Wydad AC of Morocco concluded their FIFA Club World Cup campaign on a high note, securing a 1-0 victory over UAE's Al Ain in a battle for pride at Audi Field on Thursday, June 26, 2025. Both teams entered the match already eliminated from the tournament, seeking to end their participation with a consolatory win.
The decisive moment of the match came early in the first half. In the 4th minute, Wydad's South African forward Cassius Mailula found the back of the net with a well-taken strike from outside the box, leaving the Al Ain defense with no chance. The early goal set the tone for the Moroccan side, who controlled the tempo for large parts of the opening stages.
Al Ain gradually found their footing and began to create chances, pushing for an equalizer. However, the Wydad defense, marshalled resolutely, held firm to protect their slender lead.
The match was a dead rubber in Group G, with both teams having suffered heavy defeats in their previous encounters against European giants Juventus and Manchester City. Wydad came into the game with a goal difference of -5, having lost 2-0 to Manchester City and 4-1 to Juventus. Al Ain had a tougher run, conceding 11 goals without reply in a 5-0 loss to Juventus and a 6-0 thrashing by Manchester City.
For both clubs, the match was an opportunity to showcase their quality on the global stage despite their early exit. The victory gives Wydad a third-place finish in the group, while Al Ain ends their campaign without a point. The game was played in front of a respectable crowd at the home of D.C. United, with fans of both clubs creating a lively atmosphere.
