Philadelphia, USA – Manchester City are poised to unveil a new-look squad as they begin their Club World Cup campaign on Wednesday, with Pep Guardiola likely to hand debuts to a quartet of new signings.
City face Moroccan champions Wydad Casablanca in their Group G opener at Lincoln Financial Field, with kick-off scheduled for midday local time.
The Premier League giants arrive in the United States amid a period of squad transition, having spent £108 million last week to acquire Rayan Aït-Nouri, Rayan Cherki, Tijjani Reijnders, and goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli. The new arrivals join January signings Omar Marmoush, Nico Gonzalez, Abdukodir Khusanov, and Vitor Reis, as Guardiola refreshes his team following a disappointing 2024/25 campaign.
While Bettinelli is expected to serve as third-choice goalkeeper, the other new signings are all in contention to feature against Wydad.
The tournament also marks a symbolic turning point for City. With Kevin De Bruyne’s departure and Jack Grealish absent from the squad amid doubts over his future, Guardiola is framing the Club World Cup as the beginning of the 2025/26 season, rather than the tail-end of a trophyless year.
Among the new faces, 20-year-old Rayan Cherki has already expressed his eagerness to impress under Guardiola’s guidance.
“He’s the best coach in the world, and I think he’s the best coach in history,” said Cherki in his first interview with the club. “To work for him is an honour for me and I’m impatient to play.”
With Guardiola keen to integrate his signings early, the match could offer a first glimpse into City’s next chapter.
