A membrane-electrode assembly (MEA) for a fuel cell includes a fuel cell electrolyte membrane, an anode disposed at a first side of the electrolyte membrane, and a cathode disposed at a second side of the electrolyte membrane, wherein the cathode has a thickness and an area, the cathode area extending in a plane substantially parallel to a major surface of the electrolyte membrane, the cathode area includes a central area and a peripheral area, the peripheral area extending to lateral edges of the cathode, the central area includes hydrophilic portions and hydrophobic portions, the peripheral area includes hydrophilic portions and hydrophobic portions, and the central area is more hydrophobic than the peripheral area.