Fluminense FC will aim to make a strong start in Group F of the FIFA Club World Cup when they face Borussia Dortmund at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey, on Tuesday, June 17, 2025.
The Brazilian side, coming off their 2023 Copa Libertadores triumph, enters the tournament with confidence, while Borussia Dortmund, eighth in UEFA’s four-year ranking, looks to leverage their attacking prowess to secure a victory in this opening group stage clash.
Match Preview
Fluminense have been in fine form, riding a six-match unbeaten streak across all competitions, including a 2-0 victory over Internacional and a 4-1 thrashing of Aparecidense. Their attacking output has been solid, netting 13 goals in their last six matches, though their defence has occasionally been breached, conceding in three of those games.
Led by veteran captain Thiago Silva, Fluminense will rely on their experience in high-stakes tournaments, with Jhon Arias expected to provide creativity in the final third. However, their scoring has been inconsistent at times in the Brasileiro Série A, which could be a concern against a side of Dortmund’s calibre.
Borussia Dortmund, meanwhile, have been in sensational form in the Bundesliga, winning their last five games in the German top-flight. Their attacking talisman, Serhou Guirassy, has been in scintillating form, scoring 34 goals across all competitions this season, making him a significant threat.
However, Dortmund’s defence has been less reliable, managing only two clean sheets in their last 14 matches in all competitions. The Black and Yellows have no prior competitive meetings with Fluminense, but their European pedigree, including a strong showing in recent UEFA Champions League campaigns, makes them a formidable opponent. Head coach Niko Kovac has acknowledged Fluminense as a favourite in Group F, citing the strength of South American sides.
Fluminense’s recent form on the road has been inconsistent, with two wins, one draw and three defeats in their last six away matches across all competitions. Dortmund, however, have been inconsistent away from home, securing just three victories in their last six away games. The neutral setting of the MetLife Stadium, with its 82,500 capacity, adds an intriguing dynamic to this match-up.
Both teams are part of a competitive Group F, which also includes Ulsan HD and Mamelodi Sundowns. A win here could set the tone for progression to the knockout stages, where the top two teams from each group advance.
Team News
Fluminense could field a backline anchored by Thiago Silva, with Samuel Xavier and Rene providing width. In midfield, Hercules and Martinelli are likely to form a robust double pivot, while Jhon Arias and Keno could support striker Everaldo in attack, with veteran forward German Kano currently sidelined due to a knee injury.
As per the newest football facts, Borussia Dortmund may rely on a front three of Jamie Gittens, Serhou Guirassy, and Karim Adeyemi, with Gio Reyna potentially featuring as a substitute to make an impact in front of his home crowd at MetLife Stadium. In midfield, Marcel Sabitzer and Pascal Gross are expected to provide balance, while Niklas Süle and Waldemar Anton could anchor the defence in front of goalkeeper Gregor Kobel.
Fluminense FC possible starting lineup:
Fábio; Xavier, Silva, Manoel, Marcelo; André, Martinelli; Arias, Ganso, Keno; Cano
Borussia Dortmund possible starting lineup:
Kobel; Ryerson, Süle, Anton, Bensebaini; Sabitzer, Gross; Gittens, Brandt, Adeyemi; Guirassy
We Say: Fluminense FC 1-2 Borussia Dortmund
While Fluminense’s experience and attacking flair make them a dangerous side, Dortmund’s firepower, led by Guirassy, could prove decisive. The Brazilian side’s defensive vulnerabilities may be exposed by Dortmund’s pace on the wings, but expect a tightly contested match given Fluminense’s recent form. A narrow victory for Dortmund seems the most likely outcome, though Fluminense could capitalise if they exploit any lapses in Dortmund’s backline.
