Man City 2-0 Wydad AC: Foden shines, Doku strikes, Rico Lewis sees Red in Club World Cup opener
Phil Foden was electric, Jeremy Doku clinical, and Pep Guardiola cautiously optimistic as Manchester City kicked off their FIFA Club World Cup campaign with a composed 2-0 win over Moroccan champions Wydad AC at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.
The revamped 32-team tournament has brought club football’s elite to American soil, and City's opener delivered both promise and warning. First-half goals from Foden and Doku gave the Premier League giants early control, but a late red card to Rico Lewis somewhat tempered the celebrations.
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It took just two minutes for City to announce their arrival. Phil Foden, now one of the central figures in Guardiola’s system, capitalized on early pressure to break the deadlock. Picking up a neat flick from Tijjani Reijnders, the England midfielder buried his finish past a helpless Youssef El Motie, silencing the large contingent of North African supporters.
Foden wasn't done. Minutes before halftime, his curling corner delivery found Jeremy Doku, who volleyed home with composure and power. The Belgian winger, one of City's breakout stars last season, looked sharp and lively throughout the contest.
Wydad show fight but lack end product
To their credit, Wydad AC didn’t roll over. The Casablanca-based side, former African champions, threatened sporadically through Yahia Attiyat Allah and Ayoub El Amloud, but failed to produce clear-cut chances that troubled Ederson.
Their best moment came just after the hour mark when substitute Samuel Obeng forced a smart save with a curling effort from outside the box. City, however, were largely untroubled and used their bench smartly to rest key players ahead of the next clash.
Rico Lewis sees Red: Controversial ending to a calm night
The match’s serenity was shattered in the final minutes when Rico Lewis received a straight red card. Sliding in for a loose ball, Lewis’ boot unintentionally caught Samuel Obeng in the face — a reckless, rather than malicious, challenge. VAR upheld the decision, and Lewis will now be suspended for City's next match against Al Ain.
Pep Guardiola expressed frustration post-match:
"It’s unfortunate. He went for the ball. It was a competitive challenge, but now we have to prepare without him. It’s football."
New Signings Debut: Reijnders and Cherki impress
This fixture also marked the Manchester City debut for two of their four summer signings: Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Cherki.
Reijnders, signed from AC Milan, slotted into the midfield pivot and was quick to show his ball progression and eye for forward passes. His through balls for Foden and Doku set the tone for the first-half dominance.
Cherki, the talented Frenchman from Lyon, operated in a free role and showed flashes of his dribbling ability, though he faded slightly as the game wore on.
Guardiola praised both post-match:
“It’s good that they played! Tijji played really good, Rayan had good moments. They’re still adapting but gave us quality.”
Guardiola reflects: “We’ll be better in the next game”
The 2-0 scoreline flattered neither side. Manchester City dominated possession (72%) and registered 10 shots on target, yet Guardiola believes there’s still more to come:
"The first game in the group stage is always tricky. We played a team that can hurt you on the break. But we did really, really well in moments. This is the first step — we’ll learn and be better for the next match."
City will face UAE side Al Ain in their next Group G fixture on Monday morning (local time in Atlanta), while Wydad AC must now win their next game to keep knockout hopes alive.
What’s Next?
- Manchester City vs Al Ain
Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta
KO: Monday, June 23, 2:00 AM BST
City’s rotation strategy and tactical evolution will be in focus. With Rico Lewis suspended and Haaland, Rodri regaining fitness, Guardiola may shuffle the lineup again.
About the Clubs
Manchester City is one of Europe’s most decorated modern football powerhouses. Founded in 1880 as St. Mark’s (West Gorton), the club became Manchester City in 1894. Based in East Manchester, City play their home matches at the Etihad Stadium and compete in the English Premier League. Under manager Pep Guardiola, City have risen to global dominance, winning ten league titles, seven FA Cups, eight League Cups, and their first UEFA Champions League in 2023. They are also the reigning FIFA Club World Cup champions.
Wydad Athletic Club, widely known as Wydad Casablanca, is a Moroccan football institution with a rich history in African football. Founded in 1937 and based in Casablanca, Wydad compete in the Botola Pro, the top tier of Moroccan football. The club has won over 20 Moroccan league titles and has been a consistent performer in continental competitions, including CAF Champions League triumphs in 1992, 2017, and 2022.
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