Manchester City has qualified for the first edition of the expanded 2025 Champions League tournament after winning the 2023 Champions League. The team discovered its group stage opponents at a special event in Miami on Thursday.
In Group G, City will face Wydad AC, Al Ain FC, and Juventus, with matches set to take place in the USA between June 15 and July 13, 2025. Manchester City’s goalkeeper, de Vries, expressed pride and excitement about being part of this elite group, stating that it’s an honor to be included among the top 32 clubs competing for the trophy.
The tournament will span 12 stadiums across the United States, providing a unique opportunity for City’s growing American fanbase to see their heroes play on home soil. The team has seen significant growth in its reputation stateside in recent years, with Pep Guardiola’s teams attracting new supporters and drawing large crowds during pre-season tour fixtures.
“We’re thrilled to be back in the US,” de Vries said. “Last year’s tour was a huge success, and we’re excited to play here again.” The team hopes to see fans from around the world support them at these matches.
In the group stage, the top two teams will advance to the round of 16, with single-leg ties leading up to the final at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Manchester City is well-prepared to face Juventus, a familiar opponent they’ll be facing next week in the Champions League. However, de Vries is looking forward to the challenge of facing new opponents, Wydad AC and Al Ain FC, who have never been competitive against City before.
“It’s going to be an interesting group,” de Vries said. “Two teams we’ve never played before make it a thrilling draw.”
Source: https://www.mancity.com/news/mens/fifa-club-world-cup-2025-draw-roel-de-vries-reaction-63869010