Club World Cup 2025: Relief for Guardiola as Man City Start Strong with 2–0 Victory Over Wydad Casablanca

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has expressed relief and optimism after his side opened their 2025 FIFA Club World Cup campaign with a solid 2–0 victory over Wydad Casablanca on Wednesday night in Philadelphia.

First-half goals from Phil Foden and Jeremy Doku were enough to secure the three points for City in what Guardiola described as a "tricky" group stage opener.

“The first game in the group stages is always the tricky one. We learn from here and the second one will be better,” Guardiola told Channel 5 after the match.

⚠️ Late Drama: Rico Lewis Sees Red

City’s composed performance was marred slightly by an 88th-minute red card to young full-back Rico Lewis, who was dismissed in controversial fashion.

“He touches the ball. He never had any intention to do it. It is what it is,” Guardiola said, choosing not to dwell on the officiating decision but clearly defending his player’s intent.

🧠 Opinion: Man City’s Calm Start Signals Bigger Intentions

While not their flashiest performance, City’s clinical efficiency and defensive solidity underscore why they remain a tournament favourite. With Foden pulling strings and Doku adding his usual electric pace, Guardiola’s side seem poised to go deep in this tournament — assuming they manage their player rotation smartly amid tight scheduling.

City now shift focus to upcoming Group B matches against Al Ain (UAE) on Monday at 2:00 BST and Juventus on Thursday at 20:00 BST.

📢 Can City bring the Club World Cup title back to the Etihad for the first time in their history? Fans around the world will be watching closely.

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