Walker Left Out of Man City’s Club World Cup Squad

Kyle Walker has been left out of Manchester City’s squad for the FIFA Club World Cup. Pep Guardiola confirmed this surprising news today when asked about Walker’s participation.

WHAT HAPPENED?

When asked if Walker would join the squad, Guardiola simply said: “No.” This comes just months after Walker wanted to leave City to play abroad.

A BIG CHANGE FOR WALKER

In January 2025, Guardiola confirmed Walker wanted to leave City for options abroad. The 34-year-old spent the second half of 2024/25 on loan at AC Milan, suggesting his time at City could be ending, despite a contract until 2026.

Walker joined City in 2017 from Tottenham for a reported £45 million. He has won six Premier League titles, four EFL Cups, two FA Cups, and a Champions League during City’s 2022/23 treble-winning season.

WALKER’S LEGACY AT CITY

Walker’s contributions to City’s success are substantial. He captained the team to their first UEFA Super Cup win in August 2023 and their first FIFA Club World Cup win in December 2023. He was team captain in a squad that won the Champions League, multiple Premier Leagues and FA Cups under Pep Guardiola and will leave as a club legend after having joined from Tottenham.

His speed, defensive awareness, and leadership have made him one of the Premier League’s standout right-backs. Despite injuries, including a groin problem in the 2022/23 season, Walker has consistently returned to play a key part in City’s trophy-winning campaigns.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR WALKER?

After his loan at AC Milan and exclusion from the FIFA Club World Cup squad, questions arise about Walker’s future at City. At 34, he appears to seek new challenges abroad for the final years of his career, despite signing a contract extension in September 2023 that keeps him at City until 2026.

City will need to consider replacement options at right-back as they prepare to defend their titles in the 2025/26 season. They top the Premier League table with a 7-point lead over their closest rivals with three games left.