Phil Foden inspires City in their Club World Cup opener

Manchester City 2 - 0 Wydad Casablanca

Phil Foden was at the heart of Manchester City’s comfortable victory over Moroccan champions Wydad Casablanca

Author | Macca

Pep Guardiola’s side opened their Club World Cup campaign with a polished performance in Philadelphia.

With European rivals Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich and Chelsea all making winning starts to the tournament, City followed suit, buoyed by a goal and assist from their in-form midfielder. 

Foden’s quality told from the outset, helping ease any early nerves at Lincoln Financial Field, where thousands of travelling City supporters were scattered among swathes of empty seats.

Guardiola’s team, widely tipped as favourites to win the competition, were ahead within two minutes. Foden calmly slotted in from the edge of the area, then turned provider as his curling corner was bundled in by Jeremy Doku just before the interval.

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Rodri, named Ballon d’Or winner last month, made only his second appearance since suffering a knee injury in September and came off the bench in the second half. 

Erling Haaland also featured and was warmly received by the City end, though he failed to convert either of two late chances, first lifting over from close range before seeing another shot well saved by Mehdi Benabid.

Wydad, whose most recognisable name was debutant Nordin Amrabat (formerly of Watford and Hull) threatened sporadically on the counter, but Ederson remained largely untroubled throughout.

City’s only sour note came with the news that young full-back Rico Lewis will miss their next match against Al Ain on Monday.

Phil Foden almost looked back to his best 

Phil Foden vs Wydad AC, First-Half #FIFACWC Stats: 1 Goal 1 Assist 43 Touches 30 Accurate Passes 91% Pass Accuracy 100% Shot Accuracy 3 Shots On Target 3 Passes Into Final Third 3 Touches In Opposition Box 1 Accurate Cross 1 Recovery 1 Clearance 1 Ground Duel Won 1 Big Chance Created

— City Xtra (@cityxtra.bsky.social) 18 June 2025 at 17:58

Foden looked refreshed and focused in the United States, a marked contrast to last season when he admitted to carrying an ankle injury and facing mental challenges.

He opened the scoring with a composed finish into the far corner, his first goal for club or country in 20 matches, the last coming against Chelsea back in January. Foden then turned provider, delivering the cross that led to Jeremy Doku’s close-range finish.

More reaction to a solid City performance

Beth Lee, a City fan, told us: "I’m happy for the team to start the tournament with a win. It’s always a great feeling to start things off on the right foot. You could tell it was difficult at times with the heat, and the players occasionally had to dig deep to push through. A good opportunity for the fans to get a look at how the team might be set up next season as well."

Another City fan added: "That was about getting over the travel and getting three points whilst getting a feel for the tournament."