What Happened
On June 17, 2025, Fluminense FC will face Borussia Dortmund in the FIFA Club World Cup at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. This match marks the first competitive encounter between the two teams. Borussia Dortmund enters the tournament after a successful end to their Bundesliga season, finishing fourth and winning their last five matches. Fluminense, on the other hand, is coming off a strong performance in the 2023 Copa Libertadores, where they emerged as champions, and currently sit sixth in Brazil’s Série A.
The match is significant not only for its competitive nature but also as part of the broader FIFA Club World Cup, which features top club teams from around the world. The tournament is being held in the United States for the first time, with MetLife Stadium hosting several matches, including the semifinals and final.
Key Details
Match Information
- Date: June 17, 2025
- Kick-off Time: 12:00 PM ET
- Location: MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey
- Referee: Ilgiz Tantashev
Team News and Predicted Lineups
Fluminense FC:
- Captain: Thiago Silva, a veteran defender, will lead the Fluminense defense.
- Goalkeeper: Fábio, aged 44, is expected to start, nearing a record for professional matches played.
- Key Players: Jhon Arias is highlighted as a key attacking player.
- Injuries: Agustin Canobbio, Keno, and Facundo Bernal are doubtful, while Otávio is out for the season due to an Achilles injury. Yeferson Soteldo may miss much of the tournament due to a muscle injury.
- Predicted Formation: 4-3-3
- Lineup: Fábio; Xavier, Silva, Freytes, Renê; Nonato, Santos, Martinelli; Arias, Everaldo, Serna.
Borussia Dortmund:
- New Signings: Jobe Bellingham, who joined from Sunderland, is expected to make his debut.
- Injuries: Salih Özcan is out with a hamstring injury, and Emre Can and Nico Schlotterbeck are also unavailable.
- Predicted Formation: 3-4-2-1
- Lineup: Kobel; Süle, Anton, Bensebaini; Ryerson, Sabitzer, Nmecha, Svensson; Brandt, Adeyemi; Guirassy.
Current Form
- Fluminense: Recent results include a 2-0 victory against Internacional and a 2-1 win over Vasco de Gama.
- Borussia Dortmund: They recently secured a 3-0 win against Holsten Kiel and a 4-0 victory over Wolfsburg.
Multiple Perspectives
Borussia Dortmund’s Position
Dortmund is viewed as the favorite in this matchup, having finished strong in the Bundesliga and possessing a squad filled with talent. Analysts suggest that their attacking prowess, having scored the third-most goals in the Bundesliga this season, positions them well against Fluminense. However, concerns about their defensive vulnerabilities, having conceded 51 goals in 34 matches, could be a factor in this encounter.
Fluminense’s Outlook
Fluminense’s recent success in the Copa Libertadores and their current form in Série A suggest they are a competitive side. Some analysts argue that their midseason form could give them an edge against a European team that may not be as sharp in the early stages of their season. The team’s ability to disrupt Dortmund’s rhythm and capitalize on counterattacks will be crucial.
Context & Background
The FIFA Club World Cup is a prestigious tournament that showcases the best club teams globally. This year’s edition is particularly notable as it is being held in the United States for the first time, with MetLife Stadium serving as a key venue. The tournament format includes teams from various continents, with clubs from Europe and South America traditionally being strong contenders.
Fluminense’s participation as the Copa Libertadores champions highlights the growing competitiveness of South American football on the world stage. The match against Dortmund not only serves as a test for Fluminense but also as an opportunity for both teams to make a statement in the tournament.
What We Don’t Know Yet
As the match approaches, uncertainties remain regarding the final lineups, particularly concerning the fitness of several players for both teams. Fluminense’s injury concerns could significantly impact their performance, while Dortmund’s ability to integrate new signings like Jobe Bellingham into their strategy is still to be seen. Additionally, the tactical approaches of both coaches—Renato Portaluppi for Fluminense and Niko Kovač for Dortmund—will be closely scrutinized as they prepare for this high-stakes encounter.
Overall, the match promises to be an intriguing clash between two teams with different trajectories and expectations, set against the backdrop of a historic tournament in the United States.
