Manchester City enter the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup with bold new signings and a few high-profile omissions.
City enters the tournament with high hopes, strong reinforcements, and the chance to show they’re still a global football powerhouse.
City Aim To Bounce Back In Club World Cup Campaign
Manchester City (1.08) begin their 2025 FIFA Club World Cup campaign against Wydad Casablanca (23.00) on 18 June in the United States. After a forgettable 2024–25 season, Pep Guardiola’s side looks to reset with a fresh squad and global attention on their progress.
City’s group includes Wydad Casablanca, Al Ain, and Juventus—three matches in rapid succession for a team under immense scrutiny. The tournament offers City a platform to rebuild and regain their competitive edge ahead of the new campaign.
Squad Rules Offer Flexibility For Clubs
FIFA requires participating teams to name squads of 26 to 35 players for the revamped Club World Cup tournament.
Clubs may make changes midway, between June 27 and July 3, including adding up to six new players if needed. Additions can include players whose contracts expired or up to two fresh players beyond the initial 35-player squad cap.
FIFA must be notified 48 hours before kickoff for new players to be eligible for any upcoming matches. Players cannot represent more than one team during the tournament, ensuring consistent squad identity across all fixtures.
New Signings Strengthen City’s Core
City have signed four new players, led by midfield talent Tijjani Reijnders from AC Milan for £46.5 million. Reijnders has impressed with his rapid rise in Italy and brings a creative spark and energy to City’s midfield setup.
Rayan Cherki joins from Lyon for £30.5 million and brings flair and vision to City’s attacking midfield options. Rayan Aït-Nouri arrives from Wolves for up to £36.3 million, solving a key gap at left back for Guardiola.
Third-choice goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli, although unlikely to feature, travels with the squad for additional depth and cover.
Big Names Left Behind
Jack Grealish misses out as he nears an expected move away from the Etihad, with Newcastle leading the chase. Kevin De Bruyne is also omitted, with his contract ending in June and a potential move to Napoli on the horizon.
James McAtee opted to represent England at the U21 Euros, choosing national duty over a Club World Cup spot. Midfielder Mateo Kovačić is absent due to injury, further reshaping the dynamics of City’s midfield rotation this tournament.
These omissions mark a transitional phase for City as they usher in a new era with fresh faces and ambition.
