Wydad AC’s FIFA Club World Cup campaign came to an end following a heavy 4–1 defeat to Juventus, a result that confirmed their elimination from the competition.
Having opened their group-stage campaign with a 2–0 loss to Manchester City, the Moroccan champions knew they needed a strong response to keep their qualification hopes alive. However, Juventus proved too strong on the day, controlling proceedings and asserting their dominance from the opening stages.
Kenan Yıldız struck twice early in the match to put the Italian giants firmly in control. Wydad attempted to mount a comeback when Thembinkosi Lorch pulled a goal back, briefly raising hopes of a turnaround, but Juventus continued to dictate the tempo and limit Wydad’s attacking threat.
Yıldız completed his brace in the second half, underlining his influence on the game, before Dušan Vlahović sealed the victory with a late penalty to cap a comprehensive performance by the Serie A side.
The defeat leaves Wydad without a point and rooted to the bottom of their group, mathematically ending their chances of progressing to the knockout stages.
Even in the most unlikely scenario—requiring Al Ain to defeat Manchester City and Wydad to win their remaining fixtures—the Moroccan side would still face an uphill battle, with qualification remaining highly improbable.
As a result, Wydad’s Club World Cup journey draws to a disappointing close, with lessons to be taken as they turn their focus back to domestic and continental competitions.
