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Man City learn FIFA Club World Cup opponents and open competition against former African champions

MIAMI, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 05: Gloria Estefan draws Manchester City during the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup Draw at Telemundo Studios on December 05, 2024 in Miami, Florida.  (Photo by Marco Bello - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)


Manchester City will face Juventus in next summer's expanded FIFA Club World Cup as they look to defend their title as world champions under Pep Guardiola.

City won the last edition of the competition in Saudi Arabia in 2023, beating Fluminense in the final to complete their set of major trophies at the time.

Pep Guardiola has extended his contract so will take City to the USA for the Club World Cup, and now knows he will face Juventus, Wydad and Abu Dhabi outfit Al Ain.

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The Blues will be in Group G for the tournament, with their opening fixture against former African Champions Wydad Casablanca. Wydad have won the Moroccan league 22 times and qualified by winning the 2022 AFC Champions League - their third title.

City owner Sheikh Mansour will be interested in City's second fixture against Abu Dhabi side Al Ain, who won the 2024 AFC Champions League.

The final group game will be a high-profile clash with Juventus - next week's opponents in the Champions League. They boast former City players Danilo and Douglas Luiz in their ranks.

FIFA will confirm City's schedule and venues after the draw, taking into account geographical logistics, broadcast times and travel considerations for teams.