Foden stars to open Man City’s Club World Cup defense with victory

Phil Foden produced a star performance for Manchester City, scoring a goal and providing an assist inside two minutes, as the Citizens recorded the fastest goal in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup so far.

Foden inspired the defending champions to a 2-0 victory over Moroccan side Wydad Casablanca in their opener in Philadelphia.

Other European heavyweights Paris St-Germain, Bayern Munich, and Chelsea all record victories in their first games.

The Manchester club made no mistake themselves against the North African side, as Foden’s return to form was timely with a goal and assist.

As the tournament entered Day 5,  there were still banks of empty seats visible inside the stadium, which have been the norm, except for the PSG-Atletoco clash. 

Although City fans arrived at Lincoln Financial Field in their thousands and witnessed a masterclass from the England midfielder.

Heading into the clash as a heavy favorite, Pep Guardiola’s men made the perfect start as Foden stroked in from 12 yards out inside two minutes.

The 25-year-old they provided an inswinging corner poked home by Jeremy Doku three minutes before halftime.

Ballon d’Or winner Rodri was brought off the bench for his second appearance since September following a serious knee injury.

Erling Haaland got a huge ovation after entering the action and scooped a shot over from a promising position, and his late effort was saved by Mehdi Benabid.

Wydad’s, which gave Nordin Amrabat – who had spells in England with Watford and most recently Hull, his debut against the English giant had glimmers of hope on the break, but they were unable to score against the defending champions.

Meanwhile, City will be without Rico Lewis for Monday’s second game against Al Ain (02:00 BST) after he was given a straight red card late on for catching Samuel Obeng in the face with his boot while both players slid in for a loose ball.

Two of City’s summer signings, Rayan Cherki, and Tijjani Reijnders, were given their debut, with the French forward Cherki showing some delightful touches in the final third, while the Netherlands international displayed his athleticism in midfield by getting around the pitch and making some vital interceptions.

Rayan Ait-Nouri who joined the citizen this summer from Wolverhampton Wanderers was an unused substitute, as Guardiola preferred Nico O’Reilly. The Algerian will have to wait to make his City bow.