Juventus commenced their FIFA Club World Cup 2025 campaign in emphatic fashion, dismantling Al-Ain 5-0 in a Group G match held in Washington D.C. on Wednesday, June 18, 2025. Randal Kolo Muani and Francisco Conceicao each scored twice to propel the Italian giants to the top of the group, surpassing Manchester City, who secured a 2-0 victory against Wydad AC.
The match, played at Audi Field, saw Juventus making their debut in the FIFA Club World Cup, although they previously competed in the Intercontinental Cup, winning in 1985 and 1996. Al-Ain, on the other hand, were making their third appearance in the tournament, having reached the final in 2018 where they lost to Real Madrid.
Juventus, managed by Igor Tudor, showcased their attacking prowess early in the game. Kolo Muani, extending his loan from Paris Saint-Germain specifically for this tournament, opened the scoring in the 11th minute with a powerful header from an Alberto Costa cross. Ten minutes later, Conceicao, on loan from Porto, skillfully evaded a defender in the box before firing a deflected shot into the net, doubling Juventus' lead. Kenan Yildiz further extended the advantage in the 31st minute with a well-placed shot from outside the box that bounced off the post before finding the net. Kolo Muani added his second goal in stoppage time of the first half, capitalizing on a through ball from Khephren Thuram to make it 4-0.
Al-Ain, coached by Vladimir Ivić, struggled to contain Juventus' relentless attack. Despite Al-Ain's efforts to respond in the second half, Juventus maintained control. Conceicao scored his second goal in the 58th minute, dribbling past a defender and firing a shot past goalkeeper Rui Patrício, making his debut for the Emirati club.
Juventus' dominant performance highlighted their credentials as one of the top contenders in the tournament. The victory places them in a strong position to advance to the knockout stages. Juventus’s starting lineup included Weston McKennie, who received a caution early in the match but played the entire game. Tim Weah entered the match as a substitute in the second half.
Al-Ain, who qualified for the Club World Cup by winning the 2023/24 AFC Champions League, will need to regroup quickly to have a chance of progressing from Group G, which also includes Manchester City and Wydad AC. Their next match is against Manchester City on Sunday in Atlanta. Meanwhile, Juventus will face Wydad AC in Philadelphia on the same day.