Manchester City’s second Group G fixture at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup sees them take on Al Ain at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium on 23 June. With both sides having opened their campaigns earlier in the week, this match is crucial for shaping the group’s outcome and each team’s hopes of progression.
City began their Club World Cup journey with a composed 2-0 win over Wydad Casablanca, a result that puts them in a strong position to secure early qualification for the knockout rounds.
Phil Foden was instrumental in that victory, contributing a goal and an assist, while City’s defensive structure limited Wydad to few clear chances. The only blemish was Rico Lewis’s late red card, which will see him suspended for this encounter.
Pep Guardiola’s squad remains one of the most talented in the competition, boasting depth in every department. Ederson and Stefan Ortega provide security in goal, while the back line is anchored by Rúben Dias, John Stones, and Josko Gvardiol. In midfield, the likes of Rodri and Bernardo Silva offer both control and creativity, with Ilkay Gündogan and Phil Foden providing further options. Up front, Erling Haaland leads the line, supported by Jérémy Doku and Omar Marmoush.
After a season that saw City finish third in the Premier League and fall short in the FA Cup final, their form in 2025 has improved markedly, with the team collecting more league points than any other English side in the calendar year. City’s attacking output remains prolific, averaging over 2.5 goals per game in recent fixtures, and they are widely tipped to progress deep into the tournament.
Al Ain arrive at this fixture as clear underdogs, having suffered a heavy defeat to Juventus in their opening group match. The UAE club, the most successful in their domestic league with 14 titles, have struggled for consistency in recent months, finishing fifth in the UAE Pro League and bottom of their AFC Champions League group. Their 2024 continental triumph remains a highlight, but a disappointing domestic campaign led to a change in management, with Vladimir Ivić taking over from Hernán Crespo.
Despite their underdog status, Al Ain’s pedigree in the region is significant. They famously reached the Club World Cup final as hosts in 2018, and their squad includes experienced players such as goalkeeper Rui Patricio and Khalid Eisa, as well as defensive stalwarts Kouame Autonne and Erik Jorgens. However, their recent form suggests they face an uphill task against elite European opposition.
Manchester City 3-0 Al Ain
