Manchester City 2-0 Wydad AC | Group G
Manchester City goals: Phil Foden (2), Jeremy Doku (42)
Manchester City started the FIFA Club World Cup 2025™ with a solid win, as Phil Foden scored the fastest goal of the competition against Wydad AC in Philadelphia.
City started with new signings Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Cherki, with newly-appointed captain Bernardo Silva on the bench.
And it took them less than two minutes to open the scoring when Foden cracked in his first goal since January after Wydad keeper El Mehdi Benabid could only palm Savinho’s cross into his path.
Wydad responded well though and an audacious effort from South African midfielder Thembinkosi Lorch from inside the centre circle in his own half had Ederson back-peddling, before the keeper pulled off a fine block from Cassius Mailula.
But Jeremy Doku doubled the lead when he volleyed in Foden’s corner before the interval, which deflated the Moroccans.
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City coach Pep Guardiola clearly thought his side needed a spark and was able to introduce talisman striker Erling Haaland and fit-again key midfielder Rodri just before the hour mark.
The Casablanca side hung tough, but couldn’t quite match their first half efforts after the break, as City comfortably saw the game out, despite going down to ten men late on when Rico Lewis was sent off.
Quotes
“I’m very happy for the team to start the tournament with a win. It was difficult at times with the heat. They were a top team on the counter-attacks. The tournament is very important, not just for me, but all the players. It is important to get your sharpness now in this big competition.”
Phil Foden, Manchester City opening goalscorer.
“The first game in the group stages are always the tricky one. We learn from here and the second one will be better. The season will be a long one, but it is important to be here.”
Pep Guardiola, Manchester City coach.
“We did a good job against a team as big as Manchester City, despite the defeat. I believe we represented Morocco and the Wydad fans well in this match. We must build on this effort by looking for a positive result against Juventus in the next match.”
Fahd Moufi, Wydad AC player.
Michelob Ultra Superior Player of the Match
Phil Foden (Manchester City)
