Tijjani Reijnders makes his debut in Manchester City's first match at the Club World Cup. The Dutch international is given a spot in the starting lineup by Pep Guardiola against Wydad Casablanca.
Embed from Getty Images
Manchester City begin their FIFA Club World Cup campaign with a high-profile encounter against Wydad Casablanca, kicking off at 18:00 local time.
As reigning European champions, City come into the tournament with a reinforced squad and the ambition to claim a title that has so far eluded them. One of the central storylines going into the match is the debut of new signing Tijjani Reijnders, who was brought in last week from AC Milan for a substantial transfer fee. The Dutch international, known for his technical skill and intelligence in midfield, has been immediately integrated into Pep Guardiola’s starting eleven for this opening match.
Reijnders was one of three major reinforcements completed by City ahead of the tournament, alongside French attacker Rayan Cherki and Algerian full-back Rayan Aït-Nouri. All three were identified as key additions capable of adding depth and dynamism to an already world-class squad. Their signings reflect not only Guardiola’s long-term vision but also City’s intent to treat the Club World Cup as a serious objective rather than a distraction. The match against Wydad marks the official debut for both Reijnders and Cherki in a City shirt, and both are expected to play prominent roles from the outset.
Deployed in midfield, Reijnders is joined by Cherki and homegrown talent Phil Foden in a highly offensive trio that underlines City’s approach: possession, intensity, and attacking fluidity. The Dutchman’s arrival has been met with excitement, with many seeing him as a player who can dictate rhythm, exploit spaces between the lines, and contribute on both ends of the pitch. His quick adaptation to Guardiola’s style will be crucial not only in this tournament but also as the club moves into the second half of a demanding season across multiple competitions.
City also welcome back Nathan Aké, who starts in central defense after recovering from a recent foot injury. The 30-year-old brings both experience and composure, and his return adds valuable depth to the defensive setup. Guardiola has chosen to rest star striker Erling Haaland for this match, starting him on the bench, likely to manage his workload ahead of more decisive fixtures. In his place, new acquisition Omar Marmoush leads the line. The Egyptian forward, known for his pace and sharp movement, offers a different attacking profile and may prove to be a surprise weapon against Wydad’s backline.
The Moroccan champions, however, are not to be underestimated. Wydad Casablanca is one of Africa’s most decorated clubs and comes into the tournament with the pride of representing the host region. Their squad features several seasoned players, including two names familiar to European audiences. Leading the side is 38-year-old veteran Nordin Amrabat, who joined Wydad on a free transfer from Hull City. With a wealth of experience at both club and international level, Amrabat provides leadership, aggression, and a competitive edge that will be vital in a match of this magnitude.
Alongside him is another Dutch player, Bart Meijers, who starts in central defense. The 28-year-old, originally from Breda, made the move from Borac Banja Luka earlier this month and will now face the biggest test of his career against one of the world’s most fearsome attacking sides. His inclusion adds a European flavour to Wydad’s defence and gives the team a calm, physical presence at the back. For Meijers, the opportunity to perform on this stage could open the door to further international exposure.
The match holds significant importance for both sides. For Manchester City, it represents not only the start of their Club World Cup journey but also a glimpse into the club’s future. Integrating new signings, managing key players, and maintaining high standards of performance are all part of Guardiola’s long-term strategy. The presence of Reijnders and Cherki in the starting eleven is a clear message that the club is evolving once again, adding freshness and youth to a squad that continues to chase perfection.
For Wydad, facing Manchester City is as much a challenge as it is an opportunity. Playing against the Champions League winners in a global competition brings enormous visibility and prestige. With experienced leaders and hungry talents, the Moroccan side will look to frustrate City’s rhythm, capitalize on any defensive lapses, and make the most of their physical presence and home-region familiarity.
As kickoff approaches, anticipation continues to build. All eyes will be on how Manchester City’s new signings adapt, how Reijnders handles the pressure of a debut on such a stage, and whether Wydad Casablanca can rise to the occasion against one of football’s modern giants. The Club World Cup may not carry the same glamour as the Champions League, but for City, this is a chance to add a new chapter to their historic run and for players like Reijnders, it’s the perfect moment to start writing their own.
Updated: 04:35, 18 Jun 2025
