The reigning champions, Manchester City, will start their 2025 FIFA Club World Cup campaign against Moroccan club Wydad Casablanca on Wednesday.
The Cityzens will come into this match after having a disappointing trophyless season, missing their shots on a possible FA Cup title after losing 0-1 to Crystal Palace in the final match. However, they booked their confirmation in the next year's UEFA Champions League after finishing third in the 2024-25 Premier League table.
Pep Guardiola has brought some fresh changes to the squad ahead of the crucial tournament, eyeing to revamp the side after some mistakes in the last season. Former Wolves left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri, Dutch midfielder Tijjani Reijnders and French wizard Rayan Cherki are all very shrewd acquisitions.
Wydad Casablanca, meanwhile, will be arriving in the United States with a fresh squad, leaving their key players for the crucial FIFA Club World Cup campaign due to technical reasons.
Mohamed Amine Benhachem's side has qualified for the World Cup tournament for the third time, qualifying as winners of the 2021-22 CAF Champions League. The Red Castle have a solid form on their back, having won three of their last five matches in all competitions.
The Sporting News looks at the key details ahead of this game, including how to watch the match, kickoff times and the latest lineup news.
Where to watch Man City vs. Wydad Casablanca: Live stream, TV channel
Here's how to watch this FIFA Club World Cup match in the UK:
TV channel: Channel 5
Live stream: DAZN
This game is available for live TV broadcast in the United Kingdom on Channel 5.
For fans who prefer to stream on the go, the tournament will also be shown live on DAZN.
All of the 63 matches throughout the tournament will be on DAZN and new users can sign up to watch every game for FREE.
Man City vs. Wydad Casablanca start time
- Date: Wednesday, June 18
- Time: 5:00 p.m. BST
Man City vs. Wydad Casablanca will kick off at 12:00 p.m. ET local time on Wednesday, June 18, from the Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, which translates to 5:00 p.m. BST in the UK.
Man City vs. Wydad Casablanca predicted lineups, team news
Attacking playmaker Rayan Cherki, central midfielder Tijjani Reijnders and left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri all joined City in the pre-tournament transfer window and have played a full part in Guardiola's training camp. The trio could feasibly all start against Wydad.
With Rodri back to full fitness and in line for his first start since ACL surgery last September, Guardiola has a plethora of central midfield options. However, Mateo Kovacic is not among them after undergoing an Achilles operation.
Jack Grealish and Kyle Walker were each omitted from the squad, effectively heralding the end of their City careers. James McAtee is also expected to move on and opted to join up with the England Under-21s for the ongoing European Championship rather than travel with his club.
Man City predicted XI (4-2-3-1, right to left): Ederson (GK) — Nunes, Dias, Gvardiol, Ait-Nouri — Rodri, Reijnders — Foden, Cherki, Marmoush — Haaland.
Injured: Kovacic
Suspended: None
Veteran former Watford winger Nordin Amrabat is a familiar face in the Wydad side for City fans.
Now 38, Amrabat has joined Mohamed Amine Benhachem's squad after a short-term deal at Hull City expired.
Former PSV youngster Mohamed Rayhi was Wydad's top scorer last season with 11 league goals
Wydad Casablanca predicted XI (4-2-3-1, right to left): El Motie (GK) — Moufi, Meijers, Harkass, Boucheta — Malsa, Moubarik — Amrabat, Arthur, Rayhi — Obeng.
Injured: None
Suspended: None
Man City Club World Cup schedule 2025
Here are Man City's next three games of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup:
| Date | Game | Time (BST) |
|---|---|---|
| June 16 | vs. Wydad AC | 5:00 p.m. |
| June 23 | vs. Al-Ain | 2:00 a.m. |
| June 26 | at Juventus | 8:00 p.m. |
Wydad Casablanca Club World Cup schedule 2025
Here are Wydad Casablanca's next three games of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup:
| Date | Game | Time (BST) |
|---|---|---|
| June 16 | at Man City | 5:00 p.m. |
| June 22 | at Juventus | 2:00 a.m. |
| June 27 | vs. Al-Ain | 2:00 a.m. |
FIFA Club World Cup fixture schedule this week
All times BST
Wednesday, June 18
- Monterrey vs. Inter Milan (2:00 a.m.)
- Man City vs. Wydad (5:00 p.m.)
- Real Madrid vs. Al Hilal (8:00 p.m.)
- Pachuca vs. Salzburg (11:00 p.m.)
Thursday, June 19
- Al Ain vs. Juventus (2:00 a.m.)
- Palmeiras vs. Al Ahly (5:00 p.m.)
- Inter Miami vs. Porto (8:00 p.m.)
- Seattle Sounders vs. Atletico Madrid (11:00 p.m.)
Friday, June 20
- PSG vs. Botafogo (2:00 a.m.)
- Benfica vs. Auckland City (5:00 p.m.)
- Flamengo vs. Chelseao (7:00 p.m.)
- LAFC vs. ES Tunis (11:00 p.m.)
Saturday, June 21
- Bayern Munich vs. Boca Juniors (2:00 a.m.)
- Mamelodi Sundowns vs. Bor. Dortmund (5:00 p.m.)
- Inter Milan vs. Urawa Red Diamonds (8:00 p.m.)
- Fluminense vs. Ulsan HD (11:00 p.m.)
Sunday, June 22
- River Plate vs. Monterrey (2:00 a.m.)
- Juventus vs. Wydad (5:00 p.m.)
- Real Madrid vs. Pachuca (8:00 p.m.)
- Salzburg vs. Al Hilal (11:00 p.m.)
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