Juventus storm into Club World Cup Round of 16 with dominant 4-1 win over Wydad AC
Juventus continued their impressive run at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup with a commanding 4-1 victory over Wydad AC on Sunday evening at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. The Italian side, buoyed by a dazzling performance from Kenan Yildiz, who netted a brace and influenced a third goal, sealed qualification for the Round of 16with a game to spare.
The win places Juventus firmly atop Group G, ahead of Manchester City, whom they face next to decide the group winner. This result also signals Juve’s intent to go all the way in a tournament they’re taking very seriously, especially after a trophyless domestic season in Serie A.
How did Clubs qualify for the 2025 Club World Cup? Full guide to team qualification, format & ranking criteria
From the very first whistle, Igor Tudor’s Juventus set the tone with high pressing, fluid passing, and clinical finishing. The opening goal came in the 6th minute when Khephren Thuram’s cross was met by Kenan Yildiz, whose strike deflected off Abdelmounaim Boutouil to put Juve ahead—though officially recorded as an own goal.
Yildiz, showcasing his technical brilliance, doubled the lead in the 16th minute with a thunderous right-footed strike from outside the box, assisted by Andrea Cambiaso.
Wydad momentarily silenced the Bianconeri fans in the 25th minute through Thembinkosi Lorch, who chipped past Michele Di Gregorio after capitalizing on a Juve defensive lapse. Despite the heat slowing the tempo, Juventus nearly extended their lead before halftime via Alberto Costa, who failed to convert a golden chance.
Second Half Surge
Juventus restarted with intent. Cambiaso struck the post early in the second half, and Randal Kolo Muani missed narrowly after a perfect delivery from Lloyd Kelly.
Juve’s pressure paid off again in the 69th minute, as Kolo Muani teed up Yildiz, who calmly beat the keeper with a composed finish. The Turkish international’s movement and flair throughout the match highlighted his growing influence in Juventus’ attack.
Dusan Vlahovic completed the rout in stoppage time, converting a penalty he won himself after being brought down in the box.
Match Statistics
Scoreline: Juventus 4–1 Wydad AC
Goals:
- 6’ Boutouil (OG) – Juventus
- 16’ Yildiz – Juventus
- 25’ Lorch – Wydad AC
- 69’ Yildiz – Juventus
- 90+4’ Vlahovic (Pen.) – Juventus
Key Players:
- Kenan Yildiz – 2 goals, 1 deflected effort, MVP of the match
- Kolo Muani – 1 assist, strong physical presence
- Thuram & Cambiaso – Dominated flanks and midfield transitions
Coach Reactions
Igor Tudor, Juventus manager: “We played at a high tempo and did a number of excellent things. I’m happy with the rhythm and control we showed. This team is hungry to win this title.”
Amine Benhachem, Wydad AC manager: “We respected Juventus too much early on and paid the price. But we’re still in this tournament, and we’ll focus on our next match.”
Lineups
Juventus XI: Di Gregorio, Kalulu, Savona, Kelly, Costa (73’ Nico Gonzalez), McKennie (46’ Koopmeiners), Thuram, Cambiaso, Conceicao (73’ Locatelli), Kolo Muani (73’ Vlahovic), Yildiz (85’ Gatti)
Wydad AC XI: Benabid, Moufi (87’ Aziz Ki), Ferreira, Boutouil (78’ Harkass), Meijers (46’ Mwalimu), Moufid, Ambrabat, Zemraoui (78’ Mailula), El Moubarik, Lorch, Obeng (46’ Al Somah)
What’s Next?
Juventus’ final group stage match will be a heavyweight clash against Manchester City on Thursday, 26 June, 2025 at Camping World Stadium. Both sides are already through, but a top finish in the group could determine an easier path in the knockouts.
About the Clubs
Juventus Football Club, based in Turin, Italy, is one of the most decorated and prestigious clubs in world football. Founded in 1897, Juventus has won 36 Serie A titles, 14 Coppa Italia trophies, and 2 UEFA Champions League titles. Known for their iconic black and white kits and fierce domestic rivalries, the Bianconeri continue to be a powerhouse in European football.
Wydad Athletic Club, commonly known as Wydad AC or Wydad Casablanca, is a top-tier Moroccan club based in Casablanca. Founded in 1937, Wydad is one of Africa’s most successful and popular football teams, having won the CAF Champions League multiple times and boasting a passionate fan base across the continent.
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