Man City Kick Off Club World Cup Defence with Win Over Wydad AC
Manchester City began their campaign in the revamped 32-team Club World Cup with a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Moroccan champions Wydad AC in Philadelphia. While star forward Phil Foden shone brightly with a goal and an assist, the match concluded with controversy as young defender Rico Lewis was shown a late red card, a decision that visibly frustrated manager Pep Guardiola.
The Group G opener at Lincoln Financial Field offered crucial insights into City’s squad depth and readiness as they look towards the upcoming 2025-26 season, using this tournament as a vital stepping stone.
Early Goals Set the Tone
Pep Guardiola’s side wasted no time asserting their dominance. Just 1 minute and 54 seconds into the match, Phil Foden netted a Club World Cup record-fastest goal. The move originated with a long ball from Nathan Aké to Jeremy Doku on the left, who stayed onside. While Doku’s initial cross didn’t connect, the ball found its way to Savinho on the right. Savinho’s cross led to a fumbled parry by Wydad goalkeeper El Mehdi Benabid, leaving Foden with a simple, first-time finish into an open net.
City doubled their lead shortly before the break in the 42nd minute. Following a corner delivered by Foden from the right, Jérémy Doku struck a first-time shot past Benabid, securing a comfortable 2-0 advantage for City at halftime. Doku was a constant threat throughout the match and was highlighted by some analysts as a standout performer alongside Foden.
Foden’s Brilliance and a Potential Renaissance
Phil Foden’s performance was undoubtedly the highlight for City. Beyond his goal and assist, his overall play earned him the official Man of the Match award. Speaking after the game, Foden admitted the previous season had been challenging but felt a renewed sense of hunger and determination after time off. He stated his focus is now on improving and helping the team “get back to how we used to,” driven by a desire to “prove people wrong.” Guardiola also praised Foden, describing him as “really good” and consistently influential. While there’s been no news on potential contract talks despite having two years left on his current deal, Foden’s display certainly made a strong case.
Debuts, Returns, and Tactical Notes
The match provided an opportunity for manager Pep Guardiola to assess new signings and welcome back key players. Midfielders Tijjani Reijnders (£46m from AC Milan) and Rayan Cherki (£30m from Lyon) both made their Manchester City debuts, featuring in the starting lineup. Guardiola acknowledged they are still adapting but praised their initial showings, calling Reijnders “really good” and Cherki as having “good moments.” Reijnders, initially expected to operate as a No 8, demonstrated potential in the defensive midfield, or “Rodri role,” drawing positive commentary for his surging runs and comfort on the ball. Cherki was noted as a potential “ideas man” with creative promise. Another summer signing, left-back Rayan Aït-Nouri, was registered but remained an unused substitute.
Significantly, the game saw the return of midfielder Rodri after an eight-month layoff due to an ACL injury sustained in September. The Ballon d’Or winner came on as a second-half substitute for the final 30 minutes. Guardiola emphasized a cautious, step-by-step approach to his recovery, and the player’s cameo showed some expected rustiness, highlighted by a rare misplaced pass. Despite wanting more game time, Rodri is adhering to the necessary physical process.
Notably, Bernardo Silva, recently named City’s new captain, was an unused substitute during the match.
Tactically, City’s attacking threat was clear, but analysts noted that their high defensive line continued to be a potential weakness, something Wydad actively attempted to exploit.
Wydad AC’s Resilient Showing
Despite the 2-0 defeat, Wydad AC, the 22-time Moroccan champions, delivered an encouraging performance. They made the game difficult for City at times and created several good scoring opportunities, particularly through Thembinkosi Lorch, who had a chip attempt saved by City captain Ederson and benefited from a slip by young City defender Vitor Reis, though he failed to capitalize on the chance. Substitute Samuel Obeng also provided a vital focal point that made Wydad more dangerous in the second half. While they couldn’t find the breakthrough, their resilience against the treble winners was commendable. Debutant defenders Bart Meijers and Guilherme Ferreira also showed confidence and composure.
Controversial Red Card for Rico Lewis
The closing stages of the match were dominated by a contentious incident involving 20-year-old right-back Rico Lewis. In the 88th minute, Lewis was shown a straight red card following a VAR review. Lewis slid into a challenge, appearing to win the ball cleanly before his follow-through resulted in his boot making contact with Samuel Obeng’s face, causing a cut on his chin.
Pep Guardiola was visibly furious with the decision and strongly defended Lewis after the match. He argued that Lewis won the ball, his feet were on the grass, and the action was “natural” with “absolutely any intention” to injure Obeng, referencing “Newton’s theory” regarding the height of his leg due to the speed of the movement. Guardiola called the decision “unnecessary” but ultimately accepted the referee’s call, stating, “it is what it is.” Lewis’s teammate Nico O’Reilly echoed the frustration, feeling the decision was incorrect. While Obeng himself stated the contact “wasn’t with intention,” he considered it a “possible red card” because Lewis’s boot touched his face. The red card automatically results in at least a one-match ban for Lewis, ruling him out of City’s next game against Al Ain, with the possibility of an extension by FIFA.
Match Observations
Beyond the on-field action, the match had a few notable moments. In the first half, a pitch invader briefly interrupted play wearing a T-shirt protesting Morocco’s culling of stray dogs and cats. The stadium attendance was recorded as 37,446 in the 67,500-capacity venue, estimated to be just over half full, though Wydad’s enthusiastic supporters created a notable atmosphere with incessant drums and noise.
Overall, Manchester City achieved their primary objective: securing three points and beginning their Club World Cup defence with a win. Guardiola emphasized the importance of this victory to kickstart their season campaign, calling it the “first step” in what he described as a tricky opening game, especially against a team like Wydad with recent momentum. The performance offered plenty for Guardiola to consider, from the promise of new signings and the careful management of Rodri’s return to tactical adjustments and the need to navigate disciplinary decisions like the harsh red card for Lewis.
