Mamelodi Sundowns will aim to continue their momentum after a 1-0 win over Ulsan HD in their opening game at the FIFA Club World Cup Group F. They will next face German giants, Borussia Dortmund, at TQL Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, June 21, 2025, at 17:00 GMT.
Borussia Dortmund drew their opening game 0-0 against Brazilian team Fluminense FC, who are currently sixth in their domestic league in Brazil, according to our football stats.
Match Preview
Mamelodi Sundowns, nicknamed “The Brazilians,” head into the tournament after a disappointing CAF Champions League final defeat, where they conceded a late goal to Pyramids FC, losing 2-1 in Cairo. Despite the setback, Sundowns showed resilience, with Iqraam Rayners scoring a crucial goal in the second leg. Their attacking prowess was evident in the 2024-25 season, having won the South African Premiership eight times and the inaugural African Football League in 2023. However, their defensive frailties were exposed, failing to keep a clean sheet in the final.
Sundowns have struggled against elite opposition, as seen in their 2016 Club World Cup sixth-place finish.
Borussia Dortmund, under Niko Kovač, approach the match with confidence, having finished their Bundesliga campaign strongly. Their 3-0 win over Holstein Kiel showcased their attacking depth, with goals from Serhou Guirassy, Marcel Sabitzer, and Felix Nmecha. Dortmund’s firepower, led by players like Julian Brandt and Jamie Gittens, makes them favourites to top Group F. However, Kovač has expressed caution about underestimating Sundowns, noting their competitiveness and desire to make a mark.
Dortmund’s recent form includes an eight-game unbeaten run across all competitions, having recorded six wins and two draws. They’ve been prolific in attack, scoring 17 goals in their last four Bundesliga games, but their defence has occasionally been breached, conceding in three of those matches. The Black and Yellows have no prior competitive meetings with Sundowns, making this an intriguing tactical battle.
Sundowns will rely on their homegrown talents like Themba Zwane and Tashreeq Matthews, the latter having briefly played for Dortmund’s youth team in 2018. Dortmund, meanwhile, boast a star-studded squad, with Giovanni Reyna hoping to rediscover his form in the tournament. The matchup pits Sundowns’ high-pressing, fluid style against Dortmund’s structured, counter-attacking approach.
Mamelodi Sundowns FIFA Club World Cup form:
- vs Ulsan HD 1-0 (W) 18/06/25
Borussia Dortmund FIFA Club World Cup form:
- vs Fluminense FC 0-0 (D) 17/06/25
Team News
For Mamelodi Sundowns, Themba Zwane’s availability is a boost after recovering from a long-term Achilles injury, though he was an unused substitute in the CAF Champions League final.
Coach Miguel Cardoso is likely to field a strong attacking line-up, with Iqraam Rayners and Lucas Ribeiro the big attacking threats. Marcelo Allende, a creative force in midfield, could be key in unlocking Dortmund’s defence. A possible back four of Khuliso Mudau, Grant Kekana, Keanu Cupido, and Divine Lunga is expected to shield goalkeeper Ronwen Williams.
Borussia Dortmund have an injury concern over Nico Schlotterbeck. Kovač is expected to rotate minimally for this group stage clash. Serhou Guirassy is set to spearhead the attack, supported by Karim Adeyemi and Julian Brandt. Marcel Sabitzer and Pascal Gross are likely to anchor the midfield, while a backline of Waldemar Anton, Niklas Süle, and Ramy Bensebaini should protect goalkeeper Gregor Kobel. Giovanni Reyna could feature as a substitute to add flair.
Mamelodi Sundowns possible starting lineup:
Williams; Mudau, Kekana, Mvala, Modiba; Mokoena, Allende; Matthews, Zwane, Rayners; Shalulile
Borussia Dortmund possible starting lineup:
Kobel; Süle, Anton, Bensebaini; Ryerson, Sabitzer, Gross, Svensson; Brandt, Adeyemi; Guirassy
We Say: Mamelodi Sundowns 1-3 Borussia Dortmund
While Mamelodi Sundowns have the talent to challenge Dortmund, particularly through their attacking flair, the Bundesliga side’s superior depth and experience on the global stage should prove decisive. Dortmund’s clinical finishing, led by Guirassy and supported by Brandt’s creativity, is likely to exploit Sundowns’ defensive vulnerabilities. Expect Sundowns to score, given their prolific form, but Dortmund’s firepower should secure a comfortable victory.
