Manchester City get underway in the 2025 Club World Cup when they face Wydad at Lincoln Financial Field on Wednesday 18th June at 5pm (UK time). Man City are the defending Club World Cup champions, having won the last edition of the competition in its previous format. This game will be broadcast live in the UK on Channel 5 and DAZN.
Man City to win to nil (4/9 with Casumo)
Manchester City’s defensive structure under Guardiola is near-impeccable, combining intense pressing with disciplined positional awareness. Wydad’s attack, while spirited, lacks the consistency and quality to break down such an elite defensive unit. City’s midfield control ensures Wydad will struggle to build sustained attacks or create clear-cut chances. Defensively, City’s full-backs and centre-backs maintain tight spacing, minimizing gaps for Wydad’s forwards. Meanwhile, City’s attacking depth guarantees dominance in possession and territory, allowing them to dictate the game tempo. Expect a controlled, dominant City performance with a clean sheet, securing a comfortable win.
Man City over 1.5 First Half goals (11/10 with Casumo)
There have been 22 goals scored in Man City’s past 10 games across all competitions, with 12 of those coming in the first halves of the matches. Manchester City’s attacking prowess often sees them start games aggressively, aiming to establish dominance early. Their high pressing game can overwhelm opponents in the first half, leading to early goals. Wydad AC, while resilient, may struggle to contain City’s intensity from the outset. Considering these factors, it’s likely that the first half will witness more goals than the second.
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How both teams go into Man City vs Wydad
Man City finished the 2024-25 campaign trophy-less, so will be looking to pick up silverware in the summer. They were the last team to win the Club World Cup in its current format, beating Brazilian side Fluminense in the final in 2023. Man City scored seven unanswered goals in that tournament, showing their domination. Pep Guardiola’s side earned their spot at this tournament as 2022-23 Champions League winners, one of three European champions invited. They ended the 2024-25 campaign third in the Premier League, 13 points off top spot, but they were on a good run in the league.
Wydad are at the Club World Cup for the third time, qualifying as winners of the 2021-22 CAF Champions League. The Moroccan side first entered in 2019, but lost in the second round to Pachuca and then the fifth-place play-off to Urawa Red Diamonds. Five years later, Wydad were beaten by Al Hilal on penalties in the second round — they’re yet to win a game. Wydad come into this competition having finished third in the Moroccan top tier, albeit 16 points behind first. They drew 12 of their 30 games, which hampered their title chances.
Man City team news
Jack Grealish won’t be involved in Man City’s squad at the Club World Cup, being told he can leave the club. Kevin De Bruyne has also left at the end of his contract, and won’t feature. John Stones should be available after injury.
Wydad team news
Wydad recently announced the signing of Nordin Amrabat from Hull City, ready for the start of the Club World Cup. Renan Viana and Mehdi Moubarik will both be doubts, with their loan moves reportedly ending in June.
Man City vs Wydad head-to-head
This will be the first competitive meeting between these two sides.