Man City's CWC group: Sheikh Mansour's brother, Juventus and African surprise

Pep Guardiola's big names may not be overly enthused about FIFA's new tournament but they are among the favourites to go all the way with final group game a tasty one

Some of Pep Guardiola’s players have aired their grievances at the end of a gruelling season that could be their first without a trophy in eight. But they are still one of the favourites to go the distance here - and rack up the fatigue that has stars such as Manuel Akanji irritated to be involved.

City, who have left Jack Grealish at home in a shock decision but included new men Rayan Cherki and Rayan Ait-Nouri, begin their campaign against Morocco’s Wydad Casablanca in Philadelphia before taking on UAE side Al Ain in Atlanta and Juventus in Orlando.

Al Ain’s president for those interested in such things is Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed al Nahyan, a brother of City’s owner Sheikh Mansour.

Here is your guide to their Group G opponents.

Wydad AC

Philadelphia, Lincoln Financial Field – June 18, 12pm EDT/5pm BST

How did they qualify?

The 22-times Moroccan champions won the African Champions League in 2022 but they have struggled domestically this season.

Who is the head coach?

Mohamed Amine Benhachem - appointed interim boss in late April and they won their three remaining fixtures to build some sense of positivity.

Player to watch?

Wide man Mohamed Rayhi was the Botola Pro's top scorer in 2024-25 and he is likely to be at the heart of anything positive that comes from their campaign.

Al Ain

Atlanta, Mercedes-Benz Stadium – June 23, 9pm EDT/2am BST

How did they qualify?

They won the 2024 African Champions League, led by Hernan Crespo.

Who is the head coach?

Vladimir Ivic - best known to English fans as one of those who lasted a wet week on the Watford carousel. The Serbian won 10 of 22 games in charge between August and December 2020. He took over at Al Ain in February as Crespo’s replacement following a dip in domestic form.

Player to watch?

Morocco international Soufiane Rahimi, who was top scorer in Al Ain's successful Champions League campaign and a bronze medalist at last year's Olympic Games.

Juventus

Orlando, Camping World Stadium – June 26, 3pm EDT/8pm BST

How did they qualify?

Chosen as the eighth-best ranked UEFA team based on the four-year cycle.

Who is the head coach?

Igor Tudor - stepped in for Thiago Motta in early spring and has recently been informed that he will be kept on for next season having scraped into a Champions League place by a single point.

Player to watch?

Wearing the Old Lady’s iconic No10 shirt - the equivalent of having No7 on your back at Manchester United - Kenan Yildiz is still striving for consistency but the 20-year-old’s ceiling is very, very high.