As Borussia Dortmund prepares for their journey to the USA for the FIFA Club World Cup in 2025, we provide an overview of their group stage adversaries in Group F: Fluminense, Mamelodi Sundowns, and Ulsan HD.
What is the FIFA Club World Cup?
- Fluminense (Brazil)
- How they qualified:
- Their credentials:
- Star men:
- Record vs. Dortmund/German clubs:
- Anything else?
- Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa)
- How they qualified:
- Their credentials:
- Star men:
- Record vs. Dortmund/German clubs:
- Recent results:
- Anything else?
- Ulsan HD (South Korea)
- How they qualified:
- Their credentials:
- Star men:
- Record vs. Dortmund/German clubs:
- Anything else?
Fluminense (Brazil)
Matchday: June 17th
Location: MetLife Stadium, New York
How they qualified:
Fluminense secured their place in the tournament by winning the Copa Libertadores for the first time in the club`s history in 2023. This significant continental title also earned them a spot in the previous edition of the FIFA Club World Cup, where they reached the final before being defeated by Manchester City.
Their credentials:
Known as “Flu,” they are one of Brazil`s premier clubs, boasting four top-flight national titles, a Brazilian Cup, the 2023 Copa Libertadores, and the 2024 Recopa Sudamericana. With a legacy featuring football icons like Ronaldinho, Rivellino, and Romário, they possess a storied past and are celebrated for their resilience, earning them the nickname “Time de Guerreiros” (Team of Warriors).
Star men:
The team is captained by the distinguished Brazilian defender Thiago Silva, well-known to fans of AC Milan, Paris Saint-Germain, and Chelsea. Complementing this defensive anchor are attacking talents such as Brazilian playmaker Ganso, Uruguayan forward Agustin Canobbio, and Argentine striker German Cano, who has scored an impressive 105 goals in 196 appearances for the club.
Brazilian legend Thiago Silva now captains Dortmund`s future Club World Cup opponents Fluminense.
Record vs. Dortmund/German clubs:
“Fluzão,” as fans affectionately call them, have never competed against a German club in an official match.
Anything else?
The name “Fluminense” originates from the Latin word “flumen,” meaning river, referring to the major river near the club`s home city, Rio de Janeiro. The term historically described people from the region and was deemed a fitting name for the club established by Anglo-Brazilian Oscar Cox in 1902.
Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa)
Matchday: June 21st
Location: TQL Stadium, Cincinnati
How they qualified:
The Pretoria-based club qualified for North America through the CAF ranking system. Their consistent strong performances in the CAF Champions League secured their participation as the only sub-Saharan African club, marking their return to FIFA competition after a decade.
Their credentials:
Established in 1967, the Sundowns are a dominant force in South African football, holding a record 15 Premier Soccer League titles, including a remarkable eight consecutive titles since 2018. Their trophy cabinet also includes six cups, four League Cups, the 2016 CAF Champions League title, and numerous records for wins, fewest losses, and goal difference. Their youth academy notably produced Percy Tau, arguably the club`s best player, who was instrumental in their 2016 league and CAF Champions League double.
Star men:
The team`s key player is undoubtedly the attacking midfielder and captain, Themba Zwane. With over 400 appearances since joining in 2011, he has scored 80 goals from his preferred position behind the main striker. The club, nicknamed “The Brazilians” due to a change in kit mirroring the South American giants, features Brazilian players, including striker Lucas Ribeiro Costa, who has scored 36 goals in 85 games for the club.
Mamelodi Sundowns captain Themba Zwane in action.
Record vs. Dortmund/German clubs:
The Sundowns have no history of facing a German club in official competition.
Recent results:
The Sundowns approach this tournament following a recent close 3-2 aggregate loss in the CAF Champions League final.
Anything else?
Remarkably, their famous 2016 CAF Champions League victory occurred despite being initially eliminated in a preliminary round. They were reinstated after AS Vita Club was disqualified, seizing their second chance to make history.
Ulsan HD (South Korea)
Matchday: June 25th
Location: TQL Stadium, Cincinnati
How they qualified:
Ulsan HD secured their spot through the AFC ranking pathway, thanks to consistent strong performances in the AFC Champions League, including reaching the semi-finals in the 2020/21 and 2023/24 seasons.
Their credentials:
As one of the most successful teams in K League 1 history, Ulsan HD (formerly Ulsan Hyundai) boasts five domestic league titles and five Korean League Cups. They have also won the Korean FA Cup and Super Cup once each. In Asian continental competition, they have won the AFC Champions League twice, in 2012 and 2020.
Star men:
Reliable goalkeeper Jo Hyeon-woo is a crucial foundation for Ulsan`s success, having won three K League 1 titles and earning the league`s MVP award as just the second keeper to do so. Experienced South Korea international Woo-young Jung adds stability in defense or midfield. Venezuelan attacker Matías Lacava, who joined in January 2025, brings flair and creativity, having previously spent time in the youth academies of Barcelona and Lazio. He will be looking to make a significant impact in North America.
An Ulsan HD player during an AFC Champions League match.
Record vs. Dortmund/German clubs:
Ulsan has never faced a German club in an official competitive fixture.
Anything else?
Their 2020 AFC Champions League triumph was a remarkable underdog story. Led by caretaker coach Kim Do-Hoon during the pandemic-altered tournament in Qatar, Ulsan won every knockout match dramatically, often coming from behind, culminating in a final victory against Iran`s Persepolis.
