FIFA Club World Cup Group G Preview & Predictions: Meet Juventus Rivals | OneFootball

Perhaps the FIFA Club World Cup could be a chance for out-of-sorts Juventus to put another lackluster season behind them. The newly formatted summer tournament is just around the corner, with the Bianconeri one of the two Serie A representatives in the United States.

It was supposed to be a season of resurgence for Juventus after substantial squad investments last summer and Thiago Motta’s appointment. However, the record-time Italian champions had to settle for another mediocre campaign. Motta didn’t even last long enough to take credit for another top-four finish in Serie A.

Igor Tudor took his place in the dugout in late March and finished what he started, helping Juventus secure Champions League qualification. Yet, another trophyless season left a bitter taste in fans’ mouths, heightening the pressure on the Bianconeri to deliver in North America. It’s also a chance for Tudor to consolidate his managerial status in Turin.

Progression from a competitive-looking Group G is anything but a foregone conclusion for Juventus. Indeed, they share the stage with Manchester City, Al-Ain, and Wydad and will kick things off on June 19 against the AFC powerhouse.

Without further ado, let’s look at all four participants.

Juventus

League: Serie A Head coach: Igor Tudor

Like Group E favorites and arch-rivals Inter, Juventus have a point to prove in the United States. After all, this is the only international title they have never won. But there’s more than just prestige and another piece of silverware. Indeed, this could be a chance for the Turin giants to embark on a new winning cycle after years of suffering.

As aforementioned, Tudor would be well-advised not to take this tournament lightly. A deep run would help strengthen his position in the dugout amid growing concerns over Juventus’ managerial choice. Yet, the Croatian tactician isn’t the only one under pressure.

Several players within the squad are also facing a make-or-break moment, including exit-linked Dusan Vlahovic. The same goes for Randal Kolo Muani and Francisco Conceicao, as they both aim to earn permanent contracts at the Allianz Stadium.

Star Player: Kenan Yildiz

Though Vlahovic was Juventus’ best goalscorer in the season just gone, Kenan Yildiz was often the team’s driving force in attack. Unfortunately, the numbers weren’t there. The 20-year-old racked up just nine goals in 48 appearances. Therefore, this could be his time to shine.

Potential starting line-up (3-4-2-1): Di Gregorio; Bremer, Kalulu, Savona; Cambiaso, Thuram, Locatelli, Nico Gonzalez; Conceicao, Yildiz; Kolo Muani.

Manchester City

League: Premier League Head coach: Pep Guardiola

While trophyless seasons have become Juventus’ harsh reality in recent years, Manchester City experienced a rare taste of the same last term. After four consecutive Premier League triumphs, they failed to lift silverware for the first time since Pep Guardiola’s debut campaign at the Etihad Stadium.

An underwhelming league campaign, a premature Champions League elimination, and an FA Cup heartbreak prompted the club’s decisive reaction in the transfer market. Indeed, the Citizens have splashed out €137 million on summer reinforcements. Rayan Ait-Nouri, Rayan Cherki, and Tijjani Reijnders have signed for the former English champions.

Milan paid the ultimate price for an embarrassing Serie A campaign as their standout midfielder moved to the British Isles to replace Kevin De Bruyne. The Belgian playmaker isn’t the only long-serving stalwart set to leave Man City this summer, as evidenced by Guardiola’s decision to leave Jack Grealish out of his Club World Cup squad.

Star player: Erling Haaland

Despite all incoming deals in the past six months, Erling Haaland remains the most significant component in Guardiola’s jigsaw. The Norwegian goal machine had a quiet season by his high standards, finishing behind Mohamed Salah and Alexander Isak in the Premier League scoring charts. That could only serve as an added motive for him to explode in the US.

Potential starting line-up (4-2-3-1): Ederson; Ait-Nouri, Gvardiol, Dias, Akanji; Kovacic, Reijnders; Cherki, Marmoush, Doku; Haaland.

Al-Ain

League: UAE Pro League (United Arab Emirates) Head Coach: Vladimir Ivic

With 14 top-flight titles and 38 trophies overall, Al-Ain are the most successful club in the United Arab Emirates. However, their domination stretches beyond the UAE borders. Vladimir Ivic’s men defied the emergence of wealthy Saudi Pro League clubs to lift the AFC Champions League title in 2024.

Despite winning their second-ever continental title, things didn’t go Al-Ain’s way in their domestic championship last term. Though they started the competition as favorites to claim their first league crown since 2022, Al Zaeem had to settle for a dismal fifth-place finish. As a result, they will not compete in major AFC competitions next season.

Nonetheless, their Champions League triumph earned them a coveted spot at the Club World Cup. The tournament now offers Al-Ain a unique chance to restore pride and showcase their strength on the global stage despite domestic setbacks. Unfortunately, the odds remain firmly stacked against them.

Star player: Kodjo Fo-Doh Laba

Long-serving Al-Ain stalwart Kodjo Fo-Doh Laba may be unknown to wider international audiences, but his impact in Asian football is undeniable. The Togolese striker has been a nightmare for opposition defenses since joining the club in 2019 and even finished last season as the Pro League top scorer.

Potential starting line-up (4-3-3): Eisa; Erik, Kouadio, Cardoso, Traore; Nader, Park, Palacios; Kaku, Rahimi, Laba.

Wydad AC

League: Botola Head coach: Mohamed Amine Benhachem

One of Africa’s most decorated clubs, Wydad AC earned their spot at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup as Morocco’s representative, thanks to the 2022 CAF Champions League triumph. With three CAF Champions League titles and over 20 domestic trophies, the Casablanca-based giants are no strangers to elite competition.

After a turbulent 2024/25 domestic season, highlighted by a third-place finish, Wydad are eager to make a statement on the world stage. They may be the least attractive team on paper. However, other Group G participants would be naive to underestimate the so-called ‘Club of the Resistance.’

Indeed, with a passionate fanbase behind them and a rich tradition of success, Wydad head into the Club World Cup looking to cause an upset or two. Those unaware of Wydad’s supporters may want to check some YouTube videos to get a better understanding of the incredible atmosphere they create.

Star player: Samuel Obeng

Samuel Obeng will make his Wydad debut at this tournament after swapping Casa Pia for Stade Mohamed V this summer. As a rare foreigner in the squad, expectations will be high for the 28-year-old, who spent his entire career in the Iberian Peninsula before crossing the Mediterranean.

Man City’s refreshed squad could be the most exciting team to watch in the summer tournament. However, after a dismal 2024/25 season, Guardiola will likely appreciate results over entertainment. Therefore, the Citizens should seize the top spot in this group.

Meanwhile, Juventus may not be their best version, but their quality and experience still make them strong contenders for the knockout stage. Regardless of their recent struggles, the Bianconeri should have just enough to outpace Al-Ain and Wydad in the race for second place.