Manchester City began their FIFA Club World Cup 2025 campaign with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Wydad AC at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia on Wednesday. The win puts City at the top of Group G.
City asserted their dominance early in the match. Phil Foden opened the scoring in the 2nd minute, capitalizing on a loose ball after Wydad AC goalkeeper Mehdi Benabid spilled a cross from Savinho. The early goal set the tone for a dominant first half by the Premier League side.
Despite controlling possession, City had to work to extend their lead. Wydad AC threatened on the counter-attack, with South African forward Thembinkosi Lorch proving a handful for the City defense. However, City's strength in depth and the introduction of fresh faces, including new signings Rayan Cherki and Tijjani Reijnders, allowed them to maintain control. Jeremy Doku doubled City's advantage in the 42nd minute, acrobatically volleying home from a Foden corner.
The second half saw Manchester City continue to press, with Doku and Erling Haaland, who came on as a substitute, coming close to increasing the lead. However, Wydad AC remained resilient, with Benabid making several fine saves to keep his team in the game.
A late setback for City came in the 88th minute when Rico Lewis was shown a straight red card for a challenge on Wydad's Samuel Obeng. The decision appeared harsh, with many feeling the VAR should have intervened. Despite being reduced to ten men, City saw out the game comfortably and almost added a third goal when Haaland was denied by Benabid in stoppage time.
New signings Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Cherki were handed starts by Pep Guardiola, with Reijnders particularly impressing in midfield. He completed a high percentage of his passes and demonstrated the qualities that led City to sign him. Another new addition, Rayan Ait-Nouri, is also expected to play a key role in the tournament.
The match also saw the return of Rodri from a knee injury. City are aiming to win the Club World Cup after finishing the 2024-25 season without a major trophy. They finished third in the Premier League and were runners-up in the FA Cup.
Looking ahead, Manchester City will face Al Ain in their next Group G match. Wydad AC will look to bounce back against Juventus.
