City test new signings: Where to watch Club World Cup opener | OneFootball

Man City face Wydad AC test as Club World Cup kicks off in Philadelphia

Manchester City’s latest tilt at silverware begins under the unusual glare of a summer sun in Philadelphia, where Pep Guardiola’s side open their Club World Cup campaign against Moroccan champions Wydad AC. A familiar appetite for trophies meets an unfamiliar stage, with City making their debut in a competition that now bears a fresh structure and an added weight of expectation.

New faces, same ambition

Guardiola may have built one of the most settled sides in European football, but the match at Lincoln Financial Field could mark the start of a new chapter. Rayan Cherki, recently signed from Lyon for £30 million, is expected to feature following a dazzling cameo for France in their 5-4 Nations League defeat to Spain. His introduction to the City faithful feels more a statement of intent than mere rotation.

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Tijjani Reijnders, brought in from AC Milan, and Rayan Aït-Nouri from Wolves, are also pushing for debuts. The trio represent a subtle evolution in City’s midfield and wide play, particularly with Mateo Kovacic unavailable due to injury and established names like Kyle Walker, Jack Grealish and James McAtee not making the trip. McAtee, notably, remains on England Under-21 duty in Slovakia.

Erling Haaland, who ended last season with a typically monstrous goal tally, will spearhead the attack. His presence ensures that while City may experiment on the periphery, their core remains frighteningly familiar.

Spotlight on Wydad AC

City’s opponents, Wydad AC, bring with them the pride of Moroccan football. With 22 domestic titles, they are North African royalty and no strangers to continental competition. While few expect them to halt City’s progress, they will not lack for spirit or tactical discipline. Guardiola, as ever, will be mindful of any complacency creeping in during a fixture that promises more narrative than difficulty.

How to watch Man City vs Wydad AC

TV channel: UK viewers can watch the Club World Cup clash live on 5, a free-to-air broadcaster. Coverage begins at 4pm BST, with kick-off set for 5pm.

Live stream: The match can also be streamed live via channel5.com and on DAZN. As the official global broadcaster of the revamped Club World Cup, DAZN is offering all matches to its ‘Freemium’ members. This means fans can sign up for a free account and enjoy the full tournament without a paid subscription.

Need a VPN to watch the match? Our preferred VPN to watch UK TV from anywhere is LibertyShield.com – they offer a 48 hour no-obligation free trial and have apps or all popular devices including Mac, Windows, FireTV, iPhone/iPad and Android.

For City, the Club World Cup represents not just another trophy to collect but a stage to demonstrate global dominance. What begins in Philadelphia might well end in history.