Man City vs Wydad AC: Club World Cup prediction, kick-off time, TV, live stream, team news, h2h results, odds

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Evening Standard

·17 June 2025

Man City vs Wydad AC: Club World Cup prediction, kick-off time, TV, live stream, team news, h2h results, odds

Holders are in action for the first time as Pep Guardiola could unleash his new signings

Manchester City begin the defence of their Club World Cup crown against Wydad AC this week.

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Prior to FIFA increasing the number of teams participating in the competition, Man City - on their first ever appearance - overcame Fluminense in the 2023 final to be crowned champions of the world.

Boosted by four summer signings already, Pep Guardiola’s side are expected to make a winning start to life in Group G. Though they will have to guard against complacency in their showdown with the Moroccan heavyweights.

One of four CAF teams competition in the new-look Club World Cup, Wydad qualified thanks to winning the Champions League in 2022 which means in the process they defeated Al Ahly - the dominant force in African football.

An intriguing meeting awaits as anything other than a Man City win would be regarded as a big shock.

Date, kick-off time and venue

Man City vs Wydad AC is scheduled for a 5pm BST kick-off on Wednesday, 18 June, 2025.

The match will take place at the Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia.

Where to watch Man City vs Wydad AC

TV channel: In the UK, the game will be televised live on 5 (formerly known as Channel 5). Coverage starts at 4pm BST on Wednesday, June 18, 2025 ahead of a 5pm kick-off.

Live stream: Viewers can also watch the action live online via channel5.com. Meanwhile, DAZN.com will stream the game for free.

Live blog: You can follow all the action on matchday via Standard Sport’s live blog!

Man City vs Wydad AC team news

Manchester City suffered a huge injury blow in the build-up to the tournament with Mateo Kovacic ruled out for the duration after undergoing surgery on an Achilles problem. Meanwhile, Jack Grealish and Kyle Walker have not travelled Stateside as speculation regarding their futures increases.

New signings, Rayan Cherki, Rayan Ait-Nouri and Tijjani Reijnders are in contention to make their City debuts. Rodri could start his first game since last September having made a full recovery from an ACL injury.

Wydad are at full strength for the Group G showdown and could hand a debut to former Watford and Hull City winger Nordin Amrabat after he joined on a short-term deal last month.

Rayan Cherki could feature for Man City against Wydad AC

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Man City vs Wydad AC prediction

The Premier League outfit should be too strong for their Moroccan counterparts. Having seen PSG, Bayern Munich and Chelsea all get off to winning starts, Man City will be keen to put down a marker too.

Expect City to dominate possession for large spells and an early goal could see them run up a big scoreline.

Man City to win, 4-0.