This is a pivotal second group-stage clash in Group F of the expanded 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. Mamelodi Sundowns, fresh off a 1–0 win over Ulsan Hyundai, can secure a spot in the Round of 16 with another victory. Borussia Dortmund, meanwhile, were held to a 0–0 draw by Fluminense and need a win to stay in control of their knockout-stage destiny.
Mamelodi Sundowns: African Champions Eye Historic Upset
Last Match: 1–0 win vs Ulsan Hyundai
FIFA Ranking (CAF): 1st in Africa (club level)
Manager: Miguel Cardoso
Strengths:
Defensive Solidity: Kept a clean sheet in their opener and have conceded just 0.6 goals per game in their last 10 matches.
Iqraam Rayners’ Form: Scored the match-winner vs Ulsan and had two more goals disallowed by VAR.
Midfield Control: Marcelo Allende and Teboho Mokoena dictate tempo with crisp passing and tactical awareness.
Concerns:
Conversion Rate: Despite dominating Ulsan, Sundowns struggled to finish chances.
Lack of Big-Game Experience: Facing a European powerhouse like Dortmund is a rare test.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1):
Williams; Mudau, Cupido, Kekana, Lunga; Mokoena, Allende; Zwane, Sales, Costa; Rayners
Borussia Dortmund: Bundesliga Giants Seek First Win
Last Match: 0–0 draw vs Fluminense
Bundesliga Finish: 4th in 2024–25
Manager: Niko Kovač
Strengths:
Attacking Depth: Serhou Guirassy, Julian Brandt, and Karim Adeyemi lead a potent front line.
Midfield Versatility: Marcel Sabitzer and Felix Nmecha offer balance between creativity and control.
Experience: Dortmund are seasoned in European competition and enter as one of UEFA’s top-ranked clubs.
Concerns:
Finishing Issues: Failed to score vs Fluminense despite dominating possession.
Injuries: Emre Can, Nico Schlotterbeck, and Salih Özcan are sidelined.
Predicted XI (3-4-2-1):
Kobel; Süle, Anton, Bensebaini; Ryerson, Sabitzer, Groß, Svensson; Brandt, Adeyemi; Guirassy
Head-to-Head & Key Stats
| Category | Mamelodi Sundowns | Borussia Dortmund |
| Last 5 Matches | W–W–D–L–W | W–W–W–W–D |
| Goals Scored (CWC) | 1 | 0 |
| Goals Conceded (CWC) | 0 | 0 |
| All-Time Meetings | First-ever meeting | — |
| Group F Standings | 1st (3 pts) | 2nd (1 pt) |
Dortmund are unbeaten in 8 straight matches across all competitions
Sundowns have kept 7 clean sheets in their last 10 matches
Over 2.5 goals has hit in 6 of Dortmund’s last 8 matches
Players to Watch
Mamelodi Sundowns:
Iqraam Rayners: Match-winner vs Ulsan; clinical in tight spaces.
Themba Zwane: Veteran playmaker with vision and composure.
Ronwen Williams: Captain and shot-stopper with big-game experience.
Borussia Dortmund:
Serhou Guirassy: Bundesliga top scorer; physical and lethal in the box.
Julian Brandt: Creative engine with 10+ assists last season.
Karim Adeyemi: Blistering pace and dribbling threat on the wing.
MATCH ODDS
Mamelodi + 600 Draw + 390 Dortmund – 240
Over 2.5 – 150 Under 2.5 + 115
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, June 20, 2025
