The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup is officially underway, and Manchester City begin their Group G campaign against Moroccan heavyweights Wydad AC. The match will be held at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, setting the stage for a intriguing clash between the 2024 English champions and the most decorated club in Moroccan football history.
Manchester City enter this tournament with high expectations and a mission to capture a second Club World Cup title. Meanwhile, Wydad AC will be determined to make their mark and progress from a group that also includes Juventus and UAE’s Al Ain.
Date: 18/06/2025
Time: 6:00 PM CET
Location: Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, USA
Where to Watch: DAZN in Europe
Manchester City
Despite a disappointing end to the 2024-25 campaign, Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City remain one of the favourites to win the Club World Cup. The Sky Blues secured only the Community Shield last season, missing out on the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League. As a result, City will see this tournament as a chance to reassert their dominance.
With a largely healthy squad, City are expected to field a strong starting XI, with Erling Haaland, Phil Foden, and Jeremy Doku leading the charge. City’s tactical flexibility and depth of talent could prove overwhelming for their Moroccan opponents.
Wydad AC
Wydad Casablanca are no strangers to the Club World Cup. Making their third appearance, the Casablanca-based club will return with lessons from their previous World Cup appearances, including defeats to Al-Hilal and Urawa Red Diamonds. The Red Castle earned their spot via the 2021-22 CAF Champions League triumph and will be eager to show their progress here.
Led by new manager Mohamed Amine Benhachem, Wydad enter the match as underdogs but with nothing to lose. Their domestic dominance in Morocco and passionate support make them a side that could spring a surprise if City underestimate them.
Total goals to be Under 3.5 @ -110 as per BetMGM:
Given Wydad AC’s recent tight games, this could be a more conservative opener than many expect. Wydad won three domestic games on the bounce before losing consecutive friendlies to Porto and Sevilla, both ending 0-1. Despite the defeats, the Moroccan side managed to stay compact and competitive, something they will hope to replicate against City. While the Moroccan side will look to stay compact, it’s hard to see them stopping Guardiola’s side for 90 minutes. As a result, under 3.5 goals bet looks good value here.
Erling Haaland to score anytime @ -325 as per FanDuel: The Norwegian goal machine remains the focal point of City’s attack and one of the most consistent forwards in world football. With 30+ goals in all competitions last season, Haaland has a habit of shining in big moments. Expect him to lead the City attack and get on the scoresheet here.
Rayan Cherki to score anytime @ +170 as per Bet MGM: The former Lyon star is one of the most exciting young players in Europe. His creativity and ability to operate in tight spaces will be crucial, especially against a deep-sitting Wydad side. Cherki could be Guardiola’s wildcard in this encounter.
Manchester City vs. Wydad AC Predictions
Wydad AC’s best hopes here will lie in defending deep, soaking pressure, and then looking for counter-attacking opportunities. The back-to-back 1-0 losses to Porto and Sevilla demonstrated their resilience, but also their struggle to score against tough opposition. Manchester City’s attacking firepower should prove too much for Wydad AC to handle and keeping the scoreline respectable will be their main focus here.
Our Final Predictions: Manchester City 3-0 Wydad AC
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