2025 FIFA Club World Cup Match Preview: Juventus vs. Manchester City

Match Context & Stakes

Both Juventus and Manchester City have taken maximum points from their first two group-stage matches, defeating Al Ain and Wydad Casablanca with ease. Juventus currently top the group on goal difference, having scored one more goal than City. A draw would be enough for the Bianconeri to finish first, while City must win to claim the top seed and avoid a potential Round of 16 clash with Real Madrid.

This is the first-ever Club World Cup meeting between the two European giants, and their first competitive encounter since the UEFA Champions League group stage in 2015.

Juventus – Team Preview

Group Stage Results

5–0 vs Al Ain

4–1 vs Wydad Casablanca

Key Players

Kenan Yildiz: Scored a brace vs Wydad; emerging as Juventus’ breakout star

Randal Kolo Muani: Physical presence up front with 2 goals in the tournament

Weston McKennie: Box-to-box engine and set-piece threat

Michele Di Gregorio (GK): Solid between the posts with 1 clean sheet

Tactical Notes

Formation: 3-4-2-1 under Igor Tudor

Strengths: Wingback width, midfield pressing, aerial dominance

Weaknesses: Vulnerable to pace in transition

Manchester City – Team Preview

Group Stage Results

2–0 vs Wydad Casablanca

6–0 vs Al Ain

Key Players

Erling Haaland: 3 goals in 2 matches; tournament’s joint top scorer

Phil Foden: Scored in the opener; creative spark in midfield

Ilkay Gündogan: Orchestrating tempo and transitions

Josko Gvardiol: Defensive anchor with strong ball progression

Suspensions & Injuries

Rico Lewis: Serving a 3-match suspension

Mateo Kovačić: Doubtful due to minor knock

Tactical Notes

Formation: 4-3-3 under Pep Guardiola

Strengths: Possession control, vertical passing, pressing triggers

Weaknesses: Occasional defensive lapses on the counter

Head-to-Head & Stats

Stat	Juventus	Manchester City
Group G Points	6	6
Goals Scored	9	8
Goals Conceded	1	0
Last 5 Matches (All Comps)	5W–0L–0D	4W–1L–0D
All-Time H2H	4W–2D–1L	1W–2D–4L

Juventus are unbeaten in their last 7 matches and have never lost to Manchester City at a neutral venue.

With both teams already through, expect a high-quality but open affair. Juventus’ attacking trio of Yildiz, Kolo Muani, and Conceição can trouble City’s backline, while Haaland and Foden will test Juve’s defensive shape. A draw feels likely, with both sides rotating slightly but still fielding strong XIs.

MATCH ODDS

Juventus + 360                  Draw + 275                         Manchester City – 130

Over 2.5 – 125                   Under 2.5 – 105

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Wednesday, June 25, 2025