Borussia Dortmund to Kick Off Club World Cup Against Fluminense

Borussia Dortmund’s Club World Cup Campaign Begins

Borussia Dortmund is set to commence their Club World Cup journey facing Brazilian club Fluminense this Tuesday. After finishing the Bundesliga season on a high note, Dortmund steps into this tournament full of optimism as they prepare to battle Fluminense.

Their path to the 2024 UEFA Champions League final highlighted significant flaws within Edin Terzić’s setup. The appointment of his assistant, Nuri Sahin, turned out to be problematic; however, Niko Kovač stepped in and salvaged Dortmund’s season. They impressively clawed back to finish in the Bundesliga’s top four at the very last moment of the 2024–25 season.

Dortmund secured their place in the tournament via UEFA’s ranking pathway and are looking to utilize the momentum from their domestic successes in their summer campaign. Kovač’s squad is highly favored to dominate Group F.

Fluminense: Rising With Confidence

Fluminense, winners of the 2023 Copa Libertadores, find themselves in a resurgence under the guidance of Renato Portaluppi after battling relegation previous season. They now stand at sixth in Brazil’s Série A, trailing leaders Flamengo by just four points.

Though a prolonged tournament run in the United States seems unlikely, Fluminense is eager to make an impact during the group stages.

Match Details: Fluminense vs. Borussia Dortmund

• Location: East Rutherford, United States
• Stadium: MetLife Stadium
• Date: Tuesday, June 17
• Kick-off Time: 5 p.m. BST / 2 p.m. ET / 11 a.m. PT
• Referee: Ilgiz Tantashev

Fluminense vs. Borussia Dortmund Historical Record

This will be the first official encounter between Fluminense and Borussia Dortmund.

Recent Form (All Competitions) - Fluminense:
- Internacional 0-2 Fluminense – 02/06/25
- Fluminense 2-0 Once Caldas – 30/05/25
- Fluminense 2-1 Vasco de Gama – 24/05/25
- Aparecidense 1-4 Fluminense – 21/05/25
- Juventude 1-1 Fluminense – 18/05/25 - Borussia Dortmund:
- Borussia Dortmund 3-0 Holsten Kiel – 17/05/25
- Bayer Leverkusen 2-4 Borussia Dortmund – 11/05/25
- Borussia Dortmund 4-0 Wolfsburg – 03/05/25
- Hoffenheim 2-3 Borussia Dortmund – 26/04/25
- Borussia Dortmund 3-2 Borussia Mönchengladbach – 20/04/25

Where to Watch

• United Kingdom: DAZN, Channel 5
• United States: DAZN, Watch TNT, TNT USA, truTV USA
• Canada: DAZN
• Mexico: DAZN

Fluminense Team News

Veteran Thiago Silva will captain Fluminense, focusing on safeguarding the net of 44-year-old Fábio, nearing a record for professional matches played, though he won’t achieve it this tournament. Colombian forward Jhon Arias is expected to be a threat, utilizing his skills to penetrate Dortmund’s defenses.

Injuries could affect Fluminense’s lineup, with Agustin Canobbio, Keno, and Facundo Bernal doubtful, and Otávio sidelined for the season due to an Achilles injury. Yeferson Soteldo’s participation is also in jeopardy due to a muscle issue.

Fluminense Predicted Lineup

(4-3-3): Fabio; Xavier, Silva, Freytes, Renê; Nonato, Santos, Martinelli; Arias, Everaldo, Serna.

Borussia Dortmund Team News

Salih Özcan is out due to a hamstring injury and hasn’t made the trip to the US. Emre Can and long-term absentee Nico Schlotterbeck are also unavailable.

New recruit Jobe Bellingham joins the lineup, potentially making his debut. The adaptable midfielder may play a pivotal role in midfield alongside top striker Serhou Guirassy.

Dortmund Predicted Lineup

(3-4-2-1): Kobel; Süle, Anton, Bensebaini; Ryerson, Sabitzer, Nmecha, Svensson; Brandt, Adeyemi; Guirassy.

Match Prediction

Drawing inspiration from Palmeiras’ performance against Porto, Fluminense might find the midseason form advantageous against European opponents who might lack the same fitness edge. Despite a noticeable gap in quality, frustrating Dortmund’s plans could lead to a challenging game for the Germans.

Kovač’s strategies lean heavily on solid defense and swift counters, both of which will face a stern test against an in-form Fluminense in New Jersey.

Prediction: Fluminense 1-2 Borussia Dortmund.