FIFA Club World Cup: Eliminated Wydad and Al Ain meet with prize money and pride on the line
- Andrew Olsson
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
Despite failing to make an impact in Group G at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, Morocco's Wydad Athletic Club and Emirati club Al Ain have more than just pride to play for on Thursday in Washington, D.C. despite not having any chance of qualifying for the Round of 16.
With the relationship between Wydad and their supporters at a very low point, the players of the club have apologized for their poor performances making Thursday's clash an opportunity to provide a positive moment. Thembinkosi Lorch's brilliant first half finish in a 1-4 defeat to Juventus has been the lone inspired moment from The Red Castle so far.
The club has enjoyed fantastic support in the United States but the chances were always very low of Wydad being competitive. To add to Wydad's troubles after defeats to European powerhouses Manchester City and Juventus, the team bus was involved in an accident and coach Mohamed Amine Benhachem will be on crutches to lead the team on Thursday.
But the opportunity to give their faithful supporters a gift in the USA is plenty reason for a motivated effort. Of course, the potential to earn $2 million in prize money for a group stage victory is another big reason to perform well.
"Our motto is victory. In fact, it is the specific goal, victory and nothing else, despite our great respect for Al Ain and the abilities of its players," said Wydad striker Omar Al Somah to Kooora. The legendary Syrian goal scorer may get his first and only start for Wydad on Thursday after commenting that he is likely to return to the Saudi Pro League when his short-term deal expires after the competition.
The competition has gone even worse for Al Ain, who have conceded eleven goals without scoring. The Emirati club has a strong duo up front with Moroccan international Soufiane Rahimi and Togolese poacher Kodjo Laba set to be involved. While Wydad are slight favorites based on the opening two rounds in Group G, the match could go either way with both clubs seeking pride and prize money to bring back home.
