WAC vs Al Ain

Wydad AC and Al-Ain Clash in Pride-Fueled Club World Cup Finale

With both teams already eliminated, Wydad AC and Al-Ain will battle for honor—and to avoid last place—when they meet in their final Club World Cup match on Thursday.

Neither side has managed a point in Group G, overshadowed by Juventus and Manchester City’s dominance. Now, with only pride at stake, the Moroccan and Emirati giants will look to end their U.S. campaigns on a high.

Wydad Seeking Historic First Win

Wydad AC, still chasing their maiden Club World Cup victory, arrive with a disappointing record: one draw and four defeats across three tournament appearances. Despite being Moroccan champions (with a record 22 domestic titles) and 2022 CAF Champions League winners, they’ve struggled to translate African success onto the global stage.

After a 2-0 loss to Manchester City, they were outclassed 4-1 by Juventus, where Kenan Yildiz’s brilliance sealed their fate. Thembinkosi Lorch’s historic goal—the first by a Moroccan club against a European opponent in this tournament since 2000—provided a fleeting bright spot. Now, avoiding last place is the modest goal, though Wydad will surely push for a landmark win to salvage pride.

Al-Ain’s Defensive Woes Continue

For Al-Ain, this tournament has been a nightmare. The reigning AFC Champions League winners arrived in strong form but have been ruthlessly exposed, conceding 11 goals in just two games—including a 6-0 thrashing by Man City.

Their defensive frailties were clear even before that humiliation, as Juventus put five past them. Manager Vladimir Ivić has watched helplessly as opponents convert nearly every clear chance, with 11 of 18 shots on target finding the net.

Making matters worse, Al-Ain’s Club World Cup record is grim: three straight losses by a combined 0-14 scoreline dating back to their last appearance. A win here won’t change their fate, but it could at least restore some dignity before heading home.

What’s at Stake?

With Wydad holding a slight edge in goal difference, a draw would spare them last place. But after such disappointing campaigns, both teams will want more—a victory to take some pride from an otherwise forgettable trip.

For neutrals, it may lack high stakes, but for Wydad and Al-Ain, this is about proving they belong on the world stage. Expect a fiercely contested clash in Washington, D.C., as both sides fight to leave with heads held high.