Manchester City began their defence of the FIFA Club World Cup with a comfortable 2-0 win over Wydad Casablanca in Philadelphia on Wednesday, Afrosport reports.
The Citizens won the previous version of the tournament two years ago when they defeated Brazilian giants Fluminense 4-0 in the final in Jeddah.
The English giants were off the blocks after just two minutes at Lincoln Financial Field when Phil Foden found the back of the net from a El Mehdi Benabid rebound for his first goal since January.
Wydad were close to levelling matters just past the half hour mark as Thembinkosi Lorch was through on goal after benefiting from a Vitor Reis error. The South African however slipped inside the box and the ball that fell to Cassius Mailula failed to test City goalkeeper Ederson.
Pep Guardiola’s side doubled their lead in the 42nd minute as Jeremy Doku was there to put the ball in from a Foden corner kick.
City were in control for the entirety of the game but things came to a sour end of Rico Lewis after he was shown a straight red card for a dangerous fouls on Samuel Obeng.
💫 @ManCity opening their #FIFACWC campaign with a win in Philadelphia.
— FIFA Club World Cup (@FIFACWC) June 18, 2025
The men in sky blue are the early leaders in Group G and will next face United Arab Emirates side Al-Ain in Atlanta while Wydad will be up against Italian heavyweights Juventus still in Philadelphia.
