Introduction
Manchester City kicked off their FIFA Club Manchester City Club World Cup 2025 campaign with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Wydad Casablanca, as new signings Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Cherki made their debuts under Pep Guardiola. The match, played at Philadelphia’s Lincoln Financial Field, saw City deliver a composed performance despite experimenting with their starting lineup.
Guardiola Impressed by Reijnders and Cherki
Speaking after the win, Guardiola praised both debutants for their immediate impact. Dutch midfielder Tijjani Reijnders, who arrived from AC Milan, played the full 90 minutes, impressing his manager with his control and presence Manchester City Club World Cup 2025.
“He is a really, really good player. You feel it, you smell it. The pace, the quality in the final third, when he gets more rhythm, he will be top,” Guardiola said of the 26-year-old.
Rayan Cherki, who joined from Lyon as a creative replacement for Kevin De Bruyne, started but was substituted after 60 minutes. “Of course Kevin is difficult to replace. But Rayan has incredible skills close to the box, great vision — many things. I’m really pleased he’s here,” added Guardiola Manchester City Club World Cup 2025.
Phil Foden and Jeremy Doku Seal the Win
City’s victory was secured in the first half with goals from Phil Foden and Jeremy Doku. Foden opened the scoring with a clinical finish, while Doku added a second shortly after, ensuring City took full control early on.
Foden, who struggled with form last season, emphasized his determination to start fresh: “Last season wasn’t the best for me. I made it my goal to start strong this season, and I’m happy to score and assist today.”
Experimental Line-Up Offers Guardiola Options
Guardiola opted for an experimental lineup against the Moroccan champions. Brazilian defender Vitor Reis made just his third start for the club, while Nathan Ake returned after a long injury layoff.
Key regulars like Josko Gvardiol, Bernardo Silva, Ruben Dias, Ilkay Gundogan, and Erling Haaland started on the bench. New signing Rayan Ait-Nouri was also unused, with Guardiola hinting at significant rotation for their next game against Al Ain in Atlanta.
“The next game 10 new players will be there, and we will try to win again,” said Guardiola, highlighting the squad’s depth and adaptability as they chase their first Club World Cup title.
Next Up: Al Ain
City will face UAE’s Al Ain in Atlanta for their second Group G match on Sunday. However, they will be without Rico Lewis, who received a red card late in the game against Wydad Casablanca.
Conclusion
With their new signings integrating smoothly and key players rested, Manchester City’s start to the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 bodes well for another trophy pursuit. Pep Guardiola’s squad depth and tactical flexibility could be the difference as City aims to add global silverware to their already impressive collection.
