Ulsan Hyundai vs Mamelodi Sundowns are set to face off in their opening match of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup Group F at Inter&Co Stadium in Orlando. This marks the first-ever meeting between the South Korean and South African champions. Ulsan enter the game in strong form, unbeaten in their last five matches, with a solid attacking record averaging two goals per game. In contrast, Sundowns bring a disciplined, possession-focused style, having recently secured the South African Premiership title with a strong defensive showing—conceding just 0.5 goals per match on average. While Ulsan are slight favorites, the match is expected to be closely contested, with both teams aiming to gain an early advantage in a group that also features Fluminense and Borussia Dortmund. A low-to-mid scoring game is likely, given the statistical trends, but both teams have the quality to influence the result decisively.
Team Form and Standing
Ulsan Hyundai (Ulsan HD)
K League 1 2025 form: Excellent – in their last 5 league matches, Ulsan have 3 wins, 1 draw, 1 loss, earning 2.00 points per game .
League standing: Sitting 2nd in the K League 1 table (out of 12 teams) .
Overall, they remain in strong contention, entertaining a reputation of being disciplined, well-structured, and consistently competitive .
Mamelodi Sundowns
South African Premiership (2024–25):
League champions — secured their 17th title .
Current 2025 form: Domineering, with 19 wins, 1 draw, 2 losses, and a goal tally of 50 scored vs 12 conceded in 22 matches .
Recent formline: Displayed a strong sequence – W D W W W .
CAF Champions League:
Runners-up in the 2024–25 campaign .
Overall strength: Their dominant domestic performance is backed by a steady continental run, marking them as a formidable side on multiple fronts.
Team Details
A detailed breakdown of both teams, including staff, key players, squad depth, and recent transfers:
Ulsan Hyundai (Ulsan HD)
Coach: Kim Pan-gon, appointed July 28, 2024
Recent Success:
Three-peat K League 1 champions (2022–2024), AFC Champions League semi‑finalists (2024)
Rebranded as Ulsan HD in December 2023 under HD Hyundai
Goalkeepers
Jo Hyeon‑Woo – National team keeper, age 33
Moon Jung‑in, Ryu Seong‑min, Moon Hyun‑ho also feature in 2025 roster
Defense
Captained by Kim Young‑gwon (34), experienced centre-back
Recent signings include Park Min‑seo, Kang Sang‑woo, Yoon Jong‑gyu, Seo Myeong‑kwan, Lee Jae‑ik strengthening the back line
Midfield
Mix of domestic and foreign talent: Darijan Bojanic, Gustav Ludwigson, with Korean midfielders Lee Jin‑hyun, Baek In‑woo, Yoon Jae‑seok added this season
Attack
Key forwards: Giorgi Arabidze, Matías Lacava, Heo Yool, Erick Farias, Yago Cariello Ribeiro
Experienced striker Park Chu‑Young (39) recently retired
Mamelodi Sundowns
Coach: José Miguel Azevedo Cardoso, appointed Dec 2024
Domestic Success:
2024–25 South African Premiership champions
Continental Form: CAF Champions League runners-up; large, competitive squad with many internationals
Goalkeepers
Ronwen Williams (captain, ex‑SuperSport United) – ranked 9th in Yashin Trophy 2024
Backup: Denis Onyango, Jody February, Reyaad Pieterse, Sanele Tshabalala
Defense
Reliable individuals: Khuliso Mudau, Divine Lunga, Mothobi Mvala, Grant Kekana, Khanyisa Mbatha, etc.
Midfield
Creative force led by Lucas Ribeiro Costa (21 goals in 31 apps), Thapelo Maseko (5 goals), Themba Zwane, Iqraam Rayners, Marcelo Allende, Teboho Mokoena
Attack
Talented strike duo: Peter Shalulile (61 goals in 104 apps)
Supporting forwards: Arthur de Oliveira Sales, Kobamelo Kodisang, Lebo Mothiba, Siyabonga Mabena
Predicted Lineup
Here are the expected starting lineups for Ulsan Hyundai and Mamelodi Sundowns in their upcoming Group F clash at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup:
Ulsan Hyundai
Formation: Likely 4‑2‑3‑1 or 4‑3‑3, blending solidity and counter‑attack
Goalkeeper: Jo Hyeon‑Woo – seasoned shot‑stopper and national team mainstay
Defense (4):
RB: Kang Sang‑woo
CBs: Kim Young‑gwon (captain) & Seo Myung‑kwan
LB: Park Min‑seo
Midfield:
Double pivot: Jung Woo‑young (defensive cover) + Darijan Bojanic (creator)
Attack:
RW: Giorgi Arabidze
CAM: Heo Yool – their top scorer
LW: Matías Lacava
Striker: Yago Cariello Ribeiro – the central focal point
Mamelodi Sundowns
Formation: Expect a controlling 4‑3‑3 with creative flair and width
Goalkeeper: Ronwen Williams (captain), ranked 9th in Ballon d’Or Yashin vote
Defense (4):
RB: Khuliso Mudau – top-tier right back
CBs: Mosa Lebusa & Divine Lunga
LB: Terrence Mashego
Midfield:
Holding: Teboho Mokoena
Creators: Lucas Ribeiro Costa (21 goals this season) & Themba Zwane (team linchpin)
Attack:
LW: Thapelo Maseko – rising star
RW: Peter Shalulile – prolific striker
Striker: Iqraam Rayners – the finishing touch
Match Importance: Ulsan Hyundai vs Mamelodi Sundowns
This Group F clash is a decisive opening match for both Ulsan Hyundai and Mamelodi Sundowns in the expanded 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. With Fluminense and Borussia Dortmund also in the group, this fixture carries major implications:
Qualification Stakes
• Only two teams from Group F will progress to the Round of 16.
• A win here gives a major advantage, especially with tougher matches against Dortmund and Fluminense coming up.
Momentum Builder
• The opening match sets the tone – winning it can establish rhythm, confidence, and tactical clarity.
• Sundowns are seeking to prove their CAF dominance translates globally.
• Ulsan want to show that K League champions can compete with both South American and European giants.
Continental Pride
• It’s Asia vs Africa – a rare intercontinental battle between top domestic champions.
• A strong result enhances global reputation, league visibility, and player market value for both sides.
This is a must-not-lose game. The victor will likely only need one more result to qualify, while the loser could face near-elimination. It’s a high-pressure, high-reward encounter with tournament-defining consequences.
Conclusion: Ulsan Hyundai vs Mamelodi Sundowns
The opening Group F clash between Ulsan Hyundai and Mamelodi Sundowns is more than just a group stage fixture—it’s a pivotal encounter with major implications for both teams’ progression in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. Ulsan come into the game with solid form and strong tactical balance, while Sundowns bring dominance from the South African league and a squad full of depth and experience. Both sides will aim to secure an early advantage before facing heavyweights like Fluminense and Borussia Dortmund. A tight, tactical battle is expected, and the result could shape the entire group dynamic. Victory here could be the key to surviving the group of death.
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