Manchester City kicked off their FIFA Club World Cup 2025 campaign with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Wydad AC in Philadelphia. Here’s a rundown of the highlights and key news from the match:
Early Dominance and Quick Goals:
Phil Foden wasted no time, scoring within two minutes of the kickoff. He capitalized on a spilled cross from Wydad goalkeeper Mehdi Benabid, slotting the ball home from close range. This was highlighted as the fastest goal of the tournament so far.
Jeremy Doku doubled City’s lead just before halftime in the 42nd minute. He met a Phil Foden corner at the far post, tapping it in after getting in front of his marker.
Debutants Impress (and a concern): New signings Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Cherki made their starting debuts for Manchester City. Reports indicate Reijnders showed promise with his passing, while Cherki also contributed to City’s attacking play.
Wydad’s Moments: While City largelycontrolled the game, Wydad AC did have a few moments. Thembinkosi Lorch had an audacious long-range effort that had Ederson scrambling, and the City goalkeeper also made a crucial save from Cassius Mailula to deny Wydad an equalizer in the first half.
late Red Card for Rico Lewis: In the 88th minute, Rico Lewis was shown a red card after his boot made contact with the face of Wydad’s Samuel Obeng during a sliding challenge. The decision, though deemed harsh by some, was upheld by VAR.
Substitutions and Fitness: Pep Guardiola brought on key players like Erling Haaland and Rodri in the second half, allowing them to gain match fitness as they continue their recovery from injuries.
Crowd Incident: Briefly, the game was paused in the second half as an animal-rights activist ran onto the field to protest, and later, flares were let off by Wydad fans.
Phil Foden’s Impact: Foden was widely praised for his performance, not only scoring the opening goal but also providing the assist for Doku’s strike. He was named player of the match by FIFA.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – JUNE 18: Guilherme Ferreira #72 of Wydad AC is challenged by Erling Haaland #9 of Manchester City during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group G match between Manchester City FC and Wydad AC at Lincoln Financial Field on June 18, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)
Guardiola’s Reaction: Pep GuardiolaWydad tans.
Phil Foden’s Impact: Foden was widely praised for his performance, not only scoring the opening goal but also providing the assist for Doku’s strike. He was named player of the match by FIFA.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – JUNE 18: Fans of Wydad AC arrive prior to the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group G match between Manchester City FC and Wydad AC at Lincoln Financial Field on June 18, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Carl Recine – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
Guardiola’s Reaction: Pep Guardiola expressed satisfaction with the win, calling it a “good start” to the tournament, but also lamented the “harsh” red card for Rico Lewis.
Overall, Manchester City secured a professional win, showing periods of dominance despite the sweltering Philadelphia conditions and some moments of threat from Wydad.
