Fri Jun 20 13:10:00 UTC 2025: ## City Cruises to Club World Cup Win Over Wydad Despite Rested Stars
**PHILADELPHIA** – Manchester City opened their Club World Cup campaign with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Wydad Casablanca of Morocco at Lincoln Financial Field on Wednesday. Goals from Phil Foden and Jérémy Doku in the first half secured the win for a largely second-string City side.
Manager Pep Guardiola opted to rest several key players, including Erling Haaland, Rodri, and others, in the sweltering midday kickoff. Despite the changes, City wasted no time, with Foden pouncing on a parried cross from Savinho in the second minute to give City an early lead.
Doku doubled the advantage just before halftime, volleying home a pinpoint corner from Foden.
While Wydad showed resilience and threatened on the counter-attack, particularly through Cassius Mailula, they were unable to find the net. City also had chances to extend their lead, but were kept at bay by Wydad goalkeeper Mehdi Benabid.
The second half saw a drop in tempo under the intense heat. City newcomer Rayan Cherki, signed for €40 million, came close to scoring, but Benabid again denied him. Haaland also came off the bench, testing Benabid again with a reflex save.
The game ended on a sour note for City after Rico Lewis was shown a straight red card for a late tackle in the 88th minute.
The match was briefly interrupted when an animal-rights activist ran onto the field to protest Morocco’s treatment of stray animals.
City will now face Al Ain of the United Arab Emirates on Sunday, while Wydad will take on Juventus.
*Reuters and The Associated Press contributed to this report.*
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