The Matchday 1 clash of the 2025 Club World Cup between Manchester City (England) and Wydad (Morocco) will take place on June 18 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia (USA). Manchester City vs. Wydad: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Manchester City
The Citizens are among the 12 European representatives at the Club World Cup. The team was invited to this tournament as the winners of the 2022/23 UEFA Champions League, marking their debut in the global club championship. The English side easily and confidently won the trophy, dominating their two matches against Urawa Red Diamonds (3-0) and Fluminense (4-0). Last season, Manchester City finished with impressive stats – only one defeat in their last 13 official matches (9 wins and 3 draws).
Among all the teams participating in the Club World Cup, Manchester City ranks second in squad value, only behind Real Madrid. Notably, the club has strengthened with winger Rayan Cherki, midfielder Tijjani Reijnders, and defender Rayan Aït-Nouri.
- In their last seven UEFA Champions League matches, the Citizens have secured only one win in regular time (1 draw and 5 losses).
- Both teams scored in 6 of Manchester City's last 7 games in Europe's top tournament.
- At least four goals were scored in 8 of the last 9 encounters involving Manchester City in the UEFA Champions League.
Predicted lineup for Manchester City (4-2-3-1)
Ederson – Matheus Nunes, Josko Gvardiol, Manuel Akanji, Ruben Dias – Ilkay Gundogan, Nico Gonzalez – Bernardo Silva, Jeremy Doku, Omar Marmoush – Erling Haaland.
Midfielder Mateo Kovacic will miss the Club World Cup due to an Achilles injury. His colleague Kevin De Bruyne has opted out of the tournament as he is set to join another club in July.
Wydad
The Moroccans are participating in this tournament as the winners of the 2021/22 CAF Champions League. This is the team's third appearance in the Club World Cup. In their two previous tournaments (2017 and 2022), Wydad played a total of three matches without securing a win in regular time (2 draws and 1 loss). Approaching the current Club World Cup, the team is in decent form, having suffered only one defeat in their last seven official matches (4 wins and 2 draws).
The club's head coach, Rulani Mokwena, resigned four weeks before the start of the Club World Cup. Mohamed Amin Benhachem has been appointed as his replacement.
- At least one team failed to score in regular time in Wydad's last seven CAF Champions League matches.
- No more than two goals were scored in regular time in Wydad's last six matches in the African Champions League.
- The Moroccans have not won in regular time in 8 of their last 12 CAF Champions League matches (4 draws and 4 losses).
Predicted lineup for Wydad (4-3-3)
Mehdi Benabid – Ayoub Boushita, Abdelmounaim Boutouil, Ayman Dahhani, Fahd Moufi – Cassius Mailula, Mehdi El Moubarki, Oussama Zemraoui – Thembinkosi Lorch, Samuel Obeng, Ismail Benktib.
Referee
Ramon Abatti (Brazil)
Matches – 5 (International matches, 2024–2025);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 20;
Average yellow cards per match – 4;
Red cards shown – 1;
Average fouls per match – 23;
Penalties – 20%.
Match Prediction: Manchester City vs. Wydad
Judging by the three recent transfers made in early June, Pep Guardiola is keen on winning the Club World Cup trophy once again. Even without these additions, Manchester City is considered one of the main contenders for the tournament title, as they are among the strongest clubs not only in England but across Europe. The Moroccans will face a tough challenge against such an opponent, as they are significantly weaker in terms of player quality and have previously lost to much lesser teams in their past Club World Cup appearances, such as Al-Hilal, Pachuca, and Urawa Red Diamonds.
Manchester City has played in this tournament only once and easily handled their opponents, winning both matches by a large margin. There is a high probability that the English side will start this Club World Cup with a resounding victory, as they are in good form and nearly all players are available. High scoring is mainly expected from Erling Haaland, who netted 22 goals in the last Premier League season and scored in his last three games for club and country.
My prediction – Manchester City with a handicap (-2.5)
