Juventus delivered a commanding performance in their FIFA Club World Cup opener, thrashing Al Ain 5-0 in Washington, DC, to take an early lead in Group G. Star forwards Randal Kolo Muani and Francisco Conceição each bagged a brace in a match that showcased the Italian giants’ intent to reclaim international glory after a trophyless domestic season.
Fresh off a high-profile visit to former U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House, Juventus brought their focus to the pitch, where they wasted no time asserting dominance at Audi Field. Their emphatic win puts them ahead of Manchester City, who had previously edged past Wydad AC in the group standings.
During the team’s White House visit, President Trump sparked controversy by questioning whether a woman could ever play for Juventus’s men’s team, in light of the global debate surrounding transgender athletes. Juventus general manager Damien Comolli diplomatically redirected the conversation, highlighting the strength and achievements of the club’s women’s squad. While the players kept their responses muted off the field, they let their football do the talking with a ruthless display against the UAE-based Al Ain.
Kolo Muani, who extended his loan from Paris Saint-Germain specifically for the tournament, opened the scoring just 11 minutes in with a thunderous header from an Alberto Costa cross. Ten minutes later, Conceição, on loan from FC Porto danced past a defender before firing home with a deflected effort to double Juventus’s lead.
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By the 31st minute, rising star Kenan Yildiz had made it 3-0, taking advantage of open space at the edge of the box and driving a low shot inside the near post. Just before halftime, Kolo Muani struck again, securing his second goal and further demoralizing an already overwhelmed Al Ain side.
The Emirati club thought they had pulled one back, but a well-taken goal was ruled out for offside. Conceição responded almost immediately, sealing his second of the night with another deflected shot that found its way past the keeper. Kolo Muani came close to a hat-trick late in the match, only to be denied by Rui Patricio’s fine save, while Douglas Luiz narrowly missed adding a sixth.
Juventus, who finished a disappointing fourth in Serie A last season, are now looking to use the Club World Cup as a redemption platform. Their dominant display against Al Ain has not only boosted morale but also sent a clear warning to other title contenders.
As the tournament continues, all eyes will remain on the Bianconeri, especially with Kolo Muani and Conceição in top form and the team hungry to bring silverware back to Turin.
