FIFA Club World Cup 2025 | Group G: Wydad FC vs Al Ain FC | Preview and Predictions

This Group G encounter of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup will be played between Moroccan giants Wydad AC and the 2024 AFC Champions League winners Al-Ain FC on June 27 at Audi Field, Washington, D.C. 

Here’s our preview and prediction for the game.

FIFA Club World Cup 2025 | Group G: Wydad FC vs Al Ain FC | 00:30 IST, June 27

With Juventus and Manchester City dominating Group G, Wydad AC and Al-Ain FC have already been eliminated as both sides are yet to pick up their first points. With just one game remaining and only third place at stake, both Wydad AC and Al-Ain will play for pride when they clash in their final Club World Cup fixture on Friday. 

Playing in their third Club World Cup competition, Moroccan giants Wydad are yet to register their first win in the competition with the club recording one draw and four defeats in their five matches thus far. Despite their record 22 league titles in Morocco and continental success, making a mark outside of Africa has again proven beyond them. 

The three-time CAF Champions League winners were beaten 2-0 by Manchester City in their opening encounter, before going on to lose 4-1 against Juventus in the second fixture, where Kenan Yildiz’s magic was particularly the decisive factor in Philadelphia.

Given their goal-difference advantage over Al-Ain, a draw would now be enough to avoid finishing last in Group G, but Wydad will be keen to sign off with their first-ever win in the competition. 

Their counterparts on the other hand have had a disastrous run in this year’s competition so far – shipping 11 goals in their opening two Group G encounters. Only Oceania minnows Auckland City have conceded more, however, the bigger concerns for coach Vladimir Ivic will be that those 11 goals came from just 18 shots on target. 

The 14-time UAE champions – and 2024 AFC Champions League winners – may have travelled to America on a seven-match unbeaten streak that featured six clean sheets, however, looking at their performances, they have been way out of their depth.

With Wydad posing a much smaller threat compared to European heavyweights Juventus and Man City, head coach Vladimir Ivic will aim to regroup and capitalise on his team’s attacking strengths. Players like Kodjo Fo-Doh Laba and Matias Palacios are expected to play vital roles if Al-Ain wants to secure a positive result.

In terms of team news, either Samuel Obeng or Cassius Mailula is likely to lead Wydad’s attack, while veteran winger Nordin Amrabat and South African forward Thembinkosi Lorch will be their biggest threats on the night. Meanwhile, Al-Ain coach Vladimir Ivic made several changes after his team’s heavy opening loss, but to little effect.

As a result, Kaku, Kouame Autonne and former Portugal goalkeeper Rui Patricio could come back in, however, Moroccan striker Soufiane Rahimi – who was the MVP in the 2024 AFC Champions League and won the Golden Boot at last year’s Paris Olympics – is yet to open his account in this year’s competition and is one to watch out for.  

Looking ahead to this fixture, while Wydad have been outclassed by their European opponents, they should have enough firepower to see off an ailing Al-Ain side. With little to play for, it could be an open encounter with the African side edging out their Asian counterparts to finish third in Group G.

Score Prediction: Wydad FC 3-1 Al Ain FC

Venue: Audi Field, Washington, D.C.