The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 is currently underway in the United States. This new format tournament features 32 of the best clubs from around the world. One of the most exciting matches in the group stage is between Manchester City and Wydad AC, taking place on Wednesday, June 18, 2025. Let’s break down the key details, teams, stats, and how to watch the match, even if you’re new to football.
Match Details
- Match: Manchester City vs Wydad AC
- Date: Wednesday, June 18, 2025
- Time: 12:00 PM ET / 5:00 PM UK / 9:30 PM IST
- Venue: Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, USA
- Competition: FIFA Club World Cup 2025, Group G
Where to Watch
- Global streaming: DAZN (Free globally)
- UK: Channel 5 (TV) + talkSPORT 2 (Radio)
- India: Likely on Sony Sports Network or streaming via FIFA+ or DAZN
- USA: Live on DAZN and other regional sports channels
Match Preview
Manchester City – Premier League Giants
Manchester City come into this match as one of the tournament favorites. After a disappointing 2024-25 season with no major trophies, Pep Guardiola’s team is hungry to bounce back.
- City’s Strengths: Manchester City have a strong midfield with players like Rodri and Bernardo Silva who control the game well. Their defence is solid and hard to get past. In attack, they have top players like Haaland, who are fast and skillful. This strong balance in all areas makes City one of the best teams in the world.
- Key Players: Erling Haaland (striker), Rodri (midfield), Rayan Cherki (midfield), Bernardo Silva (captain).
- Recent Signings: Rayan Cherki, Rayan Aït-Nouri, and Tijjani Reijnders have added fresh energy.
Wydad AC – North African Powerhouse
Wydad AC are one of the top clubs in Africa, based in Casablanca, Morocco. They’ve won the CAF Champions League 3 times, with the latest title in 2022.
- Wydad’s Strengths: Wydad AC are good at defending as a team and staying well-organized at the back. They don’t let opponents score easily. They also use counter-attacks well, quickly moving forward when they win the ball. This style has helped them win big matches in Africa.
- Key Players: Mohamed Rayhi, Amrabat, Boutouil.
- Recent Changes: New coach Mohamed Amine Benhachem has taken charge, aiming to upset the big names.
Predicted Line-ups
Man City Predicated Lineup vs. Wydad AC (4-2-3-1): Ederson, Rayan Aït-Nouri, Josko Gvardiol, Rúben Dias, Matheus Nunes, Rodri, Tijjani Reijinders, Omar Marmoush, Rayan Cherki, Bernardo Silva, Erling Halaand
Wydad AC Predicted Lineup vs. Man City (4-3-3): Benabid, Nassik, Boutouil, Dairani, fahd Moufi, Zemraoui, Moubarik, Moutaraji, Rayhi, Obeng, Nordin Amrabat
Head to Head & Stats
- First ever meeting between Manchester City and Wydad AC. Both the teams have never faced each other before.
- City’s recent form: Manchester City ended their domestic season on a positive note, finding momentum in the final weeks despite missing out on major trophies. With several new signings and key players returning from injury, they now shift focus to the Club World Cup, aiming to make a strong statement and start their rebuild with silverware.
- Wydad’s recent form: Wydad AC have had an inconsistent run, finishing third in the Moroccan league and showing mixed results in friendlies. While they’ve shown flashes of quality, they’ve struggled for consistency against stronger opposition.
- Prediction: Manchester City have an 87% chance of winning the match.
Players to Watch Manchester City
- Erling Haaland – Goal machine; 31 goals in 2024/25 season.He’s strong, fast, and always in the right place to score. Defenders struggle to stop him, and he often decides games. City rely on him to lead the attack.
- Rodri – Rodri controls the midfield with smart passes and good positioning. He helps stop attacks and moves forward. City rarely loses when he plays. He’s calm, reliable, and key to their success.
- Rayan Cherki – Cherki is a young, skillful attacker new to City. He’s good at dribbling and creating chances. He brings flair and energy to the team. Fans are excited to see what he can do.
Players to Watch Wydad AC
- Nassik – Nassik is solid in defence and rarely makes mistakes. He also helps in attack with overlapping runs and crosses. Nassik’s balance of defence and offence is important for Wydad. He’ll need to be sharp against City’s wingers.
- Rayhi – Tricky forward who can surprise defences. Rayhi is quick and clever on the ball. He likes to dribble and take on defenders. He can create chances out of nothing. City’s defence will need to watch him closely.
- Benabid (GK) – Will need to make big saves against City. Benabid will face a tough test against City’s strong attack. His performance might decide how close the match is.
What to Expect
- Manchester City will control the ball, dominate possession, and press high.
- Wydad will likely defend deep and try to hit City on the counter-attack.
- If City take an early lead, expect them to run away with the match.
Prediction
Manchester City 4 – 1 Wydad AC: City’s quality and experience should be too much for Wydad to handle, but Wydad may still get a goal on the break or from a set-piece.
Conclusion
The Manchester City vs Wydad AC clash is more than just a group stage match, it’s a battle between two football cultures. While City come in as heavy favourites with a squad full of stars and experience, Wydad AC have the heart, hunger, and history to pull off a surprise.
For City, this match is a step toward rebuilding their dominance on the global stage. For Wydad, it’s a chance to prove that African clubs can stand tall against the best in the world. Whether you’re a die-hard football fan or watching your first game, this match promises goals, drama, and world-class talent. Don’t miss it!
Written by Kinjal Walantra
