Manchester City began their campaign in the expanded FIFA Club World Cup with a controlled 2-0 victory over Morocco’s Wydad AC on June 18, 2025. Played under sweltering midday conditions at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, City secured the Group G points courtesy of well-taken first-half goals from Phil Foden and Jérémy Doku.
Manager Pep Guardiola opted for a heavily rotated squad for the opener, resting several key figures including Erling Haaland, Rodri, Rúben Dias, Bernardo Silva, Josko Gvardiol, and John Stones. This saw an experimental defensive line take the field, featuring Rico Lewis, Nico O’Reilly, and Vitor Reis.
Early Breakthrough and Wydad’s Response
Despite the lineup changes, City needed less than two minutes to break the deadlock. Phil Foden reacted sharply in the 1st minute (specifically at 1:51, setting a record for the new tournament format), pouncing after a cross from Savinho was parried by Wydad goalkeeper Mehdi Benabid. The England midfielder struck a first-time effort into the net, handing City a rapid lead.
Undeterred by the early setback, Wydad, despite being considered underdogs and finishing third in their domestic league, showed resilience. They settled into the game well, looking to control the ball and create chances, particularly exploiting counter-attacks and City’s high defensive line. Forward Cassius Mailula nearly found a spectacular equalizer with an audacious lob from midfield in the 15th minute. Moments later, Mohamed Moufid set up Thembinkosi Lorch, who was a key threat for Wydad, but the South African forward just failed to connect with a sliding effort.
Wydad had perhaps their clearest chance in the 30th minute after a misplaced pass from City’s Vitor Reis gifted possession to Lorch, only for Mailula’s follow-up shot to be smothered by City keeper Éderson, who made a crucial save. Wydad breached City’s back four multiple times in the first half, showing competitive spirit, though their decision-making in the final third sometimes let them down.
Doubling the Advantage Before the Break
Manchester City sought to extend their lead, with Omar Marmoush seeing a strike from the edge of the box sail just wide and Nathan Ake’s towering header from a corner going inches over the bar.
City eventually doubled their advantage just three minutes before halftime, in the 42nd minute. Phil Foden delivered a pinpoint corner, showcasing City’s improved threat from set pieces under new coach James French. The routine isolated two City players against one defender at the back post, allowing Jérémy Doku to dart in and volley home with a finish described as “Haaland-esque,” catching the Wydad defence off guard.
Second Half Tempo and Key Incidents
The second half saw a dramatic drop in tempo, likely due to the scorching midday sun and player fatigue. City maintained control but the “fizz” of the first period was largely absent. City still pushed for a third, with new signing Rayan Cherki, a €40 million signing from Lyon, unleashing a shot from the edge of the area that was well saved by Benabid. Later, substitute Erling Haaland was also denied by a reflex save from the Wydad keeper in a one-on-one situation.
Shortly after City’s second goal, the match was briefly interrupted when an animal-rights activist ran onto the field to protest Morocco’s treatment of stray dogs and cats. The individual was quickly apprehended and escorted out by security. The attendance at Lincoln Financial Field was reported as 37,446.
Debutants and Squad Integration
The match provided key minutes for several players, including important debuts for summer signings Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Cherki, who both started. Their initial performances offered a contrast: Reijnders impressed in midfield, demonstrating technical ability and comfort receiving the ball deep, while Cherki, seen as a maverick playmaker, had a less impactful debut at times, appearing to still be finding his place within City’s fluid attack. Defender Rayan Ait-Nouri, another new signing, did not feature. Midfielder Rodri also made his return from injury, coming off the bench for the final half hour, which Guardiola noted as a “good step by step.”
Late Red Card Drama
The match concluded with a controversial moment in the 88th minute when Rico Lewis was shown a straight red card. Lewis slid to clear a loose ball and appeared to win it, but his follow-through saw his boot studs accidentally catch Wydad player Samuel Obeng in the face. Despite Lewis’s incredulity and apparent frustration from Guardiola, VAR upheld the decision for a straight red card. Lewis’s sending off means he will miss City’s next match.
Performances and Tactical Notes
Phil Foden’s performance, with a goal and an assist from a corner, suggested a potential return to sharpness and confidence after a season reportedly impacted by injuries. He later commented on rediscovering his “hunger.” Jérémy Doku was also dynamic, combining well with Foden and converting his chance clinically. Wydad, despite facing the defending CWC champions, put in a valiant effort, adapting their system to a more defensive 5-3-2 in the second half and showing they were not overawed by the occasion, although they appeared fatigued late on.
Looking Ahead
With this opening win secured, Manchester City will now turn their attention to their next Group G fixture on Sunday against United Arab Emirates side Al Ain. Wydad AC, meanwhile, face Juventus in their next encounter, a match crucial for their hopes of advancing to the knockout stages.