FIFA Club Manchester City Beats Wydad 2-0 in Club World Cup Opener

Manchester City made a winning start to their Club World Cup campaign with a 2-0 victory over Wydad AC. Get the highlights and match analysis.

Manchester City got off to a winning start in their pursuit of a second FIFA Club World Cup title, thanks to goals from Phil Foden and Jeremy Doku. The 2-0 victory over Wydad AC showcased City's dominance.

Despite the Premier League season concluding just last month, Manchester City seemed to be embracing a new era under Pep Guardiola. The manager gave debuts to new signings Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Cherki, signaling a fresh chapter for the team.

💫 @ManCity opening their #FIFACWC campaign with a win in Philadelphia.

— FIFA Club World Cup (@FIFACWC) June 18, 2025

Phil Foden seized the opportunity for a fresh start, putting his underwhelming season behind him with a strong performance. He opened the scoring within the first two minutes, capitalizing on a rebound after El Mehdi Benabid parried a shot, marking his first City goal since January.

To Wydad’s credit, they produced a positive response to the early opener and went agonisingly close to restoring parity just past the half-hour mark.

Thembinkosi Lorch benefited from a Vitor Reis error to race through on goal, before a slip forced him to lay the ball off to Cassius Mailula, who was unable to find a way past the resolute Ederson. 

Wydad's momentum was halted when Jeremy Doku sealed City's lead with a precise finish from Phil Foden's deep corner, doubling the advantage late in the first half.

Jeremy Doku had another scoring chance after stealing possession just under 10 minutes into the second half, but his curled right-foot shot was denied by El Mehdi Benabid's outstretched glove.

.@PhilFoden opens Man City’s #FIFACWC journey with the first goal and the first win – deservedly named #SuperiorPlayeroftheMatch!#SuperiorisWorthPlayingFor |@MichelobULTRA | @playformichelob pic.twitter.com/wLEIVsd6g8

— FIFA Club World Cup (@FIFACWC) June 18, 2025

Doku's substitution shortly followed, making way for Oscar Bobb, Rodri, and Erling Haaland. Haaland immediately threatened to score, firing a powerful shot just over the crossbar as City continued to push for a third goal.

The win was slightly marred when Rico Lewis was given a straight red card for a reckless follow-through on Samuel Obeng. Despite playing with 10 men, Manchester City held firm, extending their unbeaten Club World Cup record of not conceding in any match (3 wins).