Juventus vs Wydad Casablanca

Juventus, one of Italy’s most storied football clubs, stand on the brink of progression from Group G in the newly formatted FIFA Club World Cup. Their passage into the knockout stage could be assured with a win over Moroccan side Wydad AC in their second group-stage fixture, set to take place this Sunday in Philadelphia. Having started their campaign with a commanding five-goal victory, the Bianconeri arrive at this crucial juncture full of momentum, while Wydad enter the match still chasing their first-ever win in this global tournament, having been outclassed in their opener by European champions Manchester City.

The Club World Cup has undergone significant transformation in recent times, and Juventus have finally joined the ranks of teams competing in the restructured tournament. Although they were twice crowned champions in the earlier Intercontinental Cup era—back in 1985 and 1996—this year marks their inaugural appearance in the FIFA-sanctioned Club World Cup, an event that now showcases the elite from each confederation over a longer format. Juventus secured their place in the expanded competition not as champions of Europe, but by earning sufficient ranking points to qualify as UEFA’s eighth-best eligible team across the last four-year cycle. That said, their form in their opening match made it clear they were here to compete for the title.

Their tournament debut came against Al-Ain in Washington DC, and the Italian giants wasted no time making a statement. Dominating from the outset, Juventus netted four times in the opening 45 minutes, putting the match beyond doubt by halftime. This explosive performance marked the first time since 2018 that the club had scored four goals before the break in a single game—a statistic that illustrates both their attacking prowess and the rarity of such emphatic displays in recent seasons. By the final whistle, the scoreboard read 5-0 in favor of the Serie A side, a result that could have been even more one-sided given the flow of play.

The scorers were led by Randal Kolo Muani and Francisco Conceição, who each found the net twice. Kenan Yildiz, a rising star in Juve's lineup, added another goal to continue his steady rise within the squad. Behind those goals were standout performances from Alberto Costa and Khephren Thuram, both of whom contributed two assists each, orchestrating Juventus’ fluid offensive movements with precision and creativity. It was a performance that spoke volumes not just about the individual quality within the squad but also about their renewed sense of purpose under their new leadership.

That leadership comes in the form of Igor Tudor, a former Juventus defender who recently assumed the role of permanent head coach. After spending the latter part of the previous campaign as interim manager, Tudor was handed the reins on a full-time basis—a decision made with hopes of restoring Juventus to the summit of both domestic and international football. The club has been without a league title for an unusually extended period, and off-field controversies have continued to plague its operations. Amid such turbulence, Tudor’s task has been to steady the ship and instill a winning mentality in a squad that too often drew games they should have won last season.

The opening win over Al-Ain not only provided a morale boost but also reinforced confidence in Tudor’s tactics and squad selection. The commanding victory in their first outing sets the tone for their encounter with Wydad AC, a match that offers them the chance to all but secure qualification into the round of 16. With their final group-stage game coming against Manchester City—a fixture many see as the battle for group supremacy—Juventus would be wise to ensure their progression before that potentially decisive clash. The stakes could not be clearer: a win against Wydad would almost certainly lock up their place in the next round, relieving pressure ahead of the City match and possibly even allowing for squad rotation.

Wydad AC, on the other hand, find themselves facing an uphill battle. Their tournament began with a difficult challenge against Manchester City, the reigning European champions, and the result was as expected. Though the Moroccan side showed moments of promise, they were largely second-best throughout the encounter. By halftime, City had already put two goals past them, and though Wydad managed to create a few opportunities in the second half, none were converted into goals. The 2-0 defeat, while not humiliating, placed Wydad under immediate pressure in a group featuring such high-caliber opposition.

Historically speaking, Wydad are a dominant force in African club football. Based in Casablanca, they have amassed 22 Moroccan league titles, more than any other club in the country. Their most recent domestic triumph came in 2022, and they have also experienced continental success, winning the CAF Champions League. That triumph three years ago earned them a spot in this expanded Club World Cup. Yet, despite their regional dominance, Wydad have struggled to make their mark on the global stage. This year’s edition is their third appearance at the Club World Cup, and across their previous matches, they have yet to register a win, managing only one draw in four attempts.

Against Manchester City, Wydad’s limitations were exposed. While they tried to compete physically and created some half-chances, the technical superiority and depth of talent possessed by the English side were simply too much to handle. Their defense struggled to contain City’s dynamic attack, and their midfield was frequently overrun. Nonetheless, their willingness to go forward and take risks suggests they won’t be a passive opponent against Juventus. They understand that another loss will almost certainly eliminate them from contention, rendering their final group match against Al-Ain little more than a formality. That desperation could make them dangerous, particularly if Juventus approach the match with even the slightest degree of complacency.

For Wydad to have any hope of upsetting the odds, they will need to summon their best football and perhaps lean on the individual brilliance of key players like El Mehdi El Moubarik. The midfielder has been a consistent performer for the Moroccan side and will need to orchestrate play from the center of the park while also offering defensive cover. His link-up with forwards like Cassius Mailula and Sidi Bouna Amar, who were involved in the buildup to their lone goal against City in December 2024, will be crucial if Wydad are to pose any threat to Juventus' back line. That trio represents the heart of Wydad’s attacking identity, and all three will need to be at their best to break down the Italian side’s disciplined defense.

From a tactical perspective, Wydad may attempt to frustrate Juventus with a compact, defensive setup, aiming to limit space between the lines and catch their opponents on the counterattack. They will be fully aware that going toe-to-toe with Juventus in a possession battle is a losing strategy, so expect a cautious start designed to absorb pressure while looking for opportunities to spring forward quickly. However, as the match progresses and if the score remains level, Wydad may be forced to open up, which could play directly into Juventus' hands.

Juventus, for their part, are unlikely to deviate from the formula that delivered such a resounding victory in their first match. The blend of youthful exuberance and experienced campaigners in their squad gives them both energy and control. Tudor’s preferred 3-5-2 system allows for fluid transitions between defense and attack, and with players like Thuram and Costa pulling the strings in midfield, Juve have multiple avenues through which to hurt opponents. In the final third, Kolo Muani and Conceição have already demonstrated their clinical edge, while Yildiz continues to grow into his role as an attacking fulcrum.

If there is any concern for Juventus heading into this match, it might lie in overconfidence. Coming off such a dominant performance, there is always the risk of underestimating an opponent that, on paper, appears weaker. But Tudor will be keen to keep his players grounded and focused, knowing that only consistent performances can lead them to the trophy they now seem intent on claiming. The Club World Cup may not carry the same weight as the UEFA Champions League or even the Scudetto for Juventus fans, but winning it would mark a significant achievement and possibly signal the beginning of a new era under Tudor’s leadership.

With all of this in mind, Sunday’s encounter at Lincoln Financial Field is shaping up to be a pivotal moment in Group G. For Juventus, it’s an opportunity to confirm their place among the tournament’s elite and continue building toward a title run. For Wydad AC, it’s a chance to earn respect on the global stage and keep their hopes alive for another few days. The stakes are high, the setting grand, and the football should be compelling. Whether Juventus maintain their flawless start or Wydad rise to the occasion remains to be seen, but either way, the match promises to be a defining chapter in both teams’ Club World Cup journeys.v