Manchester City are the current holders of the Club World Cup, smashing Fluminese 4-0 in the most-recent final in Jeddah in December 2023.
Meantime, this'll be Wydad Casablanca's third Club World Cup appearance, but they've lost all three matches they've ever played, including a shootout defeat to Al-Hilal two years ago.
Manchester City vs Wydad Casablanca preview
Will this be the start of a triumphant run to Club World Cup glory for Manchester City? In the previous seven seasons, Pep Guardiola's team collected a whopping 18 major trophies, including six Premier League titles, the Champions League in 2023 and the Club World Cup later that year. However, the Sky Blues have not added any silverware to their collecting since victory in last August's Community Shield, finishing third in the league and beaten in last month's FA Cup Final by Crystal Palace.
Thus, the Citizens travel stateside determined to prove that they are still one of the best teams in the world, so come into this tournament ultra-motivated to go all the way. Man City are amongst the favourites to go all the way, certainly expected to get through the group phase, with games against Al Ain and then Juventus to come. So, will they make a winning start at Lincoln Financial Field?
As for Wydad Casablanca, they're seeking an illusive first-ever Club World Cup win, but will require an enormous upset in Pennsylvania to achieve this. The Red Castle qualified for this competition by winning the 2022 CAF Champions League, beating Al Ahly 2-0 in the final, their third African title, before being defeated by the same opposition in the final 12 months later.
Well, since then, Wydad have not been quite so strong, actually finishing third in this season's Botola, Morocco's top-flight, hence why manager Rhulani Mlungisi Mokwena was sacked in April. Mohamed Amine Benhachem remains in interim charge this summer, but will need to pull off a miracle if Wydad are going to get through the group phase. Thus, a Man City victory seems very likely in Philadelphia.
Manchester City vs Wydad Casablanca head-to-head record
These two clubs have never previously met.
Manchester City team news
Manchester City have a trio of new faces who could debut here, namely left-back Rayan Aït-Nouri as well as midfielders Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Cherki. Meanwhile, Claudio Echeverri, who made his own debut in the FA Cup Final at Wembley, could feature prominently this summer too.
One player particularly excited for this tournament is Rodri. The Spaniard ruptured his Anterior cruciate ligament in September, returning with a seven minute cameo against Bournemouth last month, so will be looking to rebuild his fitness throughout this competition. Neither Kyle Walker nor Jack Grealish are part of Pep Guardiola's travelling squad, while Kevin De Bruyne has left for Napoli.
Manchester City predicted lineup vs Wydad Casablanca: (4-3-3): Ederson; Nunes, Rúben Dias, Gvardiol, Aït-Nouri; Gündoğan, Reijnders, Marmoush, Cherki, Doku; Håland.
Manchester City player to watch vs Wydad Casablanca
Erling Braut Håland's goal on the final day of the Premier League season at Craven Cottage took his tally to 31 for the year, and the Norwegian could fill his boots and then some in Philly on Wednesday.
Wydad Casablanca team news
Wydad too have reinforced their squad ahead of this competition. Centre-back Bart Meijers, midfielders Stephane Aziz Ki and Nordin Amrabat as well as strikers Omar Al-Somah and Hamza Hannouri could all debut here.
Wydad Casablanca predicted lineup vs Manchester City: (4-5-1): Benabid; Moufid, Dairani, Boutouil, Meijers, Boucheta; Moubarik, Rayhi, Aziz Ki; Al-Somah.
Wydad Casablanca player to watch vs Manchester City
If Wydad are going to spring a surprise, Mohamed Rayhi is their most-likely scorer, having netted 13 times across all competitions this season.
Manchester City vs Wydad Casablanca prediction
As alluded to earlier, a very comfortable Manchester City victory is forecast in Pennsylvania, with the Sky Blues set to swat Wydad aside: Manchester City 3-0 Wydad Casablanca.
Manchester City vs Wydad Casablanca FAQs - FIFA Club World Cup
How to watch Manchester City vs Wydad Casablanca FIFA Club World Cup game on TV channel?
Manchester City vs Wydad Casablanca FIFA Club World Cup game will be available on the following TV channels;
- UK: Channel 5 and DAZN UK
- USA: DAZN USA.
- Canada: DAZN Canada
How to watch Manchester City vs Wydad Casablanca FIFA Club World Cup game on live streaming?
Manchester City vs Wydad Casablanca FIFA Club World Cup game will be available on the following streaming services;
- UK: My5 and DAZN UK
- USA: DAZN USA.
- Canada: DAZN Canada
What is the date and kick-off time for Manchester City vs Wydad Casablanca in the FIFA Club World Cup?
Manchester City vs Wydad Casablanca takes place on Wednesday 18 June 2025, with kick off at 17:00 (BST), 12:00 (EDT) & 9:00 (PDT).