Manchester City began their FIFA Club World Cup 2025 campaign with a commanding 2-0 win over Moroccan champions, Wydad Casablanca, in Philadelphia. The match saw Phil Foden end his long goal drought with a stellar performance, contributing both a goal and an assist.
New signings Rayan Cherki and Tijjani Reijnders made their debuts, impressing in key moments, while Rodri returned from injury and Erling Haaland featured off the bench. Despite City’s dominance, Rico Lewis was shown a straight red card late in the game, ruling him out of the next fixture against Al Ain.
This article covers the full match report, standout performances, tactical shifts, and what Guardiola’s side can take forward in the tournament.
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[REPORT] Foden Leads City Past Wydad Despite Lewis Blow
Manchester City kicked off their Club World Cup 2025 campaign with a convincing 2-0 win over Wydad Casablanca in Philadelphia, brushing aside the Moroccan champions despite a late red card to Rico Lewis.
The win not only reinforced City’s European dominance but also highlighted Phil Foden’s resurgence and Pep Guardiola’s new signings stepping up.
[UPDATE] City’s Start? Ruthless. Foden? Reborn
Yes, you heard that right! Pep Guardiola’s men wasted no time showing they meant business. Within two minutes, Phil Foden calmly slotted home from 12 yards, ending a 20-game goal drought for club and country.
Then, just before the break, his in-swinging corner was nudged in by Jeremy Doku — a goal born from chaos, capped with finesse. City were the bookmakers’ favourites, but they played like they had a point to prove.
The Premier League kings might have faced a stadium peppered with empty seats, but the thousands of City fans in attendance were treated to a midfield masterclass, orchestrated by a rejuvenated Foden.
⚽️ 2’ BUUUUUUUUUUT DE FODEN !!!! 🏴
Manchester City n’a pas attendu pour ouvrir le score face au Wydad AC.
🏴 MAN. CITY 1-0 WYDAD AC 🇲🇦 pic.twitter.com/AYAtssfan5
— Instant Foot ⚽️ (@lnstantFoot) June 18, 2025
[TRENDING] Debuts, Drama & A Dismissal!
According to reports, Guardiola handed debuts to Rayan Cherki and Tijjani Reijnders, both showing promise. Cherki’s trickery teased defenders while Reijnders covered ground like a midfielder with a jetpack.
But the drama wasn’t all positive. Rico Lewis saw red late on after catching Samuel Obeng in the face. VAR reviewed, and the verdict stuck. That red card now sidelines him for City’s second group match against Al Ain.
While unfortunate, it opens the door for Manuel Akanji or Matheus Nunes to step in. Meanwhile, Rodri returned from injury for just his second appearance since September, and Erling Haaland, though wasteful, received a hero’s welcome off the bench.
Wydad’s debutant Nordin Amrabat offered a fleeting threat, but Ederson kept a clean sheet with ease.
[WHAT’S HAPPENING] Who’s Hot & Who’s Not: Player Ratings Snapshot
| Player | Rating | Notable Moment |
| Phil Foden (MCI) | 8.12 | Goal, assist, looked sharp throughout |
| Jeremy Doku (MCI) | 7.7 | Opportunistic goal before half-time |
| Tijjani Reijnders | 7.49 | Key midfield interceptions |
| Ederson (MCI) | 7.25 | Vital save after Vitor Reis’ slip |
| Rico Lewis (MCI) | 6.41 | Sent off late – harsh but correct decision |
| Nordin Amrabat (WAC) | 5.15 | Minimal impact on debut |
Amit Mishra’s Take
As a writer and die-hard football journalist and enthusiast, I have following things to say:
Positives:
- Foden’s resurgence is poetry in motion. His confidence is back, and that first goal felt like watching silk ripple through the net.
- Pep’s new signings impressed — a rare case where debutants didn’t just fill space, they created moments.
- Rodri’s return adds depth for the next matches.
Negatives:
- Rico Lewis’ red card was careless and could have cost the game in tighter circumstances.
- Haaland’s misses might not matter now, but against sterner opposition, they could.
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