Wydad Casablanca suffered a 2-0 defeat against Manchester City in the first round of Group A at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, hosted by the United States.
The match took place on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, with a significant Moroccan fan presence.
Match Details
The game began with early pressure from Manchester City. Phil Foden scored the first goal in the second minute following a remarkable save by Wydad goalkeeper Mehdi Benabid against a shot by Savinho. Despite attempts by Wydad to respond, with Osama Alzamraoui and Nourredine Amrabat posing threats in the 6th and 11th minutes, the English defense held firm.
As the match progressed, Wydad improved their performance. Cassius Mayliola came close to equalizing in the 32nd minute, but goalkeeper Ederson made an outstanding save. In the 42nd minute, Jeremy Doku added Manchester City’s second goal from a corner, ending the first half with the Citizens in the lead.
In the second half, Wydad coach Mohamed Amin Benhachem made substitutions to invigorate the team, leading to greater cohesion. This was despite Pep Guardiola bringing on stars Erling Haaland and Rodri Hernandez for City. Throughout the match, Mehdi Benabid displayed exceptional skill, making several crucial saves. In the closing moments, Manchester City’s Rico Lewis received a red card for a harsh foul on Samuel Obineng.
Role of Moroccan Fans
Moroccan fans played a vital role in supporting Wydad, chanting throughout the match and enhancing the players’ spirit. This passionate support buoyed the team’s performance despite the technical gap, contributing to an electrifying atmosphere.
Upcoming Matches for Wydad
Wydad will face Italian club Juventus on June 22 at the same stadium, followed by a match against Al Ain from the UAE on June 26 at Audi Field in Washington. These matches will be crucial for determining the team’s fate in the tournament.
FIFA Club World Cup 2025
This edition of the tournament features the best clubs from all six continents, presented in a new format aimed at enhancing global competition among clubs. Since its inception in 2000, the tournament has evolved into one of the premier events in global football.
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