England international Phil Foden scored one and set up another as Manchester City opened their 2025 Club World Cup campaign with a comfortable 2-0 win over Wydad AC on Wednesday.
Foden’s strike, which came under two minutes, was the fastest-ever goal in the competition’s history.
Story of the match
Pep Guardiola fielded a new-look Manchester City side that include two new recruits, Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Cherki, as they began their quest for the title against the Moroccan side.
Just one minute and 52 seconds into the game, Foden opened the scoring, smashing home after brilliant buildup by Jeremy Doku and Savinho.
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Foden will then combine with Doku later in the half, as the Belgian struck from inside the area to double Manchester City’s lead.
Wydad kept themselves in the game with an improved performance in the second half, although there was further drama late in the game when City defender Rico Lewis was sent off for a challenge despite winning the ball cleanly.
The English Premier League side closed out the victory to top Group G ahead of Juventus’ clash with Al Ain.
Foden makes history
After enduring a disappointing campaign, struggling to replicate his 2023-24 season form that saw him claim the Premier League player of the year award, Phil Foden was superb in the match against Wydad, scoring one and setting up another.
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The goal was the quickest in the competition’s history, ending a run of 20 games without a goal for club and country.
What next for Man City?
Peo Guardiola’s side will hope to secure qualification for the knockout stages by grabbing maximum points in their next game against Al Ain.
The Cityzens close out their group campaign with a clash against Italian outfits Juventus next Thursday.
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