Manchester City’s English defender Rico Lewis (L) speaks with Manchester City’s Spanish head coach Pep Guardiola at half-time of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Group G football match between England’s Manchester City and Morocco’s Wydad AC at the Lincoln Financial Field stadium in Philadelphia on June 18, 2025. (Photo by CHARLY TRIBALLEAU / AFP
Pep Guardiola hails Manchester City’s new signings Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Cherki after a 2-0 win over Wydad Casablanca in their Club World Cup opener. Foden shines as City overcome tough conditions in Philadelphia.
Manchester City began their Club World Cup campaign with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Wydad Casablanca on Wednesday, with manager Pep Guardiola reserving special praise for his new signings Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Cherki, who made an immediate impact despite testing conditions.
Playing under the scorching Philadelphia sun at Lincoln Financial Field, Guardiola’s experimental side delivered a controlled performance, scoring twice in the first half through Phil Foden and Jeremy Doku to take charge of Group G.
Tough Conditions, Strong Debuts
Dutch midfielder Reijnders, who arrived from AC Milan, and 21-year-old French playmaker Rayan Cherki from Lyon, both slotted into the starting eleven. Guardiola admitted the conditions were challenging but hailed the attitude and ability of his new midfield duo.
“He is a really, really good player. You feel it, you smell it,” Guardiola said of Reijnders, who played the full 90 minutes.
“The pace, in the final third, with the ball — when he gets more rhythm, he’ll be top.”
Cherki, who is expected to help replace the creativity lost with Kevin De Bruyne’s departure, played 60 minutes before being substituted.
“Of course Kevin is difficult to replace… but Rayan has incredible skills close to the box, great vision. This was just the first game, and I’m really pleased he’s here.”
With most of his senior squad rested, Guardiola gave starts to several lesser-used players, including Vitor Reis, a 20-year-old Brazilian defender playing only his third game since joining in January. Nathan Ake, returning from a lengthy injury layoff, also featured for the first time since February.
Guardiola confirmed his plan to rotate heavily during the group stages, saying:
“The next game, 10 new players are going to be there, and we will try to win again.”
City face Al Ain in their next group match in Atlanta on Sunday.
Rico Lewis Suspended
Youngster Rico Lewis will miss the next game after picking up a red card late in the match against Wydad — a rare blemish in an otherwise clinical City performance.
Foden Shines
Phil Foden, who struggled for consistency last season, looked sharp and confident, scoring the opener and assisting Doku for the second goal.
“Last season wasn’t the best for me, but I told myself to start strong this time,” Foden said. “It’s about going again this season, with the help of the new signings, and trying to win trophies again.”
Foden’s return to form could be key for City, especially as Guardiola manages the transition following the departures of senior players like Ilkay Gundogan and Kevin De Bruyne.
Road to the Club World Cup Final
City are tipped as favorites to lift the Club World Cup this year, but Guardiola emphasized that rotation and squad depth will be key with matches coming thick and fast.
“We had new players, players playing in different positions… many needed minutes,” he said. “It’s about building rhythm and chemistry in tough conditions.”
Up Next
Manchester City vs Al Ain
Sunday
Atlanta, Georgia
City top their group after Matchday 1 and will qualify for the semi-finals with a win or draw against Al Ain.
