FIFA Club World Cup Preview: Wydad limp into CWC after another disappointing season
- Andrew Olsson
- Jun 17
- 4 min read
The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup continues on in the United States and Moroccan giants Wydad AC will be the final African club to kick off play in the group stage on Wednesday with a historic Group G match against English Premier League side Manchester City.
It is an excellent opportunity for the Casablanca club but serious doubts remain of a successful outing in the USA. Read all about Wydad and why the odds are heavily against The Red Castle in our preview below:
Introduction
The timing could not be worse for Wydad to participate at the Club World Cup, especially in Group G where they will meet two European powerhouses (Manchester City and Juventus). For the third consecutive season, WAC failed to capture a trophy and are in the midst of another transition phase following the departure of South African coach Rulani Mokwena.
With a couple of South African imports in the squad and the hasty signing of renowned Syrian striker Omar Al Somah, who will not be available for at least the opening match, the club lacks a distinct identity at an important moment. This club is far from the side that won the 2021-22 CAF Champions League, the reason why Wydad are in the competition.
Are there any positives for Wydad at the moment?
It is not a complete disaster for Wydad heading into the competition. The club ended their domestic league season with a 14-match unbeaten streak in Morocco's Botola Pro to salvage third place and secure qualification for the CAF Confederation Cup next season.
The strong form is not a coincidence. A large number of midseason acquisitions, including several foreign players, needed time to adapt and made important contributions in the final stretch of the domestic campaign. There was also time needed for coach Mohamed Amine Benhachem to establish himself since taking over in late May and results indicate that the coach is doing well to navigate the situation.
As for the players who joined during the season, former Orlando Pirates star Thembinkosi Lorch's role is increasing since joining on loan from Mamelodi Sundowns. The South African is joined by fellow loanees like countryman Cassius Mailula (from Toronto FC) and former Morocco U-20 national team star midfielder Mehdi Moubarik (from Al Ain). Midseason acquisition Fahd Moufi has also added quality to the right back position.
Additionally, Syrian marksman Al Somah, former Morocco national team star Nordin Amrabat and Dutch center back Bart Meijers are signings in the last two weeks who could play a role despite little time to integrate with the team. Burkina Faso international Stephane Aziz Ki may be the most important signing for the Club World Cup, a prolific scorer in African club football who arrived from Tanzanian champions Young Africans.
Players to watch
Mohamed Rayhi: One of three Dutch-born players along with Amrabat and Meijers, the former NEC Nijmegen and Sparta Rotterdam star joined ahead of the 2024-25 season following three seasons in the Gulf region. The experienced and versatile right-footed attacker is more of a finisher than a creator but will be asked to do both in the USA.
Jamal Harkass- The 29-year-old towering central defender joined from eternal rivals Raja CA ahead of the 2023-24 season and has elevated his level with Wydad. Harkass made his debut with the Morocco national team during qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations where he made four appearances. Harkass and fellow Moroccan defender Abdelmounaim Boutouil form a very capable central pairing for Wydad.
Stephane Aziz Ki- The biggest concern for Wydad against its more highly regarded opponents in Group G is finding sources of goals. Recent acquisition Aziz Ki could be the solution to an attack that needs more playmaking ability beyond Mohamed Rayhi. While Omar Al Somah is a pure goal scorer whose presence is needed, Aziz Ki is a dynamic player who arrives after scoring more than forty goals over the last two seasons with Tanzania's Young Africans SC.
Evaluating Wydad's opponents in Group G
Manchester City
Enough said. After their streak of four consecutive English Premier League titles was snapped in a trophy-less 2024-25 campaign, City will be determined to salvage the season with a title at the Club World Cup. First in the path of the Sky Blues is unfortunate Wydad. It will honestly take a miracle for WAC to earn a point and their introduction to this tournament appears likely to be a painful one.
Juventus
The opening two fixtures for Wydad are a major reason why they are the least likely African club to reach the Round of 16. Two defeats in the first two games will all but end their chances of qualifying out of Group G and while Juventus did not have a successful 2024-25 season, they will be heavy favorites to inflict further damage on Wydad's hopes of progressing.
Al Ain FC
If Wydad can somehow claw a point off Manchester City or Juventus, then the final group stage match presents a winnable match. Al Ain have plenty of firepower in the form of Morocco international Soufiane Rahimi, Togolese striker Kodjo Laba and Paraguayan playmaker Kaku. However, Al Ain had their own difficult campaign resulting in a 5th place finish in the United Arab Emirates Pro League. If this match is not a "dead rubber" after the first two rounds, it will be a fascinating clash with much at stake.
Wydad's chances of qualifying out of Group G: 10%
For the first time in their history, Wydad will face not one but two European clubs in competitive matches. However, the forecast is far from positive due to WAC coming off of two disappointing seasons amidst a period of upheaval and transition. 10% is a generous estimate and it appears very likely that Wydad will be out of the running for a place beyond the group stage after two matches.
