The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup kicks off with a Group G showdown between Manchester City and Wydad AC at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. City enters the tournament as the defending champions, while Wydad AC looks to make a statement in their third Club World Cup appearance.
Game Details
Date: Wednesday, June 18, 2025
Time: 12:00 PM ET / 9:00 AM PT
Venue: Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, PA
TV Broadcast: DAZN, TNT Sports, TelevisaUnivision
Manchester City’s Outlook
The Premier League giants are aiming for their second consecutive Club World Cup title, having won the 2023 edition before FIFA introduced the expanded format. Under Pep Guardiola, City boasts a star-studded squad, including Erling Haaland, Bernardo Silva, and Rayan Cherki, who was signed earlier this summer. City enters the match in strong form, winning five of their last six matches across all competitions. Their possession-based style and high-scoring attack make them the clear favorites against Wydad AC.
Wydad AC’s Outlook
The Moroccan powerhouse qualified for the tournament via their CAF Champions League triumph in 2021-22, marking their third Club World Cup appearance. Wydad finished third in the 2024-25 Botola Pro League, struggling in both domestic and continental competitions. Led by head coach Mohamed Amine Benhachem, Wydad features Mohamed Rayhi, their top scorer last season with 11 goals, alongside Ayoub El Kaabi and Yahya Jabrane. Their counter-attacking style will be key against City’s dominant possession game.
Key Matchups to Watch
Erling Haaland vs. Wydad’s Defense – Haaland’s finishing ability will test Wydad’s backline.
Mohamed Rayhi vs. Manchester City’s Backline – Rayhi’s pace and technical ability could be a game-changer.
Midfield Battle: Bernardo Silva vs. Yahya Jabrane – Controlling possession will be crucial for both teams.
MATCH ODDS
Manchester City – 1800 Draw + + 1300 Wydad AC + 3500
Over 3.5 – 120 Under 3.5 – 105
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Tuesday, June 17, 2025
