Wydad Casablanca have now lost all five Club World Cup matches they have ever played, conceding 11 goals. Al Ain reached the Club World Cup Final on debut in 2018, but this campaign hasn't gone quite so well.
Wydad Casablanca vs Al Ain preview
This clash at Audi Field is essentially a dead-rubber, given that both teams have been eliminated, but the pair are determined to avoid going home empty handed. During their Club World Cup debut seven years ago, Al Ain got all the way to the final, dumping out Team Wellington, Espérance de Tunis and River Plate en route, before eventually being defeated by Real Madrid. Fair to say, this campaign has not gone quite so well for the record 14-times champions of the United Arab Emirates.
So far, Vladimir Ivić's side have been steamrollered in both matches they've played, first demolished 5-0 by Juventus before, on Sunday night, they were on the wrong end of a 6-0 shellacking against Manchester City at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Al Ain have mustered just six shots on target this summer, yielding zero goals, while shipping 11 up the other end. This though is a much more realistic opportunity to claim a victory for the 2024 Asian champions.
Well, Wydad Casablanca will certainly feel the same, as they too seek to get off the mark. The Red Castle were beaten 2-0 by Man City in their curtain raiser before, at the weekend, losing 4-1 against Juventus in Philadelphia; Thembinkosi Christopher Lorch's goal merely a consolation in the end.
As a result, Wydad AC have now lost all five Club World Cup fixtures they have ever played, previously beaten by Pachuca and Urawa Red Diamonds in 2017, as well as losing on penalties against Al-Hilal in Rabāṭ in February 2023. Thus, Amine Benhachem's team will be very determined to pick up three points in Washington DC, even though they're heading for home, so who will prevail in Capital City?
Wydad Casablanca vs Al Ain head-to-head record
These two clubs have never previously met.
Wydad Casablanca team news
Amine Benhachem switched to a back five in Pennsylvania at the weekend, but will surely be more bold, given their opposition. This could see Mohamed Rayhi return to the forward line.
Wydad Casablanca predicted lineup vs Al Ain: (4-3-3): Benabid; Moufi, Boutouil, Meijers, Moufid; Moubarik, Zemraoui, Amrabat, Mailula, Lorch; Rayhi.
Wydad Casablanca player to watch vs Al Ain
Nordin Amrabat, who arrived from Hull City just in time for this tournament, has looked lively so far, so could he be the man to fire Wydad AC to victory in Washington DC?
Al Ain team news
Rather controversially, veteran Rui Patrício signed just four this tournament but, after shipping five on debut against Juventus, club captain Khalid Eisa was reinstated on Sunday. who knows who will be donning the gloves this time!
Similarly to his opposite number, Vladimir Ivić is expected to name a more attacking team, with Kaku and Kodjo Fo-Doh Laba amongst those hoping to come into the lineup.
Al Ain predicted lineup vs Wydad Casablanca: (4-3-3): Eisa; Jašić, Rabia, Ratnik, Zabala; Park Yong-woo, Palacios, Kaku; Abbas, Laba, Rahimi.
Al Ain player to watch vs Wydad Casablanca
The aformentioned Kodjo Fo-Doh Laba is certainly Al Ain's danger man, having scored 140 goals in 182 appearances for the club, so can he add to his tally at Audi Field?
Wydad Casablanca vs Al Ain prediction
Given that both have been battered by two European giants to date, this Thursday night clash is very tough to call, but we give Wydad AC the slight edge to prevail: Wydad Casablanca 2-1 Al Ain.
Wydad Casablanca vs Al Ain FAQs - FIFA Club World Cup
How to watch Wydad Casablanca vs Al Ain FIFA Club World Cup game on TV channel?
Wydad Casablanca vs Al Ain FIFA Club World Cup game will be available on the following TV channels;
- UK: DAZN UK
- USA: DAZN USA.
- Canada: DAZN Canada
How to watch Wydad Casablanca vs Al Ain FIFA Club World Cup game on live streaming?
Wydad Casablanca vs Al Ain FIFA Club World Cup game will be available on the following streaming services;
- UK: DAZN UK
- USA: DAZN USA.
- Canada: DAZN Canada
What is the date and kick-off time for Wydad Casablanca vs Al Ain in the FIFA Club World Cup?
Wydad Casablanca vs Al Ain takes place on Thursday 26 June 2025, with kick off at 20:00 (BST), 15:00 (EDT) & 12:00 (PDT).