfection and volleyed home to make it 2-0, catching Wydad’s defense flat-footed.
The former Premier League champions nearly extended their lead before the break. Omar Marmoush tested Benabid with a low drive that skimmed wide, and Nathan Aké rose for a powerful header from a corner that missed by inches.
The second half was noticeably slower as both teams adjusted to the heat and managed energy levels. City’s attacking quality continued to shine in flashes, most notably through Cherki, whose curling shot from the edge of the area forced a sharp save from Benabid. Substitute Haaland also found himself denied by the Moroccan goalkeeper in a one-on-one just minutes after coming on.
Wydad’s best second-half opportunity came when a rare miscue from Vitor Reis gifted Lorch a chance in front of goal, but Mailula’s follow-up effort was smothered by Ederson.
A brief delay occurred shortly after City’s second goal when a pitch invader, a protester raising awareness about Morocco’s treatment of stray animals, ran onto the field. Security responded quickly, removing the individual without incident.
Guardiola’s side appeared to be cruising toward a comfortable finish until the 88th minute, when Rico Lewis received a straight red card for a studs-up challenge on Samuel Obeng. The dismissal didn’t affect the outcome but added a late note of tension to an otherwise composed performance.
City now turns its focus to a highly anticipated matchup against UAE club Al Ain on Sunday. Wydad, who showed courage and discipline in moments, will look to bounce back in their next Group G clash against Italian giants Juventus.
Match Details
Competition: FIFA Club World Cup
Date: June 18, 2025
Venue: Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, PA
Kickoff Time: 12:00 PM ET
Goals
2′ – Phil Foden (Manchester City)
42′ – Jeremy Doku (Manchester City)
Discipline
16′ – Cassius Mailula (Wydad AC) – Yellow Card
88′ – Rico Lewis (Manchester City) – Red Card
Starting Lineups
Manchester City: Ederson; Aké, Reis, Lewis, Reijnders; Doku (Bobb 59′), Savinho, Cherki (Haaland 59′), Foden (Rodri 59′), O’Reilly, Marmoush (Gündogan 65′)
Wydad AC: Benabid; Moufid, Boutouil, Moufi, Meijers (Moutarajji 75′); Ferreira, El Moubarik, Zermraoui; Lorch (Aziz Ki 84′), Amrabat, Mailula (Rayhi HT)
View the Complete Photo Gallery Courtesy of Brent Durken/ISNSoccer.com
