Phil Foden had a goal and an assist as Manchester City kicked off their Club World Cup campaign in Philadelphia win a win over Moroccan side Wydad AC.
MORE — Club World Cup schedule, results, tables
Jeremy Doku scored City’s second goal off a corner, while new signing Tijjani Reinjders impressed from the start and Rayan Cherki also started the game.
Rico Lewis was sent off for a reckless tackle in the 88th minute and will miss City’s game against Al Ain.
MORE — Guardiola speaks loudly in rebuild
Pep Guardiola started an young back line and rested Josko Gvardiol, Ruben Dias, Manuel Akanji, John Stones, and Abdukhodir Khusanov as well as Bernardo Silva, Bernardo Silva, Nico Gonzalez and new signing Rayan Ait Nouri.
Erling Haaland, Rodri, and Oscar Bobb played about a half hour off the bench.
Manchester City vs Wydad player ratings
(from fotmob.com)
The goal scorers led the way, as Foden and Doku combined for seven shots. Only Wydad’s Thembinkosi Lorch joined them as taking three or more.
Savinho was also bright while Nathan Ake led the way in touches and passes. Doku was probably the Man of the Match, though of course Foden would have a shot.
Rodri went 30 minutes off the bench, recording three defensive actions and a created chance.
Manchester City vs Wydad player ratings (from fotmob.com)
Manchester City vs Wydad player ratings (from fotmob.com)
Pep Guardiola reaction
“The first game in the group stage is always a tricky one. In certain moments we did really really well. It’s a first step.”
“Of course Phil will be important. We have a lot of No. 10s. We have to adjust but it’s going to be really good.”
“The season is too long but it’s important to be here. It’s a lot of humidity, a lot of hot.”
“It’s good that they play. Tiji played really good. Rayan had good moments. Everyone has to see what happens.”
“Thirty minutes so that’s good step by step. He wants more. Your head needs that to process it.”
What’s next?
Manchester City face Al Ain (UAE) on Monday and then Juventus on Thursday.
Wydad get Juventus next before closing off the group stage versus Al Ain.
How to watch Manchester City vs Wydad AC live, stream link and start time
Kick off time: 12pm ET Wednesday (June 18)
Venue: Lincoln Financial Field — Philadelphia
TV Channel/Streaming: Watch live on DAZN, for free
Manchester City vs Wydad AC live updates — By Nick Mendola
Manchester City vs Wydad AC final score: 2-0
Phil Foden 2', Jeremy Doku 42'
Rico Lewis sent off
The City right back faces a one-game ban as he slides through a challenge, getting the ball before the head of Samuel Obeng.
Second half underway
Just one sub, as Wydad’s Mohamed Rayhi replaces South African striker Cassius Mailula.
Halftime — Manchester City 2-0 Wydad AC
Could easily be 2-1, as Wydad have found a moment or two.
But let’s not pretend this is a nail biter.
Possession is 68%, shots 10-5.
Jeremy Doku goal (video) — Man City 2-0 Wydad AC (42nd minute)
Phil Foden sweeps a corner kick toward the back post and Doku darts in front of the back post marker to knife the ball into the back of the goal.
41' ⚽ GOAL! Doku is free in the box to slot that corner kick in for @ManCity. The Blues are 2-0 up!
— DAZN Football (@DAZNFootball) June 18, 2025
Watch the @FIFACWC | June 14 - July 13 | Every Game | Free | https://t.co/i0K4eUtwwb | #FIFACWC #TakeItToTheWorld #MCIWAC pic.twitter.com/1oUyzS6dN0
Wydad hanging tough, nearly equalize
Ederson has to come to the rescue as — and you’re not going to believe this — a back line of midfielder Rico Lewis, attacking midfielder Nico O’Reilly, and untested Vitor Reis has looked suspect.
With Al Ain next before Juventus, it’s interesting that Guardiola has used this experimental lineup here.
Phil Foden goal — Man City 1-0 Wydad AC (2nd minute)
Foden plays a role in the buildup, then buries a rebound after Savinho’s shot was parried away from goal by Wydad keeper El Mehdi Benabid.
Phil Foden goal video
1' GOAL! Foden opens the score under 2 minutes of gameplay! 🔥
— DAZN Football (@DAZNFootball) June 18, 2025
Watch the @FIFACWC | June 14 - July 13 | Every Game | Free | https://t.co/i0K4eUtwwb | #FIFACWC #TakeItToTheWorld #MCIWAC pic.twitter.com/tf8qvq3jvf
Manchester City lineup
Ederson, O’Reilly, Ake, Reis, Lewis, Reijnders, Doku, Foden, Cherki, Savinho, Marmoush
Wydad AC lineup
Benabid, Moufi, Boutouil, Ferreira, Meijers, Moufid, Amrabat, Moubarik, Zemraoui, Lorch, Mailula
Manchester City vs Wydad AC preview
City have made plenty of big signings already this summer, with new additions Rayan Cherki, Rayan Ait-Nouri and Tijjani Reijnders expected to play a key role in this tournament. With Kevin de Bruyne gone, plus Jack Grealish and Kyle Walker not with City’s squad as they’re expected to leave this summer, this new-look City side are hungry to win this competition so they can say they didn’t go trophyless during the 2024-25 season and they will start the new campaign on a high.
Wydad AC hail from Casablanca, Morocco and are the huge underdogs in Group G alongside City, Juventus and Al Ain. They were the African champions in 2022 under current Morocco nation team manager Walid Regragui, and were also runners up in the CAF Champions League in 2023. They were also runners up in the newly-created African Football League in 2023. But they haven’t won the Moroccan league title since 2022 and are huge outsiders to make it out of this group.
Manchester City team news, focus
Rayan Cherki, Rayan Ait-Nouri and Tijjani Reijnders are all expected to make their debuts, while City also have Rodri back from his long-term knee injury which makes such a huge difference. Guardiola will obviously rotate his squad but City are desperate to win this title and he is likely to go all-out in attack with Erling Haaland and Omar Marmoush leading the way. Mateo Kovacic is out after having Achilles surgery, while Walker, Grealish and Kalvin Phillips are all not with the squad as they are believed to be leaving City this summer.
Wydad AC team news, focus
There are a couple of key players to look out for as Mohamed Rayhi is a real talent in attack, plus veteran midfielder Nordin Amrabat will do his best to hold things together. Captain Jamal Harkass will have his work cut out at center back as he tries his best to marshal Erling Haaland and Co.
Manchester City vs Wydad AC prediction
This feels like it could get quite lopsided. City are hungry and fired up to prove the doubters wrong and this new-look side have so much individual talent and new players ready to make a mark from the start. Manchester City 5-0 Wydad AC.
