FIFA Club World Cup Group F Preview: Fluminense, Borussia Dortmund, Ulsan HD, Mamelodi Sundowns in Expanded Club World Cup

Posted : 13 June 2025

Group F presents a truly global clash of styles and football cultures. Fluminense enter as 2023 Copa Libertadores champions and runners-up of the last Club World Cup, bringing South American creativity and technical skill. Borussia Dortmund, fresh from a strong finish in the Bundesliga, offer both experience and attacking flair under Niko Kovač’s guidance, with top scorer Serhou Guirassy leading the line.

Asian champions Ulsan HD add disciplined structure and tactical toughness, continuing their tradition as a challenging AFC heavyweight. Meanwhile, Mamelodi Sundowns, the pride of southern Africa, arrive as PSL champions and an example of continental consistency and style, embodying the “Shoe Shine & Piano” passing philosophy.

The group kicks off on June 17 in the U.S., where opening games will test each team's preparedness. Fluminense’s attacking creative style, led by Thiago Silva, will face its sternest test against Dortmund’s efficiency and Ulsan’s organized approach.

Dortmund and Sundowns share a connection already developed through scouting and South African analysis, presenting a unique strategic match-up . Sundowns should target points in their clash with Ulsan, while Fluminense and Dortmund are expected to battle for group dominance.

With only the top two advancing to the round of 16—a fact established during the December draw —every result will be critical in this condensed group. Fluminense’s momentum and pedigree suggest they’ll aim to lead the poule, but Dortmund are expected to contest hard for that position.

Sundowns and Ulsan, meanwhile, will aim for strategic upset wins, leveraging depth and tactical cohesion to challenge the higher-fancied sides. In addition, factors like travel between U.S. venues and adaptation periods could heavily influence outcomes in this back-to-back match format.

Group F symbolizes the essence of the revamped Club World Cup: a platform where champions from every continent collide in a world-class event. Netflix documentaries and local broadcasting builds anticipation across Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America. For the clubs, strong performances here won’t just enhance reputations—they’ll also shore up financial and branding goals in a competition with nearly $1 billion at stake . As this globetrotting group unfolds, the clash of styles and scheduled high-level fixtures will highlight the competitive depth of global club football.

Group F isn’t just a series of matches—it’s a showcase of football's continental diversity. With Fluminense’s flair, Dortmund’s dynamism, Ulsan’s discipline, and Sundowns’ attacking style, the competition promises high-stakes drama. Only two clubs will survive this tactical and stylistic gauntlet, setting the tone for an unforgettable Club World Cup.

FIFA Club World Cup Group F Preview: Fluminense, Borussia Dortmund, Ulsan HD, Mamelodi Sundowns in Expanded Club World Cup

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