Mamelodi Sundowns vs Borussia Dortmund: World Cup 2025

Mamelodi Sundowns vs Borussia Dortmund on June 21, 2025, in a crucial Group F match at the FIFA Club World Cup. The South African champions head into the clash full of confidence after a 1–0 victory over Ulsan HD, while Dortmund are under pressure following a disappointing 0–0 draw with Fluminense. With Sundowns currently leading the group, a win could all but secure their place in the knockout stages. Dortmund, on the other hand, must respond with a much-improved performance to stay in contention. The match, set to take place at Cincinnati’s TQL Stadium, promises to be a compelling battle between Sundowns’ organized, possession-based style and Dortmund’s need for urgency and attacking sharpness.

Recent Team Form

A summary of the recent form for both teams:

Mamelodi Sundowns

Mamelodi Sundowns have been in imperious form leading into the Club World Cup. They’ve dominated the South African Premiership, clinching the 2024–25 title with an impressive record of 24 wins, 1 draw, and 3 losses, scoring 65 goals and conceding just 13 . In their last five league matches, they secured four wins and one draw, maintaining strong defensive discipline. Their Champions League campaign showed mixed form but tightened up in May and June, capped by a disciplined 1–0 win over Ulsan HD to kick off their Club World Cup journey.

Borussia Dortmund

Borussia Dortmund have had a solid but somewhat inconsistent season domestically, finishing 4th in the Bundesliga with 17 wins, 6 draws, and 11 losses, bolstered by strong home performances but vulnerability on the road . Recent league form shows several high-scoring victories (e.g. 4–0 over Wolfsburg and 4–0 over Freiburg in April/May), indicating offensive potency. However, their Club World Cup opener against Fluminense ended in a flat 0–0 draw, with their attacking unit failing to break through—saving grace came via goalkeeper Gregor Kobel’s key saves  .

Overall:

• Sundowns arrive with strong momentum, consistency, and defensive solidity.

• Dortmund possess firepower but have shown inconsistencies, particularly in international competition, and depend heavily on key performers like Kobel.

Team Details

A refined overview of each team’s squad, coaching setup, and key player roles at the FIFA Club World Cup:

Mamelodi Sundowns

Coach: José Miguel Azevedo Cardoso (appointed Dec 2024)
Captain: Ronwen Williams (GK)

Key Players:

Denis Onyango (39, GK) & Ronwen Williams (33, GK): A veteran duo offering top-level experience between the sticks  .

Peter Shalulile (31, ST): Prolific striker leading the line, crucial for converting chances  .

Lucas Ribeiro (RW) & Thapelo Maseko (21, LM): Provide width, creativity, and pace on the flanks  .

Teboho Mokoena (CM) & Themba Zwane (CM/LM): Central midfield anchors, blend experience with tactical control  .

Strong defensive block led by Keanu Cupido, Mosa Lebusa, and Malibongwe Khoza offers solidity at the back  .

Tactical Approach: Known for organized, possession-based football—nicknamed “Shoe Shine & Piano”—with a strong defensive foundation and efficient attack.

Borussia Dortmund

Coach: Niko Kovač (since early 2025)
Captain: Emre Can (CM)

Key Players:

Gregor Kobel (25, GK): Formed a stout defensive backbone with multiple clean sheets  .

Serhou Guirassy (28, ST): Star striker with 13 Champions League goals this season—including a hat-trick against Barcelona—and vital for tournament goals  .

Jobe Bellingham (19, CM): Recent club-record signing from Sunderland, handed the iconic No. 77, seen as a future midfield leader  .

Pascal Groß (33, CM): Experienced playmaker with strong assist figures both domestically and in Europe  .

Jamie Bynoe-Gittens (20, RW) & Maximilian Beier (22, FW): Emerging talents offering pace, creativity, and goal threat  .

Defensive unit: Includes Niklas Süle and Nico Schlotterbeck, adding aerial presence and Bundesliga experience  .

Playstyle: Fast-paced, attacking brand of football with emphasis on quick transitions, wing play, and clinical finishing, though still stabilizing under Kovač.

Predicted Lineup

The predicted lineup for the upcoming Mamelodi Sundowns vs Borussia Dortmund clash in the FIFA Club World Cup:

Mamelodi Sundowns (4-2-3-1)

Goalkeeper:

Ronwen Williams (Captain)

Defenders:

Khuliso Mudau (RB)

Grant Kekana (CB)

Mothobi Mvala (CB)

Aubrey Modiba (LB)

Midfielders:

Teboho Mokoena (CDM)

Rivaldo Coetzee (CDM)

Themba Zwane (CAM)

Lucas Ribeiro (RW)

Thapelo Maseko (LW)

Striker:

Peter Shalulile (ST)

Key Notes: Sundowns will likely stick to their structured 4-2-3-1 formation, emphasizing midfield control and fluid wing play. Zwane’s creativity and Shalulile’s movement are central to their attacking strategy.

Borussia Dortmund (4-2-3-1)

Goalkeeper:

Gregor Kobel

Defenders:

Julian Ryerson (RB)

Niklas Süle (CB)

Nico Schlotterbeck (CB)

Ramy Bensebaini (LB)

Midfielders:

Emre Can (CDM, Captain)

Felix Nmecha (CDM)

Julian Brandt (CAM)

Karim Adeyemi (LW)

Jamie Bynoe-Gittens (RW)

Striker:

Serhou Guirassy (ST)

Key Notes: Dortmund are expected to field an attacking lineup, balancing youth and experience. Guirassy leads the line with strong form, while Brandt and Adeyemi will be critical in unlocking Sundowns’ defense.

Importance of Mamelodi Sundowns vs Borussia Dortmund

The match between Mamelodi Sundowns and Borussia Dortmund in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 holds major significance for both teams and the tournament:

Group F Decider

This is a crucial group-stage match.

• Sundowns currently top the group after a 1–0 win over Ulsan HD.

• Dortmund are under pressure after a 0–0 draw with Fluminense.

A win for Sundowns could secure their place in the knockout stage—a historic first for a South African club at this level.
A win for Dortmund is essential to keep their tournament hopes alive.

Continental Prestige

• For Africa (CAF): A win or strong result by Sundowns would showcase African club football at the highest level and challenge the dominance of European and South American teams.

• For Europe (UEFA): Dortmund, as Bundesliga representatives, carry the weight of upholding European expectations. A loss could signal vulnerability and shake confidence.

Tactical & Mental Test

• Sundowns will be tested against elite opposition, providing a valuable benchmark for the club’s progress and system.

• Dortmund need to prove their mental resilience and offensive efficiency after underperforming in their opener.

Impact on Legacy & Momentum

• Sundowns could become the first African team to top their group in the Club World Cup’s new format.

• Dortmund risk early elimination, which would be seen as a major failure for a top European side.

Conclusion

The upcoming clash between Mamelodi Sundowns and Borussia Dortmund is a pivotal encounter in Group F of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025. With Sundowns riding high after an opening win and Dortmund needing a response following a frustrating draw, this match could define both teams’ tournament trajectories. A win for Sundowns would mark a historic achievement for African club football, showcasing their growth and ambition on the world stage. For Dortmund, it’s a must-win to reaffirm their status as European contenders and avoid early elimination. High stakes, contrasting styles, and global attention make this a must-watch showdown with lasting implications.

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