Juventus can secure early passage into the FIFA Club World Cup knockout rounds when they meet Moroccan champions Wydad Casablanca in Philadelphia on Sunday. After a resounding win in their opener, the Bianconeri are within touching distance of the Last 16, while their North African opponents are already staring at an early exit following a tough start.
Making their long-awaited debut in the modern FIFA Club World Cup, Juventus announced themselves in style with a commanding 5-0 victory over Al-Ain in Washington DC. It was a performance that not only sent a message to Group G but also hinted at a rejuvenated identity under Igor Tudor, who was recently confirmed as full-time head coach following his interim stint.
All five goals were scored by the 51st minute, marking the first time since 2018 that Juventus had found the net four times in a single half. Randal Kolo Muani and Francisco Conceicao each scored twice, while rising star Kenan Yildiz added another to his growing reputation. Assists from Khephren Thuram and Alberto Costa further underlined Juve’s attacking fluency, a trait they lacked for large stretches of last season.
Despite only qualifying for this expanded edition as UEFA’s eighth-ranked side over a four-year period, the Bianconeri looked anything but second-tier in their opener. With their next match against Manchester City set to be a far tougher test, Sunday’s fixture becomes a must-win to avoid pressure heading into the final group round.
Tudor, himself a former Juventus defender, has embraced the challenge of restoring pride to a club that has endured several turbulent seasons without domestic silverware. That effort begins now on the global stage, where a place in the round of 16 is within immediate reach.
For Wydad Casablanca, the journey at this year’s Club World Cup has started much like their past two appearances: plenty of effort, but little to show for it. A 2-0 defeat to Manchester City in their opening match was perhaps expected, but it nevertheless leaves them at the foot of the group and with little margin for error.
While Amine Benhachem’s men did create some threatening chances against the European champions, their lack of composure in the final third and defensive fragility were exposed by City’s clinical edge. That loss extended Wydad’s winless run in this competition to four games, with only one draw and three defeats now on their Club World Cup record.
Their place in this edition was secured by virtue of their 2022 CAF Champions League triumph, but continental dominance has not yet translated into competitive credibility on the global stage. Still, the Casablanca-based side remain the most decorated team in Moroccan football history, boasting 22 league titles and a fiercely passionate fan base.
If Wydad are to extend their stay in the United States, they must earn at least a point against Juventus. Anything less would leave them needing a win over Al-Ain in their final group match, and hoping for favourable results elsewhere, to have a chance of progressing. The Hard Tackle takes a look at how both sides could line up and what tactics they might employ on the day.
Juventus head into their second Group G fixture at the Club World Cup with most of their core squad available, but a few notable absentees remain. Arkadiusz Milik and Gleison Bremer, both recently back in training following extended spells on the sidelines, have not been registered for the tournament and will play no part in the United States. Backup goalkeeper Mattia Perin and defender Juan Cabal also remain out due to injury.
There is, however, positive news for head coach Igor Tudor as Manuel Locatelli, who missed Italy duty earlier this month due to an ankle injury, is now nearing full fitness. The influential midfielder may be recalled straight into the starting eleven as the Bianconeri look to secure progression before facing Manchester City in their final group match. Tudor may also consider light rotation to manage workloads, with players like Dusan Vlahovic, Teun Koopmeiners, and Douglas Luiz pushing for minutes.
Tudor is expected to stick with the 3-4-2-1 formation that served Juventus well in their emphatic win over Al-Ain. Michele Di Gregorio will continue in goal after keeping a clean sheet in the opener. In defence, Pierre Kalulu and Federico Gatti are expected to occupy the right and central roles respectively, with Lloyd Kelly on the left of the back three, providing balance and composure in distribution.
The midfield four will likely include Andrea Cambiaso at left wing-back and Nicolas Gonzalez on the right. In central midfield, Khephren Thuram should retain his place following a strong showing in the opener, and if passed fit, Manuel Locatelli will partner him to offer control, tempo, and defensive cover.
In the two advanced playmaker roles behind the striker, Francisco Conceicao and Kenan Yildiz will provide the creative spark, having both contributed with goals in the first match. Leading the line is expected to be Randal Kolo Muani, who scored twice against Al-Ain and offers dynamic movement and pressing from the front. However, Dusan Vlahovic remains a strong alternative if Tudor opts for rotation.
Probable Lineup (3-4-2-1): Di Gregorio; Kalulu, Gatti, Kelly; Gonzalez, Thuram, Locatelli, Cambiaso; Conceicao, Yildiz; Kolo Muani
Wydad Casablanca head into Sunday’s clash against Juventus with a fully-fit squad and no suspension concerns, allowing head coach Amine Benhachem to name his strongest possible starting XI in a match that could decide their Club World Cup fate. Anything less than a point could effectively eliminate the Moroccan giants from the tournament, making this a do-or-die fixture.
Veteran wide man Nordin Amrabat is expected to retain his place in the lineup following a spirited outing against Manchester City. The experienced winger brings leadership and composure, attributes that will be key against high-quality opposition. Up front, Thembinkosi Lorch is also likely to continue after a lively performance in the opener, where he registered three shots and made seven touches inside the City penalty area. His movement and technical ability offer Wydad their best chance of unsettling the Juventus defence.
If Benhachem chooses to rotate in attack, Mohamed Rayhi could be promoted from the bench. The Dutch-born attacker, who scored 11 league goals last season, is a proven finisher and would offer a more direct threat in the final third. Should Rayhi start, Cassius Mailula, on loan from Toronto FC, would be the player to make way.
Tactically, Wydad are likely to continue with a 5-4-1 formation, designed to remain compact and soak up pressure while trying to hit on the counter. Mehdi Benabid will start in goal, behind a five-man defensive unit. Fahd Moufi will occupy the right-back slot, while the centre-back trio is expected to feature Bart Meijers, Abdelmounaim Boutouil, and Guilherme Ferreira. Mohamed Moufid will take up the left wing-back role, offering both defensive coverage and wide support in transitions.
In midfield, Nordin Amrabat will line up on the right flank, with Mickael Malsa and El Mehdi El Moubarik anchoring the central roles, providing both defensive steel and distribution. On the left, Thembinkosi Lorch will operate with a license to drift centrally and support the lone striker.
Leading the line for Wydad Casablanca, Mohamed Rayhi is expected to get the nod in the No. 9 role, tasked with making the most of limited chances and pressing Juventus’s back line during build-up phases.
Probable Lineup (5-4-1): Benabid; Moufi, Meijers, Boutouil, Ferreira, Moufid; Amrabat, Malsa, El Moubarik, Lorch; Rayhi
In a match where Juventus are expected to dominate possession and create chances, Randal Kolo Muani stands out as the player most likely to make the difference. His pace, intelligent movement, and finishing ability make him a nightmare for stretched defences, especially one like Wydad Casablanca’s, which has shown vulnerabilities under pressure.
After scoring twice in Juventus’s opening win over Al-Ain, Kolo Muani comes into this fixture full of confidence and sharpness. His ability to time runs behind the backline and exploit space in transition will be crucial against a side that defends deep and looks to counter. Whether stretching the defence, linking up with creative midfielders, or finishing off attacking moves, Kolo Muani offers a complete forward presence.
If Juventus are to secure qualification before facing Manchester City, they will need composure and cutting edge in the final third, qualities that Randal Kolo Muani has already demonstrated in abundance. That makes him the clear player to watch in Philadelphia.
On paper and form, Juventus hold a clear advantage. With momentum, tactical clarity, and a sharp frontline, they are expected to dictate the game from the outset. Wydad Casablanca have the potential to disrupt with energy and individual flair, but unless they drastically improve their execution in the final third, it is hard to see them containing the Italians for 90 minutes.
