The Club World Cup represents the start of a rebuilding process for Inter Milan after losing the Champions League final against PSG 5-0, which was followed by the departure of Simone Inzaghi who has joined Al Hilal, another side competing in this tournament. 

Despite the various moving parts for the Nerazzuri after a crushing defeat in the Champions League final, this group should be pretty straightforward. They’ve been drawn alongside Monterrey, River Plate and Urawa Red Diamonds in Group E. Inter should top this group comfortably, and while there is wide scale change at the club, they can rely on the defensive blueprint left behind by Simone Inzaghi to ensure that they navigate this opening game without too many issues. 

Inter were one of the best defensive sides in Europe during the 24/25 season with their 3-5-2 shape proving very difficult for opposition sides to break down, the various sides from around the world competing in this tournament will find it even more difficult to break down Inter’s resolve. Inter only conceded 35 goals across their 38 games in Serie A during the 24/25 season and kept eight clean sheets from their 15 games en route to the Champions League final.

Man City should expect a straightforward start to their campaign against Wydad Casablanca, who struggled in their recent friendlies against European opposition. The Moroccan side suffered narrow 1-0 defeats to both Porto and Sevilla in their warm up matches, City can win by a more convincing margin here.

With Juventus also in Group G, goal difference may prove crucial in determining who finishes top and secures a favourable knockout stage path. This added incentive could encourage City to push for a dominant performance, particularly in their opening fixture where they'll want to make a statement.

The match also offers an opportunity to integrate new signings Rayan Ait-Nouri, Rayan Cherki and Tijjani Reijnders into the side. Their introduction, combined with Rodri's return to midfield, should help City regain control in matches - an area where they occasionally struggled last season. The Spanish midfielder's presence will be particularly valuable in reducing counter attacking opportunities.

Real Madrid should have little trouble keeping a clean sheet against Al-Hilal in this encounter. While both sides are under new management, Xabi Alonso has enjoyed more time to implement his ideas with Los Blancos.

Al-Hilal's squad contains some players with European experience, but most will be facing the biggest test of their careers against Real Madrid's star studded attack. With the likes of Mbappé and Vinícius Jr leading the line, Madrid's firepower should prove too much for a Saudi Pro League defence unaccustomed to this level of opposition.

Though Al-Hilal may create occasional chances against Madrid's injury hit backline, Alonso's side possess the defensive discipline to maintain their shape. Given the gulf in class between the attacks, Madrid should comfortably contain their opponents while doing more than enough at the other end to secure a victory without conceding.