With a place in the Club World Cup knockout stage firmly within reach, Manchester City return to action on Sunday at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium, where they square off against UAE giants Al-Ain in their second Group G fixture.
Pep Guardiola’s reigning European champions made a solid start to their campaign, dispatching Morocco’s Wydad AC 2-0 on Wednesday. Another victory this weekend would see them through to the round of 16 with a game to spare, setting up a group finale against Juventus that could decide top billing.
On the other side of the group, Al-Ain find themselves on the brink. Anchored to the bottom of the table, Vladimir Ivic’s men need nothing short of a miracle to salvage any hopes of progression. A win against a star-studded City side feels like a long shot, even for the most optimistic fans of the 14-time UAE champions.
The Sporting News looks at the key details ahead of this game, including how to watch the match, kickoff times, and the latest lineup news.
Where to watch Man City vs. Al-Ain: Live stream, TV channel
Here's how to watch this FIFA Club World Cup match in the United Kingdom:
TV channel: Channel 5
Live stream: DAZN
This game is not available for live TV broadcast on Channel 5 in the UK. For fans who prefer to stream on the go, the tournament will also be shown live on DAZN.
All of the 63 matches throughout the tournament will be on DAZN, and new users can sign up to watch every game for FREE.
Man City vs. Al-Ain start time
- Date: Monday, June 23, 2025
- Time: 2:00 a.m. BST
Man City vs. Al-Ain will kick off at 2:00 a.m. BST on Monday, June 23, from the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia.
Man City vs. Al-Ain predicted lineups, team news
Manchester City made the trip across the Atlantic for the tournament without a few key names. Jack Grealish and Kyle Walker were left out of the traveling squad, with both veterans staying back in England. Mateo Kovacic also missed the trip after undergoing surgery on his Achilles. The timing could prove beneficial for the Croatian midfielder as he focuses on regaining full fitness ahead of the Premier League restart in August.
Among those who did make the trip, John Stones is working his way back after a thigh injury ended his previous season. The England defender has returned to full training but didn’t see action in City's opener against Wydad.
Pep Guardiola will also have to reshuffle his lineup against Al Ain due to the suspension of young full-back Rico Lewis, who picked up a controversial red card in the previous match. His absence opens the door for Matheus Nunes to fill in as a makeshift full-back.
Man City predicted XI (4-2-3-1, right to left): Ederson (GK) — Nunes, Dias, Gvardiol, Ait-Nouri — Rodri, Reijnders— Foden, Cherki, Marmoush —Haaland.
Injured: Kovacic (foot).
Suspended: Lewis (red card).
For Al-Ain, there are no fresh injuries or suspensions to contend with. Expect a cautious approach from Ivic's side, likely deploying a deep-lying back five led by veteran goalkeeper Rui Patricio. Portuguese defender Fabio Cardoso, on loan from Porto, could again be tasked with marshalling a backline that will be under relentless pressure from the first whistle.
Despite the heavy defeat last time out, 33-year-old Kodjo Laba, the club's top scorer with 20 goals in 21 appearances this season, was a bright spot for the UAE side, coming close on multiple occasions. Two of his three efforts were denied by sharp saves.
Al-Ain predicted XI (5-3-2, right to left): Patricio (GK) — Traore, Ratnik, Rabia, Cardoso, Zabala — Kaku, Nader, Park — Chadli, Laba.
Injured: None.
Suspended: None.
Man City Club World Cup schedule 2025
Here are Man City's next three games at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup:
| Date | Game | Time (BST) |
|---|---|---|
| June 23 | vs. Al-Ain | 2:00 a.m. |
| June 26 | at Juventus | 8:00 p.m. |
Al-Ain Club World Cup schedule 2025
Here are Al-Ain's next three games at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup:
| Date | Game | Time (BST) |
|---|---|---|
| June 23 | at Man City | 2:00 a.m. |
| June 26 | at Wydad AC | 8:00 p.m. |
FIFA Club World Cup fixture schedule this week
All times BST
Saturday, June 21
- Bayern Munich vs. Boca Juniors (2:00 a.m.)
- Mamelodi Sundowns vs. Bor. Dortmund (5:00 p.m.)
- Inter Milan vs. Urawa Red Diamonds (8:00 p.m.)
- Fluminense vs. Ulsan HD (11:00 p.m.)
Sunday, June 22
- River Plate vs. Monterrey (2:00 a.m.)
- Juventus vs. Wydad (5:00 p.m.)
- Real Madrid vs. Pachuca (8:00 p.m.)
- Salzburg vs. Al Hilal (11:00 p.m.)
Monday, June 23
- Man City vs. Al Ain (2:00 a.m.)
- Atletico Madrid vs. Botafogo (8:00 p.m.)
- Seattle Sounders vs. PSG (8:00 p.m.)
Tuesday, June 24
- Inter Miami vs. Palmeiras (2:00 a.m.)
- Porto vs. Al Ahly (2:00 a.m.)
- Benfica vs. Bayern Munich (8:00 p.m.)
- Auckland City vs. Boca Juniors (8:00 p.m.)
Wednesday, June 25
- LAFC vs. Flamengo (2:00 a.m.)
- ES Tunis vs. Chelsea (2:00 a.m.)
- Mamelodi Sundowns vs. Fluminense (8:00 p.m.)
- Bor. Dortmund vs. Ulsan HD (8:00 p.m.)
Thursday, June 26
- Inter Milan vs. River Plate (2:00 a.m.)
- Urawa Red Diamonds vs. Monterrey (2:00 a.m.)
- Juventus vs. Man City (8:00 p.m.)
- Wydad vs. Al Ain (8:00 p.m.)
Friday, June 27
- Salzburg vs. Real Madrid (2:00 a.m.)
- Al Hilal vs. Pachuca (2:00 a.m.)
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