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Wydad Athletic Club vs Al Ain Preview: Odds, Tips and Prediction

Date: June 26, 2025 Venue: Audi Field Kickoff Time: 21:00 Wydad Athletic Club, often known as Wydad Casablanca, is one of Morocco’s most storied and successful football clubs. The Red Castle has established itself as a force to be reckoned with both domestically and on the international stage. The rich history associated with this club, both on and off the field, has undergone a significant transformation over the years, becoming a symbol of national pride and continuing to hold a special place in the hearts of its supporters. Al Ain, on the other hand, is by far the most successful club in the United Arab Emirates. Al Zaeem, or The Boss, as it's known in English, has quickly gained popularity and recognition as the team with the most trophies and the only UAE side to win the AFC Champions League. These achievements are a testament to their dominance and resilience, which have opened doors and shed light on the evolution of football in the UAE.

Marc Strydom
Marc Strydom

Last updated: 2025-06-24

Chad Nagel

8 minutes read

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Wydad AC's players pose ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025

Wydad AC's players/Getty Images

Matchday 3 of Group G will provide an even playing field with crucial points on the line as Moroccan giants Wydad Casablanca battle against the most powerful club from the UAE, Al Ain, in Washington D.C at the Audi Field on June 26, 2025. As we draw closer to the end of the group stages, football fans can visit the top football betting sites to make informed bets and take advantage of the generous odds.

Pre-Game Odds & Win Probability

  1. Wydad AC: 209/100 (3.09) – 32.4%

  2. Draw: 261/100 (3.61) – 27.7%

  3. Al Ain: 27/20 (2.35) – 42.5%
    Odds courtesy of 1XBet, subject to change.

Head-To-Head Record

A special meeting between two respected clubs awaits as Wydad AC goes head-to-head against Al Ain for the first time. 

Wydad AC Current Form – LLLWL

Wydad were led by South African and former Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena and ended the 2024/25 season in third place on the table, returning to continental football after missing out last season. Mokwena certainly brought life back to Wydad, but unforeseen circumstances saw the South African leave and be replaced by Amine Benhachem. The Moroccan is the current sporting director of the Red Castle and has coaching experience under his belt, which has assisted in making this quick transition coming into the FIFA Club World Cup. 

Moreover, it has been a very difficult experience for Benhachem thus far after they were outplayed in the first outing, losing to Manchester City 2-0. Wydad showed signs of intent, but the level of competition was too hot to handle. Despite the defeat, they continue to believe in their ability and took on Juventus on matchday 2, again showing a great deal of determination and fearlessness to compete regardless of the mismatch in quality. 

Thembinkosi Lorch, a former Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates player, has rediscovered his best form with the Moroccans and has been their most influential player. Lorch scored Wydad’s first goal of the tournament, but it was not enough to cause an upset, and Juventus walked away deserved winners. This final fixture against Al Ain will see the best of Wydad as they aim to end their journey with a victory.

Key Players To Watch

Thembinkosi Lorch: Lorch is renowned for his excellent dribbling skills and quick pace, which allow him to navigate through defences effectively. As an attacking midfielder, he has a keen eye for creating scoring opportunities, often delivering precise passes to his teammates. He has a powerful shot and is capable of scoring from long distances, making him a threat outside the penalty area. 

Nordin Amrabat: Amrabat combines his technical skills with physical strength, making him difficult to dispossess and effective in one-on-one situations. He is highly skilled in dribbling, often using his agility and close ball control to drive the team forward, while creating scoring opportunities. His experience playing in Europe has developed his game well and has been an integral part of the midfield for his team.

Oussama Zemraoui: Zemraoui is a very talented player, and his skill set makes him a valuable asset to the team. He has a good sense of the game, often making intelligent plays and setting up his teammates with creative passes. Despite his young age and attacking capabilities, Zemraoui is also effective in defensive duties, showcasing his ability to break down play, adding to his all-around game.  

Wydad AC Team News

With continental football back next season, Wydad are determined to assemble a strong squad which will compete and look to earn silverware once again. Stephane Aziz Ki, a highly rated attacker, has made an exciting move from Young Africans to join Wydad for the upcoming campaign. Dutch midfielder Bart Meijers, Omar Al Somah, and Moroccan forward Hamza Hannouri all joined on a free transfer. Brazilian defender Guilherme Oliveira, who they signed on loan from Felgueiras in Portugal, has added depth to their defence.

Al Ain Current Form - LWDWW

Serbian international Vladimir Ivic has vast experience in his locker, having spent time in Greece with PAOK FC, Israel with Maccabi Tel Aviv, and Watford in England, gaining invaluable experience before assuming his role as Al Ain head coach in February this year. Ivic is known for his tactical acumen and disciplined approach, emphasising defensive solidity, ensuring his teams are well-organised and difficult to break down.

Ivic has not had a memorable campaign at the FIFA Club World Cup, having faced back-to-back defeats to Juventus and Manchester City. To be fair, they were drawn into a tough group, which made their task even harder to write their own history by aiming to advance through the group stages. Juventus put on a five-star display on matchday 1, dominating proceedings in a 5-0 demolition against Al Ain, which was followed by another daunting task against Man City, who also asserted their dominance and did not hold back, delivering a killer blow to their confidence in another heavy defeat. Facing Wydad on the final group fixture will present a great opportunity to score some points before bowing out of their second appearance in this prestigious tournament. 

Key Players To Watch

Kodjo Laba: Laba has excellent positioning, often finding himself in the right place at the right time to capitalise on scoring opportunities. His physicality allows him to hold off defenders and win aerial duels, making him a significant threat during set pieces. 

Alejandro Romero: Romero, also known as "Kaku," is a versatile attacking midfielder known for his creativity and technical skills. He excels in creating scoring opportunities for his teammates with his vision and precise passing. His close ball control and dribbling allow him to bring other players into the attack and influence the game by being the link in transition from defence to attack.

Yahia Nader: Nader primarily plays as a defensive midfielder, where he excels in breaking up opposition attacks and providing cover for the defence. He is known for his strong tackling and ability to intercept passes, which helps in regaining possession for his team. While his primary role is defensive, he is also capable of distributing the ball effectively, helping to transition from defence to attack. 

Al Ain Team News

Al Ain has been particularly active in the transfer window, reconstructing its squad with a number of new players. In June, AIN welcomed seven new signings, including Yahya Ben Khaleq, Marcel Ratnik, Adis Jasic, Rui Patricio, Rami Rabia, Facundo Zabala, and Nassim Chadli. This tournament provided a platform to evaluate their new players, who had the chance to demonstrate their potential, while Ahmed Barman has departed the club to sign for Khorfakkan, and Sekou Gassama has left on loan to Al Ittihad Kalba. 

Predicted Line-Up

  1. Wydad AC: 5-4-1

    E.M Benabid, F. Moufi, G. Ferreira, A. Boutouil, I Moutaraji, M. Moufid, T. Lorch, E.M Moubarik, O. Zemraoui, N. Amrabat, C. Mailula 

  2. Al Ain: 5-3-2

    R. Patricio, A. Traore, M. Ratnik, R. Rabia, A. Niang, F. Zabala, A. Romero, N. Chadli, Y. Nader, S. Rahimi, K. Laba

Suggested Bets

  1. Total (Over 2.5): Wydad look really dangerous on the attack and will be determined to take advantage of any weaknesses or punish mistakes shown by Al Ain. 83/100 (1.83) with Betway.

  2. First Goal (Wydad To Score Goal 1): The attacking display shown by Wydad has looked dangerous, and they will want to take the early advantage. 51/50 (2.02) with 1xBet.

  3. First Goal Time (From 1 To 15): Both teams will want to test each other early on, which will present scoring opportunities. Get on at 2/1 (3.0) with Betwinner.

Value Bets

New customers can also take advantage of a welcome bonus to maximize their returns when backing these selections.

  1. Anytime Goalscorer – Thembinkosi Lorch: Lorch has been the most influential player for Wydad in this tournament, and he will be looking to add another goal to his tally after scoring against Juventus last time out. 13/5 (3.6) with 1Win.

  2. First Half – Both Teams To Score (Yes): Both teams will come out eager to prove themselves, especially with this being an even playing field for either team. 16/5 (4.20) with Stake.

  3. Half-time/Full-time (Wydad/Wydad): The Moroccans have not come away with positive results in their previous matches, despite playing well. They will want to prove that they are what their history says and will want to finish on a high note by dominating from the first whistle to the last. 33/10 (4.3) with Bettilt.

Prediction: Wydad AC to Win

Wydad AC come into this fixture with a point to prove and have shown to be the better of the two teams. Al Ain will be cautious in their approach as they have struggled defensively while Wydad have been dangerous on attack, especially when they find their rhythm and fluidity in the attacking third. 

Marc Strydom
Marc StrydomSports Writer

Marc Strydom is a dedicated sports lover with a wealth of experience in the sports betting industry, mostly as a Chief Editor of a sports betting publication in South Africa. While Marc’s enthusiasm covers many sports, football and NBA are his favourites. His articles feature on multiple top-rated platforms, covering a wide range of topics.

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