Club World Cup Profile: Wydad AC

Four African teams will be participating in the Club World Cup, Wydad AC is one of those teams. They are the most successful club in Morocco with 32 trophies to their name. The Moroccan powerhouse is competing in Group G of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup alongside Manchester City, Al Ain, and Juventus FC. Wydad opens their CWC campaign against Manchester City on June 18th at 12 PM ET.

Route to Qualification:

Wydad AC qualified for the 2025 Club World Cup after a 2-0 win with goals from Zouhair El Moutaraji against Al Ahly FC resulted in Wydad winning their third CAF Champions League title in 2022.

Historical Facts:

1937: Founding of the club.

1992: Club won its first ever CAF Champions League title after a 2-0 aggregate win over Al-Hilal in a two-legged final. Daoudi and Fertout were the goalscorers. The club would win two more CAF Champions League titles in 2017 and 2022.

1998: Won the Afro-Asian Cup.

2018: Won the CAF Super Cup after a 1-0 win over Democratic Republic of Congo side TP Mazembe. Amin Tighazoui scored the game winning goal.

Most Important Player: Mohamed Rayhi

Mohamed Rayhi has been the Moroccan side’s most important player. The 30 year old Dutch international winger has 13 goals in 30 appearances in all competitions this season.

Potential Breakout Player: Mehdi Moubarik

Mehdi Moubarik is a potential breakout player to watch for Wydad AC during the 2025 Club World Cup. The 24 year old Moroccan international midfielder has two goals in 22 appearances this season for Wydad. Moubarik plays for the Morocco U-23s. Additionally, he was honored as a part of the Africa U-20 Cup of Nations Best XI in 2021.

Season Outlook:

Wydad AC finished their Botola Pro 1 season in third place with 54 points and a record of 14W-12D-4L. They were just three points behind second place AS FAR and 16 points behind champions RSB Berkane. The club failed to qualify for the CAF Champions League next season. Additionally, Wydad parted ways with coach Rhulani Mokwena. The future coach that will come in for Mokwena will be the 10th head coach in only three years for Wydad. Wydad faces challenges coming into the Club World Cup as FIFA has banned them from having the ability to register players that can be signed in June during a special transfer window.