Manchester City start Club World Cup with comfortable win over Wydad Casablanca

Phil Foden opened the scoring inside two minutes, capitalizing on a defensive lapse to give City an early lead. Jeremy Doku added a second just before half-time, heading home from a Foden corner to seal the result in a contest largely dominated by the Premier League champions.

While City enjoyed the lion's share of possession and chances, the game wasn't without its blemishes. Right-back Rico Lewis was shown a straight red card in the closing minutes for a dangerous high challenge on Wydad substitute Samuel Obeng, meaning he will miss City's next group match.

The win was a welcome boost for Pep Guardiola's side, who are looking to finish the calendar year on a high after a frustrating domestic and European campaign. The reigning European champions now turn their attention to Sunday's clash with UAE outfit Al Ain before closing Group G against Juventus.

Guardiola opted for a rotated, experimental XI in City's opener, handing debuts to new arrivals Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Cherki, while 18-year-old defender Vitor Reis made just his third start since joining the club in January.

Despite the relative inexperience in parts of the lineup, City settled quickly. Foden was alert to pounce on a loose ball in the box after Wydad keeper El Mehdi Benabid failed to deal with Savinho's cross. The early goal settled City into their rhythm, though Wydad had moments of their own.

The Moroccan side, recent winners of the CAF Champions League, showed glimpses of attacking intent. Thembinkosi Lorch nearly caught Ederson off his line with a speculative effort from distance, while Cassius Mailula missed a clear chance after being set up by Lorch following a rare defensive miscue from Reis.

City responded by reasserting control. Foden was again involved just before the break, this time turning provider as his corner was met by Doku, who rose well to make it 2–0 in the 42nd minute.

Doku could have added a second early in the second half after intercepting a loose pass but failed to beat the keeper in a one-on-one.

With the match largely settled, Guardiola rotated heavily in the second half. Foden, Doku, and Cherki were all withdrawn around the hour mark, with senior figures Rodri and Erling Haaland coming on to manage the closing stages.

City will be without Lewis for their next outing following his late dismissal. The 20-year-old saw red after catching Obeng high with his studs - a decision that left no room for debate from referee Raphael Claus.

The Citizens next face Al Ain in Atlanta on Sunday, with a win likely to secure progression to the knockout rounds.