2025 FIFA Club World Cup Match Preview: Wydad vs. Al Ain

Match Context & Stakes

Both Wydad Casablanca and Al Ain have suffered heavy defeats to Juventus and Manchester City, leaving them with zero points and a combined goal difference of –22. While neither side can progress to the knockout stage, this match will determine third place in Group G and offers a final opportunity to salvage dignity on the global stage. This is the first-ever FIFA club competition meeting between a Moroccan and Emirati team, adding a layer of regional pride to the contest.

🇲🇦 Wydad Casablanca – Team Preview

Group Stage Results

0–2 vs Manchester City

1–4 vs Juventus

Key Players

Thembinkosi Lorch: Scored Wydad’s only goal of the tournament; creative and industrious

Nordin Amrabat: Veteran winger with five chances created vs Juventus

Samuel Obeng: Likely to lead the line; physical presence up front

El Mehdi El Moubarik: Midfield link-up play and ball progression

Tactical Notes

Formation: 3-4-3

Strengths: Wide play, pressing in midfield, set-piece delivery

Weaknesses: Defensive lapses, poor finishing (27 shots in two games, just 1 goal)

🇦🇪 Al Ain FC – Team Preview

Group Stage Results

0–5 vs Juventus

0–6 vs Manchester City

Key Players

Soufiane Rahimi: Moroccan forward facing his countrymen; yet to score in the tournament

Kodjo Laba: Physical striker and aerial threat

Rui Patrício (GK): Veteran keeper under siege in both matches

Matías Palacios: Midfield orchestrator with vision and passing range

Tactical Notes

Formation: 5-3-2

Strengths: Counterattacks, midfield ball retention

Weaknesses: Defensive structure (11 goals conceded), lack of attacking cohesion

Head-to-Head & Stats

Stat	Wydad	Al Ain
Group G Points	0	0
Goals Scored	1	0
Goals Conceded	6	11
Total Shots (2 games)	27	14
Pass Accuracy (%)	80	78
First-Ever Meeting	✅	✅

Wydad have scored in both matches despite limited possession, while Al Ain have failed to score and conceded from 11 of 18 shots on target faced.

Expect a more open contest with both sides eager to avoid finishing last. Wydad’s attacking intent and superior shot creation give them the edge, though Al Ain’s counterattack could produce their first goal of the tournament.

MATCH ODDS

Wydad + 140                     Draw + 260                         Al Ain + 180

Over 2.5 – 130                   Under 2.5 + 105

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