One of Africa's best teams in recent years, Wydad will look to carry that form to the U.S. for the Club World Cup
There are minimal expectations for Wydad Casablanca at the Club World Cup this summer – by most accounts, they're a team that will just be happy to be there. However, there's always a competitive edge to these tournaments, where a minnow looks to make a statement against the whales – and one of them often does. Could that be the Moroccan side this summer?
The pride of a nation which has broken out in recent major tournaments, including the 2022 FIFA World Cup and the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, Wydad will look to take Moroccan football to new heights with a statement performance.
"They gave us an example that you can win against big countries, and we can do the same," said Dutch winger Mohamed Rayhi, who plays for Wydad AC. "If we win or get a good draw, then we will put Wydad in a very good position, and we can show the world that Morocco is a very, very good footballing country."
Club president Ait Menna believes Wydad’s supporters will separate them from the field, too.
"They’re going to discover one of the best crowds in the world – and many of the titles Wydad have won have been thanks to their fans," Ait Menna said. "Wydad have always been a pioneer, and it is a continuation of that history to see Wydad become the country’s first representatives in this competition. It's a tremendous honor for us, and it's still a big challenge to represent the country, especially after the national team's achievements."
With African and Moroccan football watching, can Wydad put on a show?
The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup will be played in 12 stadiums in 11 U.S. cities, from the opener on June 14 until the final on July 13. In the U.S., fans can stream or watch matches on DAZN or TNT. Leading up to kickoff, GOAL will provide scouting reports on each of the 32 participating teams in the expanded field.
Next up is Wydad Casablanca, with a look at key players to watch, and expectations for the Moroccan side at the tournament.
The Basics
DOMESTIC LEAGUE: Botola Pro
CLUB WORLD CUP HISTORY: One appearance (2017)
GROUP: G (Al Ain, Juventus, Man City, Wydad Casablanca)
OPENING MATCH: Man City – June 18, noon, Philadelphia
AdvertisementAFPHow they got here
Wydad qualified for the 2025 FIFA World Cup by winning the CAF Champions League title in 2022 – the third in their storied history.
Getty ImagesThe player to watch
Mohamed Rayhi is a star attacker who has led Wydad in scoring in the 2024-25 season. The Dutch winger, a product of the PSV academy, joined in July 2024 and has had a breakout campaign since arriving from Al Jabalain on a free transfer. He has 10 goals in 16 starts this campaign.
Another player to keep an eye on is 23-year-old South African striker Cassius Mailula, on loan from Toronto FC, who leads the team in assists with seven across 1,626 minutes played this season. He also has three goals.
AFPRealistic expectations
Wydad will be thrilled to get just even a point in the tournament this summer, but of course, each team wants to advance into the knockouts – regardless of circumstances.
Both Juventus and Manchester City will challenging, but tournament football always presents opportunity. Just ask Saudi Arabia, who were the only team to defeat Argentina at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Wydad's best chance will be against Al Ain. The Arab side are inexperienced, and Wydad's recent triumphs at the CAF level should have them prepared for a match of that caliber. If they can manage three points, and potentially secure a draw against either City or the it could set them up for the knockout round.
