Man City's Path to Club World Cup Knockout Round Revealed

Following a campaign without any trophies, Manchester City now has an opportunity to claim their second 'global championship' on American soil this summer.

Pep Guardiola's reconstruction began with substantial winter investments and has extended through the summer after a sufficiently strong season conclusion that secured them third place in the Premier League standings.

The Citizens sought to strengthen their roster further in preparation for the expanded and enhanced Club World Cup, with three significant signings getting the opportunity to adapt to Guardiola's system well ahead of the 2025–26 campaign.

Their summer journey has commenced positively, with the knockout stages approaching, though their standing in Group G depends on the result of their third matchday encounter against Juventus. Below are the scenarios for City entering this crucial match.

Club World Cup Group G Table

How Man City Can Secure First Place in Group G

Man City and Juventus have controlled Group G thus far, with both clubs already securing their spots in the round of 16.

Following their 2–0 victory over Wydad AC to open the tournament, City delivered a commanding 6–0 demolition of Al Ain. Nevertheless, Juve has matched City's +8 goal differential and presently leads Group G, having netted one more goal than their English rivals.

Igor Tudor's squad comfortably defeated Al Ain 5–0 before smoothly overcoming Wydad AC 4–1. This additional goal means Man City must defeat the Italian side to progress to the last 16 as group champions.

How Man City Can Secure Second Place in Group G

City presently occupies second position in the group, and that's where they'll remain if they cannot secure victory in their third matchday clash.

Juventus found stability under Tudor's guidance during the latter part of last season following the dismissal of Thiago Motta, who had overseen the Bianconeri's triumph over City in the 2024–25 Champions League group stage.

Should they obtain a positive result against City in Orlando on Thursday, Guardiola's team will conclude as Group G runners-up. A tie would suffice.

Potential Man City Opponents in Club World Cup Round of 16

Everything remains undecided between City and Juve in Group G, and Group H could also witness a thrilling final matchday.

Real Madrid played with ten men early in their second group match against Pachuca but still secured a 3–1 victory, positioning them at the group's summit with one game remaining. Currently, City would face Los Blancos again, opponents they've encountered frequently in recent seasons.

Madrid should claim Group H if they earn at least one point against RB Salzburg, though Al Hilal could overtake both teams with a draw if they defeat Pachuca convincingly (by three goals or more). The victor of Madrid vs. Salzburg tops Group H, but the defeated side will finish third if Al Hilal succeeds on Matchday 3.

Should City ultimately win Group G, Salzburg would be their round of 16 adversaries as things stand, though Madrid and Al Hilal remain potential opponents.