June 18, 2025 – Manchester City began their FIFA Club World Cup campaign with a confident 2-0 victory over Moroccan side Wydad AC at Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia. Goals from Phil Foden and Jérémy Doku secured three points in Group G, underlining City’s ambition to add another international trophy to their growing collection.
A Fast Start: Foden Scores Inside Two Minutes
The Premier League champions wasted no time asserting dominance. Midfielder Phil Foden, who has faced scrutiny over the past season, silenced critics by scoring just 111 seconds into the match. A precise pass from Mateo Kovačić found Foden unmarked inside the box, and he calmly slotted the ball past the Wydad goalkeeper.
Foden’s form will be key to City’s success in this tournament. In a post-match interview, he called this performance “the beginning of a new chapter,” emphasizing his desire to contribute consistently on the world stage.
Jérémy Doku Doubles the Lead
City continued to control possession and tempo, showcasing their technical superiority. Before halftime, Foden turned provider with a pinpoint corner, which Jérémy Doku headed into the net to make it 2-0. It was a deserved reward for Doku, whose pace and directness kept Wydad’s defense on edge throughout the first half.
Tactical Rotation Shows Guardiola’s Depth
Pep Guardiola took the opportunity to rotate his squad, fielding a mix of first-team regulars and young talent. Rayan Cherki and Tijjani Reijnders made their first appearances for City and impressed with their composure. This rotation strategy not only conserved energy but also demonstrated the depth and versatility that Manchester City possesses heading into a congested fixture list.
Rico Lewis Sees Red Late On
Despite the dominant display, City’s evening wasn’t without controversy. In the 88th minute, young fullback Rico Lewis was shown a straight red card for a high challenge on Wydad forward Samuel Obeng. Although Guardiola defended the player’s intent, VAR upheld the decision, ruling Lewis out of the next match against Al Ain.
Passionate Fans Steal the Spotlight
Wydad AC’s supporters made their presence felt, delivering a fiery atmosphere with coordinated chants and flares. The match had to be briefly paused after flares landed on the pitch. While the incident drew criticism from officials, the Moroccan fans were widely praised for their passion and commitment.
What This Result Means for Group G
Manchester City’s victory puts them top of Group G, which also includes Juventus and Al Ain. A win in their next match will almost guarantee a place in the semi-finals, keeping them on course to lift the FIFA Club World Cup for the first time.
For Wydad, the loss was a setback, but their spirited performance and enthusiastic fan base will give them hope as they prepare to face Juventus.
Final Thoughts
Manchester City vs Wydad AC provided an exciting start to Group G action in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025. With standout performances from Phil Foden and Jérémy Doku, and strong tactical execution from Guardiola’s side, the English champions sent a clear message: they are here to win.
The next fixture for Manchester City will be against Al Ain, while Wydad AC will look to bounce back against Juventus.
