Today’s Club World Cup Lineup: Mbappe, Haaland, Vinicius Set for Club World Cup Debuts on Day 5

 

Day 5 of the Club World Cup 2025 sees Mbappe, Haaland, Vinicius Jr. take the stage as Man City and Real Madrid debut in this historic tournament! 🌍⚽️

City face Wydad AC with new signings Ait-Nouri, Reijnders & Cherki ready, while Madrid kick off the Alonso era with TAA and Dean Huijsen set to debut. Pachuca and Salzburg open the day, and Juventus close the action in Washington vs Al Ain.

Manchester City vs Wydad AC

Manchester City open their Club World Cup campaign against Moroccan giants Wydad AC at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. City are strong contenders, having qualified by winning the 2022-23 UEFA Champions League. They will showcase new signings Tijjani Reijnders, Rayan Ait-Nouri, and Rayan Cherki. Midfield mainstay Rodri may return from a long-term injury, giving Pep Guardiola’s side a further boost.

Wydad enter with underdog status but rich continental history, having lifted the CAF Champions League in 2022. Their squad includes recent reinforcement Nordin Amrabat, and Mohamed Amine Benhachem has just taken over as manager.

The venue, a multi-sport arena and home to the NFL's Philadelphia Eagles, adds another prestigious international fixture to its history. Both teams are eager to start strong in Group G, but the expectations lean heavily toward City. Phil Foden mentioned the team’s ambition to make history by winning the expanded 32-team edition of the tournament.

Wydad defender Jamal Harkass stressed his team’s intent to play without fear and honor their club's reputation. The clash promises attacking football, and Wydad’s ability to stay organized defensively will be crucial to keeping Haaland and company at bay.

see also: Juventus lead the race to sign Osimhen, but face these obstacles 

Real Madrid vs Al Hilal

Real Madrid and Al Hilal clash in Group H at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. This match marks the first competitive fixture under new Madrid boss Xabi Alonso, who recently arrived from Bayer Leverkusen. Madrid are Club World Cup royalty, with five previous titles and recent Champions League wins in 2022 and 2024.

New faces for Madrid include Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dean Huijsen, both expected to debut. Vinicius Jr., the 2024 FIFA Best Men’s Player, headlines the squad. Al Hilal also arrive with a new coach Simone Inzaghi, formerly of Inter Milan. Their key striker, Aleksandar Mitrovic, is doubtful due to a calf injury.

Madrid are tipped as heavy favorites, but Al Hilal carry Asian pedigree after winning the 2021 AFC Champions League. Club captain Dani Carvajal emphasized that Real Madrid’s ambition is simple: win everything.

Hard Rock Stadium, already a venue for the 2026 World Cup, adds this blockbuster to its star-studded list of events. Madrid will look to control possession and play their high-press game, while Al Hilal may try to strike on the break.

Pachuca vs FC Salzburg

CF Pachuca and FC Salzburg begin the day’s action in Cincinnati’s TQL Stadium. This is the first time these two clubs face off, and both will be aiming to set the tone in Group H. Pachuca enter as CONCACAF Champions Cup winners but have been inconsistent domestically. Led by new manager Jaime Lozano, they’ll rely on star striker Salomón Rondón, who netted 17 goals this season.

Other key players include Oussama Idrissi and captain Óscar Murillo, and recent signings like Sebastián Jurado and Robert Kenedy aim to strengthen the squad.

On the Austrian side, FC Salzburg make history as the first Austrian club in a FIFA tournament. They finished second in their league and boast exciting young talent, notably Oscar Gloukh and Nene Dorgeles. Salzburg parted ways with former coach Pepijn Lijnders in late 2024 and now operate under Thomas Letsch.

Despite turmoil, their high-energy pressing game can cause problems, especially if Gloukh is allowed space. Pachuca’s physical style and home-continent advantage could be decisive. Salzburg have struggled defensively away from home, which may give Pachuca a clear route to goal.

Prediction leans slightly in Pachuca’s favor: 2-1 win in a game likely to see goals from both sides.

Juventus vs Al Ain

The final game of the day sees Juventus face UAE champions Al Ain FC at Audi Field in Washington. Al Ain earned their spot by winning the 2023-24 AFC Champions League, while Juventus qualified through UEFA’s club ranking pathway after consistent continental performances.

Al Ain will rely on star forward Soufiane Rahimi, and former Roma keeper Rui Patrício will make his club debut. Juventus are coached by Igor Tudor, who declared his team’s intent to fight for the trophy, not just participate. However, they may be without Teun Koopmeiners and Federico Gatti, both returning from injury and unlikely to start.

Weston McKennie spoke of the excitement of playing this tournament in the US, calling it a huge opportunity for the club. Tudor stressed that Juve will approach the tournament with full seriousness and the ambition to win.

The stadium, home to D.C. United of Major League Soccer, is one of several US venues featured in the tournament. Juventus are expected to dominate possession, while Al Ain may sit deep and counterattack.

The Italian giants should have the edge, but Al Ain’s recent continental success and experience could make it closer than expected. Expect Juventus to grow stronger as the match goes on, potentially sealing a narrow victory.