Manchester City vs Wydad: Foden Leads the Way as City Start Club World Cup Strong
Manchester City vs Wydad. Manchester City kicked off their Club World Cup tenure with a 2-0 victory over Wydad Casablanca in Philadelphia. City scored through Phil Foden and Jeremy Doku on a night where Pep Guardiola’s men appeared energized, even though Wydad might’ve posed a stronger challenge than anticipated.
Match Summary: Manchester City vs Wydad
It didn’t take long for the action to start. Just under two minutes in, Phil Foden pounced on a defensive mistake and gave City an early lead. Wydad responded with some intensity and caused a few shaky moments for City’s back line, but just before the break, the Premier League champs struck again. Foden swung in a perfect corner, and Doku finished it off with a clean volley.
In the second half, City took control of the pace, bringing on the likes of Erling Haaland and Rodri to see out the result. Wydad kept pushing but couldn’t find a way past Ederson. The only issue to arise for City was a sending off Rico Lewis. Otherwise, it was a professional showing.
How Did Reijnders and Cherki Perform?
Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Cherki had the start and while they weren’t the actual focal points, they flashed what they could be down the line as they got into a rhythm. Reijnders played relatively calm, and clean, and his assistance down the line allowed forward easy moving of the ball transitionally going forward. One moment stood out when he calmly carried the ball out from the back and cut through midfield with ease.
Cherki’s night was a bit more up and down. His flair was there, but he didn’t quite click with the rest of the attack. Playing alongside Foden, Doku, and Marmoush, he looked out of sync at times. That said, it’s early days, and his creative spark could prove valuable as he gets more comfortable.
Should Rico Lewis Have Been Sent Off?
The most contentious moment came when Rico Lewis was shown a late red card for a high foot to Samuel Obeng’s face. Lewis did touch the ball but followed through and clipped the player’s face and after a check through VAR, the red stood. City were stunned and Pep Guardiola was heated. It didn’t look like a malicious play but an interpretation of the laws of the game seems to justify it. It was a tough way to end what was otherwise a strong performance.
Is Phil Foden Back to His Best?
Foden appeared focused and focused from the very first whistle. His early goal set the tone and his assist to Doku shows how confident he is in this moment; it’s been a tumultuous campaign for him with injuries but this was a defining moment. His first touches, awareness and intelligence in the attack are all Champions League qualities at the moment for a player who can be a center piece for City’s trophy ambitions in the future.
Are Manchester City Rethinking Set Pieces?
Since set-piece coach Carlos Vicens left, former Liverpool analyst James French has stepped in—and his influence is already showing. City’s second goal came from a clever corner routine, and they looked dangerous from dead balls all night.
They mixed things up with different types of deliveries and targeted players who usually don’t get the spotlight. It’s a more varied approach, and it worked right away. French even got a pat on the back from Guardiola after the goal, which says a lot.
Did Wydad Surprise Manchester City?
Wydad may have lost, but they left a good impression. After conceding early, they stuck to their plan and found some success catching City out on the counter.
They almost scored in the first half—puncturing a City defensive error—but Ederson had a brilliant save. They maintained their defensive structure and frustrated City at times, especially with a back five. They started to wear down at the end, but the energy was there.
This is great momentum going into a huge game against Juventus..
What Was the Atmosphere Like in Philadelphia?
37,446 showed up to Lincoln Financial Field, which is more than the attendance of the last Club World Cup game played at the stadium. There was a strong Manchester City contingency who made themselves known.
Wydad Casablanca had a smaller contingent, but they were heard—chanting, flag waving and flaring up even while down—and sidelined by former players like Shaun Wright-Phillips and Joleon Lescott.
Strong attendance marks that American fans are slowly starting to buy into the tournament and the blend of styles from both continents made it an enjoyable atmosphere.
What’s Next for Manchester City and Wydad?
City now head south to face Al Ain and Juventus in their next group matches. Guardiola will likely shuffle his lineup, but after this performance, expectations are high.
As for Wydad, they take on Juventus next in what’s basically a do-or-die game. Wydad’s next match is literally life or death for them; meaning if they lose their next match, their hopes for qualifying are nearly finished. Thus, despite the impressive showing against City, it gives them something to build off of but they need to be more clinical in front of net.
