Wydad Casablanca defender Jamal Harkass has issued a defiant message ahead of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, warning their high-profile group stage opponents not to underestimate the Moroccan champions.
Drawn into a formidable group that includes Premier League giants Manchester City, Serie A stalwarts Juventus, and UAE powerhouse Al-Ain, Wydad Casablanca face a daunting task.
Yet for Harkass, the stature of their opponents means little when it comes to the reality of matchday.
“I respect all these clubs, which are renowned in their leagues and have top-level players, but it’s the details that make the difference in these kinds of matches,” said the Moroccan international. “We must therefore be enthusiastic and face these teams as if we were in our own league. Respect must be mutual because names mean nothing in football. Football delivers its verdict on the pitch.”
As one of Wydad’s senior figures, Harkass has taken it upon himself to keep his teammates grounded while also instilling belief.
He has consistently reminded the squad that their presence at the tournament is not just symbolic, but an opportunity to rewrite expectations.
Harkass is adamant that the Moroccan side will not approach the tournament with an inferiority complex.
Instead, he insists Wydad Casablanca will bring their characteristic intensity and discipline to every match, regardless of the opponent’s reputation.
“As captain, I always talk to my teammates about the Club World Cup: they are aware of the challenge that awaits them and they are eager to take on this challenge. You will see what we are capable of,” he declared confidently.
His words reflect a broader mentality within the Wydad camp—one built on belief, unity, and the desire to upset the odds on the global stage.
The squad, aware of their underdog status in Group C, is approaching the tournament with a quiet determination to leave a mark.
The Casablanca side are no strangers to continental success, and with leaders like Harkass rallying the squad, they will aim to carry that competitive edge into their opening fixtures.
For the Wydadis, this Club World Cup is more than just an appearance—it’s a statement of ambition.
