Mamelodi Sundowns will aim to make a statement in Group F of the FIFA Club World Cup when they face Brazilian side Fluminense at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on June 25th, 2025, at 20:00 GMT.
South Africa’s Sundowns, appearing in their second Club World Cup, need a win to secure a place in the Round of 16. They would have been encouraged by their last display in a thrilling encounter against Borussia Dortmund, which ended in a narrow 4-3 defeat.
Match Preview
Mamelodi Sundowns, nicknamed “The Brazilians” according to our football facts, for their vibrant yellow kits, have dominated South African football, securing a record eight consecutive Betway Premiership titles since 2018 and overall 15 South African Premier League titles. However, their recent 3-2 aggregate defeat to Pyramids in the CAF Champions League final exposed vulnerabilities, particularly in defending set pieces.
Sundowns took the lead in the first leg through Lucas Ribeiro but conceded a stoppage-time equaliser, and despite Iqraam Rayners’ goal in the second leg, they couldn’t overturn the deficit. The Pretoria-based side has been prolific domestically, with Ribeiro (14 goals) and Rayners (13 goals) leading the line, but their continental record remains inconsistent, with only one African Champions League title, which came in 2016.
Miguel Cardoso’s side has lost just two of their last 12 competitive matches but face a step up in class against Fluminense. Sundowns have lost just one of their last six away games across all competitions, winning three of their last four away games.
Fluminense, based in Rio de Janeiro, are no strangers to high-stakes matches, having reached the 2023 Club World Cup final. However, their 2025 Brazilian Serie A campaign has been underwhelming, but they do have a solid continental pedigree.
However, the Tricolor have been strong in defence of late, keeping clean sheets in three of their last four matches. Their attack has relied heavily on veterans like Germán Cano and the creativity of Jhon Arias.
The two sides have never met, but Fluminense’s experience in international competitions gives them an edge. They’ve won five of their last six matches across all competitions, though their away form is a concern, with only two victories in their last seven outings on the road.
Sundowns will look to exploit Fluminense’s defence through their dynamic attacking duo, while Fluminense’s technical quality and counter-attacking threat could trouble Sundowns’ backline, although the South African giants have kept clean sheets in five of their last seven competitive outings.
Mamelodi Sundowns FIFA Club World Cup form:
- Ulsan HD: 1-0 (W) 187/06/2025
- Borussia Dortmund: 3-4 (L) 21/06/2025
Fluminense FIFA Club World Cup form:
- Borussia Dortmund: 0-0 (D) 17/06/2025
- Ulsan HD: 4-2 (W) 21/06/2025
Team News
Mamelodi Sundowns are likely to be without Siyanda Nyanga, who has been nursing a shoulder injury. Lucas Ribeiro and Iqraam Rayners are expected to lead the attack, supported by the creative spark of Marcelo Allende and captain Themba Zwane in midfield.
Defenders Grant Kekana and Keanu Cupidio are set to anchor the backline, with Ronwen Williams, one of Africa’s top goalkeepers, between the posts. Teboho Mokoena’s energy in midfield will be crucial to disrupt Fluminense’s rhythm.
Fluminense could field an attacking quartet of Jhon Arias, Germán Cano, Ganso and Kevin Serna, with Hercules and Martinelli forming a robust midfield pivot. Coach Fernando Diniz may opt for a back four led by Thiago Silva, though the veteran defender’s fitness is a concern after a recent knock. Fábio is expected to start in goal, bringing experience from the 2023 campaign.
Mamelodi Sundowns possible starting lineup:
Williams; Lunga, Kekana, Cupidio, Mudau; Mokoena, Allende, Zwane; Matthews, Rayners, Ribeiro
Fluminense possible starting lineup:
Fábio; Fuentes, Silva, Freytes, Guga; Hercules, Martinelli; Arias, Ganso, Serna; Cano
We say: Mamelodi Sundowns 1-2 Fluminense
Sundowns’ attacking flair and physicality make them a threat, but Fluminense’s experience on the global stage and technical quality should see them edge this encounter. The Brazilian side’s ability to capitalise on counter-attacks could exploit Sundowns’ defensive lapses, though the South Africans are unlikely to go down without a fight.
