Kenan Yıldız starred with a brace as Juventus powered to a 4-1 victory over Wydad AC at Lincoln Financial Field, putting the Bianconeri within touching distance of the FIFA Club World Cup knockout stages.

Yıldız wasted no time in making his mark, helping Juventus race into a 2-0 lead within 20 minutes.

The Turkey international combined with Khephren Thuram before squeezing home the opener via a deflection, then doubled his tally with a thunderous strike into the top corner from the edge of the area.

Wydad, desperate to bounce back after their opening loss to Manchester City, showed resilience.

Thembinkosi Lorch reduced the deficit with a composed finish, lifting the ball over Michele Di Gregorio after Nordin Amrabat’s clever through ball.

Juventus, however, wrestled back control after the break. Andrea Cambiaso hit the post and Randal Kolo Muani went inches wide before Yıldız calmly curled home his second of the night to restore the two-goal cushion.

Dusan Vlahovic sealed the win in stoppage time from the penalty spot after being dragged down in the area, capping off a commanding performance that lifts Juventus to the top of Group G.

The result means Juventus will seal qualification if Al Ain fail to beat Manchester City. Wydad’s hopes, meanwhile, now hinge on an unlikely upset from the Emirati side.