Manchester City sat top of Group G of the 2025 Club World Cup with a perfect nine points and a staggering +11 goal difference – the only team to win all three games.
Juventus followed in second with six points and a +5 goal difference, securing second place despite a heavy defeat.
Al Ain managed just three points, edging out Wydad AC, who finished pointless.
That set City and Juventus off into the Round of 16, while Al Ain and Wydad bowed out.
Manchester City: Champions Return & Group Winners
City took their place as UEFA’s top dog after lifting the 2023 Champions League, and they carried that dominance into Group G.
Their tournament opener came on June 18 in Philadelphia, facing Wydad AC, and they closed that match with a strong 2-0 win.
However, a Rico Lewis red card in the closing stages was a mood dampener.
June 22 in Philadelphia saw City face Al Ain, beating them 6-0, delivering a crushing display of attacking strength.
Their final group stage fixture against Juventus in Orlando defined their group dominance.
City produced a night to remember, beating the Italian side 5-2 with Rodri’s return to the XI much for Pep Guardiola to be pleased about.
City opened through Jeremy Doku , and although Juventus replied, City never looked back.
An own goal by Pierre Kalulu, Erling Haaland’s 300th career goal, Phil Foden’s strike, and Savinho’s curling effort sealed the 5-2 win.
Al-Hilal are Manchester City’s next opponents at the tournament.
Juventus: Strong Run, Second Place Clinched
Juventus entered via UEFA club ranking, the highest from Italy.
They kicked off on June 19 against Al Ain, delivering a statement 5-0 win, powered by several first-half goals.
That dominant opener built momentum, but the group would test them further.
Matchday 2 against Wydad saw another expansive 4-1 victory, confirming their path to advance.
Heading into the final showdown with City, Juve knew a draw would have sufficed for first but faced a rampant opponent.
Despite a valiant effort, Juventus collapsed in Orlando, conceding five goals but still scoring twice.
Having finished second on six points (+5 GD), the Italian club will take on Real Madrid in the Round of 16.
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Al Ain: AFC Champions Struggle at Club World Cup
Al Ain qualified by topping the 2024 AFC Champions League, claiming their slot in Group G.
Their campaign began disastrously – a 5-0 loss to Juventus sparked questions.
Against Manchester City, another thrashing followed, this time 6-0.
Relegated to the “dead rubber” final game on June 26, they faced Wydad in D.C. in sweltering heat and humidity.
Both sides were already eliminated, but it was Al Ain who walked away with a 2-1 win.
That victory gave them three points, enough to edge Wydad and end on a hopeful note, even if out of the tournament.
Wydad AC: Morocco’s Hope Falls Flat
Wydad grabbed their berth as CAF’s representative, but their trip to North America ended in disappointment.
The opening 2-0 loss to City was a tough opener, and it was followed by a 4-1 loss to Juventus.
Their final match, eliminated and exhausted, ended in that 2-1 loss to Al Ain – an early goal squandered, penalty conceded, and mounted defeat.
With zero points and a -6 GD, Wydad bowed out of the 2025 Club World Cup.
Main Photo
Credit: IMAGO / Sportimage
Recording Date: 26.06.2025