As Manchester City launches its FIFA Club World Cup 2025 campaign against Wydad, fans were left wondering why their most lethal weapon was nowhere to be seen in the starting lineup. Erling Haaland, City’s record-breaking striker, will not feature from the beginning of this highly anticipated Group G clash at Philadelphia’s Lincoln Financial Field, raising questions about his absence.
The Citizens qualified for the Club World Cup after winning the UEFA Champions League in 2023, thanks to a solitary Rodri goal in the final against Inter. They followed that historic triumph by lifting the 2024 Club World Cup, dismantling Fluminense 4-0 in the final held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Now in their second appearance at the revamped tournament, the English side aim to make history again by becoming the first club since Real Madrid in 2018 to defend the title. The tournament opener against Wydad, champions of the CAF Champions League 2021-22, was seen as the perfect chance to set the tone for this new campaign.
No Haaland in the starting XI — Why?
Despite the buzz surrounding City’s bid to retain their global crown, Erling Haaland was a surprising omission from the starting eleven. The 24-year-old has been the heartbeat of the club’s attack since arriving in 2022, scoring 121 goals in 142 matches, and fans expected him to lead the line.
So, what’s the reason for his absence?
The decision, it turns out, is not related to injury or form. Instead, it is a combination of technical considerations and the need to manage the striker’s workload. Coming off a busy summer of international fixtures — where Haaland scored in both matches for Norway, helping them to four wins in four — the Norwegian forward only recently rejoined his club in the United States.
He even posted on Instagram, sharing glimpses of an intense training session in the rain with the caption: “First days in USA.” Clearly, he’s in good spirits and physically fit, but Guardiola opted for a more balanced and rotational approach, especially given the group stage format.
New faces, New opportunities
Haaland’s absence has given new signings Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Cherki the spotlight, both handed debuts in the starting lineup. Reijnders, fresh from Milan and named Serie A’s Midfielder of the Year, is tasked with anchoring the midfield, while Cherki, a gifted technician, lines up in an advanced role next to Phil Foden.
“Philadelphia’s Lincoln Financial Field is quite the arena to make your competitive debut,” City’s official channels noted. And with Savinho and Jeremy Doku providing width, the attacking burden falls to Omar Marmoush, another rising star, as the central striker.
