This article was automatically translated from HIBAPRESS, the Arabic version:
Hibapress-Rabat-Fifa
Jamal Harkass, captain of Wydad AC, evokes his team’s ambitions at the 2025 club World Cup and the importance of preparation to face legendary clubs such as Manchester City and Juventus.
When FIFA 2025 ™ FIFA Club World CupWydad will meet Manchester City, Juventus FC and Al Ain FC in group G
Harkass gives the keys that may allow his team to beat the English
He salutes the role of Rhulani coach Mokwena in the good dynamic found by the Wydad
In 2022, the Moroccan club of Wydad AC won the CAF Champions League at the end of a thrilling final won 2-0 against the Egyptians of Al Ahly, at the Mohammed V stadium in Casablanca. That evening, the Casablanca team achieved an exceptional performance, mixing effective attack and iron defense, to offer an unforgettable moment to its passionate supporters.
Thanks to this continental title, the third in the history of the club, the Wydad has covered glory on the African continent but also qualified for the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 ™, the first edition of the tournament which will bring 32 teams from the whole world.
A year after this coronation, the Wydad recruited the defender Jamal Harkassfree from any contract. The 29 -year -old has immediately become an essential element of the team and quickly had the honors of the captain’s armband.
As club World Cup approaches, Wydad players cannot help thinking about this tournament that will take place in the United States and in which the best clubs in the world will participate. It is in this context that Jamal Harkass spoke of the particular atmosphere that reigns around the club. “We are talking about the World Cup of clubs and teams that will participate in it every day,” said Harkass, in an exclusive interview with FIFA. “We fell into a difficult group, with Manchester City, Juventus and Al Ain. But we are looking forward to these matches and we are already in the preparation phase. »»
The match against the Manchester City of Pep Guardiola will be a major challenge for the WAC, given the charts of the English club, recent winner of the UEFA Champions League and multiple England champion. “The match against Manchester City will obviously be difficult; They still won the Champions League in 2023, ”said Harkass. “We will have to raise our level and not make any mistakes, because in these kinds of matches, it is the details that make the difference. »»
At the 2025 club World Cup, Wydad AC will represent Morocco with still fresh memories of the FIFA World Cup 2022 ™, where the national selection has hoisted the colors of the kingdom high, until the semi-finals. For Harkass and his teammates, this performance is a source of inspiration and motivation.
“We have great responsibilities and, Inch’Allah, we will be able to play at a level that will honor Moroccan football. We will never forget the journey of our national team during the 2022 World Cup. This team was made up of incredible players and accustomed to the biggest European competitions. »»
In addition to being inspired by the exploits of the band at Walid Regragui, the same one who was at the head of the Casablanca when they were crowned African champions, the WAC can also rejoice in a boost in form in recent times. Before their void 0-0 against Maknes on February 22, they remained on five victories in five games in 2025.
According to Harkass, the arrival of Rhulani coach Mokwena at the club is no stranger to the club’s start, which does not compete in the Champions League this season.
“We have progressed a lot since the arrival of Rhulani Mokwena and our last results prove it,” says Harkass. “He is a very good coach. He systematically pushes us to give everything on the field, and we know that it will help us a lot from the club World Cup. »»
As captain, Harkass must also have a good atmosphere in the locker room. For him, respect for the history of the club and the supporters is above everything. On this leading role, he develops: “As a captain, I always tell my teammates that when we represent an institution like Wydad, we must give the maximum on the field, out of respect for the history of the club and its supporters. This is the best way to get results, in African or international competitions, such as the World Cup. In any case, we are already looking forward to being there and making the Moroccan public proud. »»
In addition, Harkass recently realized a childhood dream by being called for the first time by the Moroccan coach after several years of hard work and solid club performances. He played his first match on December 18, 2024 against Lesotho as part of the CAF African Cup of Nations Cup qualifiers.
“Since a very young age, I dream of joining the Moroccan national team and evolving with world class players from the biggest clubs,” he said. “Inch’Allah, I got there and I will continue to work hard to be called again. »»
