Pep Guardiola Confirms Kyle Walker Will Miss FIFA Club World Cup

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has confirmed that Kyle Walker will not be part of the squad for the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup in the United States.

The decision follows Walker's loan move to AC Milan in January 2025, after the defender expressed a desire to explore opportunities abroad as he approaches the latter stages of his career. 

"Two days ago, Kyle asked to explore the options to play abroad at the end of his career," Guardiola stated. "In his mind, he would like to explore it, to go to another country, to play the last years [somewhere else] for many reasons. For that reason, I prefer playing other players whose mind is here."  

Walker, who joined Manchester City from Tottenham Hotspur in 2017, has been instrumental in the club's success, contributing to multiple Premier League titles and a UEFA Champions League victory. Despite signing a contract extension in September 2023 to remain at the club until 2026, his playing time diminished during the 2024–25 season, leading to his loan move to AC Milan, where he has made 11 appearances.  

As Manchester City prepares for the FIFA Club World Cup, Walker's absence marks the end of a significant chapter in his career with the club.