Despite FIFA’s call for all teams to field their strongest lineups in the revamped Club World Cup, Pep Guardiola had other plans. The Manchester City boss made several changes for their Group G opener against Moroccan side Wydad AC, starting a mix of regulars and fringe players, but the result was never in doubt. City eased to a 2-0 victory, with Phil Foden scoring a record-breaking early goal and Jérémy Doku ending his scoring drought.
Guardiola Defies FIFA Guidelines with Rotated Lineup
FIFA’s directive may have sounded strict on paper, but Guardiola wasn’t concerned. He fielded a rotated XI, handing club debuts to new signings Rayan Cherki and Tijjani Reijnders. The lineup featured Marmlush, Doku, Foden, Cherki, and Savio in attack, with Reijnders in midfield and a backline of Lewis, Aké, O’Riley, and Reece.
While eyebrows were raised over Guardiola’s selection, English media reported that FIFA’s mandate lacked clarity on enforcement. Even FIFA insiders admitted the rule was too subjective and difficult to penalise.
Foden Strikes Early, Doku Doubles the Lead
It took just 1 minute and 51 seconds for Phil Foden to find the net, setting a new record for the fastest goal in Club World Cup history. He later turned provider, assisting Doku for City’s second goal in the 29th minute. The Belgians’ strike marked the end of a nearly five-month goal drought, echoing Foden’s struggles.
Foden’s performance was particularly notable. After falling out of favour last season and going 20 matches without a goal, his opener offered a timely reminder of his class. The goal also made him the first English player to score in two separate Club World Cups, having netted in the 2023 edition.
Doku, meanwhile, joined Romelu Lukaku as the only Belgian players to score in the competition’s history.
Controversial Red Card for Lewis Sparks Guardiola’s Defence
The only sour note came late in the game when Rico Lewis was shown a straight red card in the 88th minute for a high-footed challenge that caught an opponent’s face. Guardiola immediately leapt to his defence post-match.
“He got the ball,” said the City boss. “Both his feet were on the ground. It was natural. There was no intention whatsoever, but that doesn’t matter; it is what it is.”
Guardiola Makes Club World Cup History
With this win, Guardiola now holds the record for the most matches coached in the Club World Cup, nine in total, with a perfect 100% win rate. It’s a testament to his enduring brilliance and City’s depth, even when fielding a rotated squad.
City’s comfortable win over Wydad is a reminder of their incredible squad strength. Even without their star-studded starting XI, they managed a professional and dominant performance. For Foden, the goal may be a turning point in his return to form, while Guardiola continues to push boundaries, on the pitch and off it.
