KLIK SAJA - Defending champions Manchester City return to the FIFA Club World Cup this summer, eyeing back-to-back global titles as they enter the newly-expanded 32-team edition hosted in the United States.
Crowned world champions in 2023, City are once again favourites to top Group G.
However, a smooth path to the knockout rounds isn’t guaranteed. Standing in their way are European heavyweights Juventus, alongside ambitious challengers Al-Ain of the UAE and Morocco’s most decorated side, Wydad AC.
It’s difficult to picture anyone but City and Juventus progressing as the top two, but the Citizens will be especially motivated to top the group and settle a score with Juve—who beat them 2–0 in the Champions League league phase just six months ago.
Both City and Juventus are expected to breeze past Wydad and Al-Ain in their opening fixtures, setting up a blockbuster Group G finale when the two titans collide on matchday three.
With the return of Ballon d’Or winner Rodri and the addition of key new signings, Manchester City not only have their sights set on topping the group—they're aiming to retain their world crown.
Meanwhile, Wydad AC, Morocco’s 22-time domestic champions, and 2023–24 AFC Champions League winners Al-Ain, appear evenly matched on paper.
While both will be fighting to avoid the wooden spoon, Wydad may back themselves to edge out their Asian rivals and snatch third place.
At the heart of City’s title defense will be their talismanic striker Erling Haaland, whose goal-scoring exploits are nothing short of legendary.
Since arriving in Manchester in 2022, the Norwegian has bagged 121 goals in just 141 appearances—netting 30+ in each of his three seasons.
Having missed last year’s tournament through injury, Haaland now returns hungrier than ever, with his sights firmly set on international glory.
For City, the 2025 Club World Cup comes at a perfect time. Following a disappointing 2024–25 campaign—where they failed to lift a major trophy for the first time in eight years—Pep Guardiola’s men are determined to make a statement.
They view this tournament not only as redemption but as the launchpad for a revitalized season.
Now boasting a nearly full-strength squad and their key players firing, City are expected to dispatch Wydad and Al-Ain with relative ease before putting themselves to the test against Igor Tudor’s Juventus, who themselves had an inconsistent domestic season.
