Ruben Dias: The Club World Cup will be a new challenge and Manchester City is ready for it

2025-06-02 03:20

With the 2025 Club World Cup set to kick off in the United States, Manchester City defensive core Ruben Dias says the team is ready to take on new opponents from around the world.

Manchester City will face Wydad AC of Morocco and Al Ain of the United Arab Emirates in their first group stage matches, before facing old rivals Juventus.

As the first large-scale Club World Cup to be expanded to 32 teams, this year's tournament will be held in 11 cities in the United States for a month, bringing together top clubs from six continents, and the competition is unprecedentedly fierce. Manchester City qualified as the 2023 Champions League champion and is one of only two teams from England.

Dias told FIFA: "This will be an unusual challenge. You are facing teams from different continents, different cultural backgrounds, and their understanding of football is also different. Adapting to this change is the key to success."

Diaz also expressed his anticipation for playing in an official match in front of local supporters in the United States: "We have been to the United States in pre-season and felt the enthusiasm of the fans. It is a special feeling to be able to play an official match in front of them. This is a brand new competition and a very prestigious event."

Speaking about City's long-term success, Dias noted: "There are many good players in the world, but at the top level, what really matters is consistency. How long you can persist is the real strength."

Manchester City will compete for a place in the final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 13. Facing unfamiliar opponents and a brand-new competition system, Manchester City is ready to share the passion and joy of football with fans around the world.