The FIFA Club World Cup 2023 is already here, taking place from February 1-11, 2023, in Morocco. Wydad Casablanca, the champions of the 2021-22 CAF Champions League, will represent the Africa (CAF) region among 5 other continental champions and the host nation’s league champions.
Wydad Casablanca is a Moroccan club. However, they are taking part in the tournament not as the host nation’s champions, but as the CAF Champions League winners. Hence, the host nation’s spot is occupied by the 2021-22 CAF Champions League runners-up Al Ahly, an Egyptian club.
Wydad Casablanca beat the defending champions Al Ahly by 2-0 goals in the CAF Champions League 2021-22 final. It was the Moroccan club’s third title.
In the FIFA Club World Cup, Wydad Casablanca took part once before, in 2017. They will look to clinch their first title, at home this year. As the CAF representatives, Wydad Casablanca will get a bye to the second round (effectively quarter-finals) of the competition.
Now, let’s take a quick look at the potential Wydad Casablanca squad for the FIFA Club World Cup 2023.
Wydad Casablanca Squad
Casablanca boss Mehdi Nafti will name a 23-man squad (three of whom have to be goalkeepers) for the tournament. Injury replacements are allowed until 24 hours before the team’s first match.
Here’s the potential roster of Wydad Casablanca.
| Position | Players |
| Goalkeepers | Ahmed Tagnaouti, Aissa Sioudi, Yanis Henin |
| Defenders | Houcine Benayada, Yahya Nadrani, Attiyat Allah, Amine Aboulfath, Amine Farhane, Sami El Anabi, Souhail Amri |
| Midfielders | Aymane El Hassouni, Reda Jaadi, Muaid Ellafi, Badi Aouk, Yahya Jabrane, Ayoub El Amloud, Hicham Boussefiane, Salaheddine Benyachou |
| Forwards | Mohammad Ounnajem, Zouheir El Moutaraji, Bouly Sambou, Jalal Daoudi, Hamid Ahadad, Didier Lamkel Ze |
Injury Report
Wydad Casablanca boss Mehdi Nafti has no fresh concerns. He will choose from a fully fit squad.
However, loanee Didier Lamkel Ze could miss out on personal reasons.
Key Players
- Yahya Attiyat Allah
- Aymane El Hassouni
- Bouly Sambou
Yahya Attiyat Allah has been a star of Wydad Casablanca’s side. The 27-year-old wing-back played for Morocco in the FIFA World Cup 2022. He will play a key role in the upcoming Club World Cup.
Aymane El Hassouni is the top scorer for the club in Botola Pro 2022-23 season, scoring 6 goals. No. 10 will be a key attacker. Eyes will be on Senegalese forward Bouly Sambou. He scored 3 goals this season in the league.
Wydad Casablanca’s Fixtures in FIFA Club World Cup
As the champions of the CAF region, Casablanca will get a bye to the second round.
Wydad Casablanca will face the AFC Champions Al-Hilal, on February 4, 2023, at 2:30 pm GMT.
| Round | Fixture | Date | Time | Venue |
| Second Round | Wydad Casablanca vs Al-Hilal | Saturday, February 4, 2023 | 2:30 pm GMT | Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat |
