Manchester City returns to the FIFA Club World Cup, aiming to defend their title in a revamped tournament format.
In December 2023, Pep Guardiola’s squad triumphed over Urawa Red Diamonds in the semifinals before sealing a 4-0 victory against Fluminense in the final held in Jeddah.
These matches, played over just four days in a seven-team event, contrast sharply with the upcoming month-long, 32-club tournament taking place across the United States in 2025.
After a lackluster 2024/25 season—where Guardiola failed to secure any major trophies for the first time since his inaugural season in 2016/17—he is set to unveil three new players against Moroccan powerhouse Wydad AC in Group G.
Additionally, some key absences and adjustments in the coaching staff hint at a shift in dynamics for the 10-time English champions, especially with Guardiola potentially entering his final chapter after nearly ten years at the helm.
Predicted Lineups and Team News for Man City vs. Wydad AC
New signings Rayan Cherki, Tijjani Reijnders, and Rayan Ait-Nouri have joined the City squad during the pre-tournament transfer window and have integrated well into Guardiola’s training regimen. It’s likely they will start against Wydad.
With Rodri having regained full fitness and poised to make his first appearance since undergoing ACL surgery last September, Guardiola has multiple options in central midfield. However, Mateo Kovacic is sidelined following an Achilles operation.
Notably, Jack Grealish and Kyle Walker have been left out of the squad, indicating the likely end of their tenures at City. Additionally, James McAtee has chosen to represent the England Under-21s in the ongoing European Championship rather than joining his club.
Predicted Man City lineup (4-2-3-1, right to left): Ederson (GK) — Nunes, Dias, Gvardiol, Ait-Nouri — Rodri, Reijnders — Foden, Cherki, Marmoush — Haaland
Injured: Kovacic (Achilles)
Suspended: None
Complete Man City Squad
Goalkeepers: Marcus Bettinelli, Stefan Ortega, Ederson
Defenders: Ruben Dias, John Stones, Nathan Ake, Rayan Ait-Nouri, Vitor Reis, Josko Gvardiol, Manuel Akanji, Matheus Nunes, Abdukodir Khusanov, Rico Lewis
Midfielders: Tijjani Reijnders, Nico Gonzalez, Rodri, Ilkay Gundogan, Bernardo Silva, Nico O’Reilly
Forwards: Omar Marmoush, Erling Haaland, Jeremy Doku, Savinho, Rayan Cherki, Claudio Echeverri, Phil Foden, Oscar Bobb
Veteran forward Nordin Amrabat is a well-known player in the Wydad AC lineup for City enthusiasts.
Now at 38, Amrabat has arrived in Mohamed Amine Benhachem’s squad after his short stint at Hull City concluded.
Former PSV talent Mohamed Rayhi stood out as Wydad’s leading goal scorer last season, netting 11 times in the league.
Wydad AC predicted lineup (4-2-3-1, right to left): El Motie (GK) — Moufi, Meijers, Harkass, Boucheta — Malsa, Moubarik — Amrabat, Arthur, Rayhi — Obeng
Injured:
Suspended: None
Complete Wydad AC Squad
Goalkeepers: Omar Aqzdaou, El Mehdi Benabid, Youssef El Motie
Defenders: Abdelmounaim Boutouil, Ayoub Boucheta, Guilherme Ferreira, Jamal Harkass, Bart Meijers, Fahd Moufi, Mohamed Moufid
Midfielders: Arthur, Stephane Aziz Ki, Ismail Benktib, Yassine Bennani, Rayane Mahtou, Mickael Malsa, El Mehdi El Moubarik, Ismail Moutarajji, Pedrinho, Oussama Zemraoui
Forwards: Omar Alsomah, Nordin Amrabat, Zakaria Fathi, Hamza Hannouri, Thembinkosi Lorch, Cassius Mailula, Selemani Mwalimu, Samuel Obeng, Mohamed Rayhi
Match Forecast: Man City vs. Wydad AC
As the season drew to a close, Guardiola managed to reinforce the team’s stability, a much-needed change for a previously shaky City. They only faced one loss after the March international break, which was an unfortunate FA Cup final defeat to Crystal Palace.
With fresh offensive talents joining the squad and players like Erling Haaland and Phil Foden appearing rejuvenated, it’s possible that some of City’s lost flair may be restored.
Prediction: Wydad 0-3 Man City
Streaming Information for Man City vs. Wydad AC
All fixtures of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup will be available for free streaming on DAZN worldwide. Some matches might also be broadcast by local networks according to DAZN’s agreements in various regions.
Here’s how to catch the 2025 Club World Cup group stage match in major regions:
Date | Time | TV Channel | Streaming | |
USA | Wed, Jun. 18 | 12 p.m. ET / 9 a.m. PT | — | DAZN |
Canada | Wed, Jun. 18 | 12 p.m. ET / 9 a.m. PT | — | DAZN |
UK | Wed, Jun. 18 | 5 p.m. BST | Channel 5 | DAZN |
Australia | Thu, Jun. 19 | 2 a.m. AEST | — | DAZN, Kayo Sports, Foxtel Now |
India | Wed, Jun. 18 | 10:30 p.m. IST | — | DAZN, tabii |