Anticipating a Thrilling Group F Opener
The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup kicks off with a historic Group F clash between Brazil’s Fluminense and Germany’s Borussia Dortmund on June 17, 2025, at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. This marks the first-ever competitive meeting between the two sides, with Fluminense facing a German club for the first time. Both teams enter with strong recent form, promising a high-energy battle in the expanded 32-team tournament. Below is a detailed preview, including predictions, team news, and lineups, optimized for searches like “Fluminense vs Borussia Dortmund prediction 2025” and “Club World Cup team news.”
Team Form and Key Players
Fluminense, the 2023 Copa Libertadores champions, come off a 6-2 friendly win over Charleston Battery and sit sixth in the Brazilian Série A. Their attack, led by Jhon Arias (46 goals, 54 assists in 223 games), thrives on quick transitions, scoring in nine of their last 10 matches and netting two or more goals in six of seven. Veteran Thiago Silva, 40, anchors the defense, bringing Champions League experience from stints at Chelsea and PSG. However, Fluminense’s inconsistent domestic season (13th in Série A earlier) and struggles against structured attacks, as seen in losses to Atlético-MG (3-2) and Botafogo (2-0), raise concerns.
Borussia Dortmund, making their Club World Cup debut after a 1997 Intercontinental Cup win, ended the 2024-25 Bundesliga season in fourth, riding a seven-match unbeaten streak, including five straight wins. Their attack, one of Germany’s best, scored 15 goals in their last five games, powered by Serhou Guirassy and Karim Adeyemi. New signing Jobe Bellingham, a 19-year-old midfielder from Sunderland, adds flair but is unlikely to start. Dortmund’s defensive injuries, however, could expose vulnerabilities against Fluminense’s counter-attacks.
Team News and Injuries
Fluminense will miss Yeferson Soteldo and Otavio due to injuries, with Keno, Facundo Bernal, and Agustín Canobbio doubtful due to fitness concerns. Thiago Silva, despite his age, remains a lock at center-back, while Arias and Everaldo are expected to lead the attack. Ganso, the 35-year-old playmaker, seeks to rediscover his form after scoring just once in 2025.
Dortmund face significant defensive absences, with Nico Schlotterbeck, Soumaila Coulibaly, Salih Ozcan, and Emre Can sidelined. Gregor Kobel is fit to start in goal, and Julian Brandt’s creativity will be crucial. Coach Niko Kovac may rely on young prospects to fill gaps, making squad depth a potential issue.
Predicted Lineups
- Fluminense (4-3-3): Fábio; Samuel Xavier, Thiago Silva, Juan Freytes, Renê; Martinelli, Hércules, Nonato; Jhon Arias, Everaldo, Agustín Canobbio.
- Borussia Dortmund (3-4-2-1): Kobel; Niklas Süle, Waldemar Anton, Ramy Bensebaini; Julian Ryerson, Marcel Sabitzer, Felix Nmecha, Daniel Svensson; Julian Brandt, Karim Adeyemi; Serhou Guirassy.
Match Prediction: A Competitive Clash
Dortmund enter as favorites, with betting odds listing them at -200, Fluminense at +500, and a draw at +360. Their superior squad value (456 million Euros vs. Fluminense’s 77 million) and attacking firepower give them an edge. However, Fluminense’s in-season form—unbeaten in six games—and acclimation to the warm New Jersey weather could pose problems for a Dortmund side idle for nearly a month since their last Bundesliga match. Fluminense’s defensive solidity (0.8 goals conceded per game) and counter-attacking threat, led by Arias, suggest they can keep it close.
Expect both teams to score, given Fluminense’s 9/10 games with goals and Dortmund’s 7/10 games with both teams scoring. The match could hinge on Dortmund’s ability to exploit set pieces versus Fluminense’s quick transitions. A narrow Dortmund victory, 2-1, is likely, with Guirassy a prime candidate to score, backed by odds of 10/11 for an anytime goal. Fluminense’s resilience, however, makes an upset or draw plausible, especially if Dortmund’s makeshift defense falters.
Betting Tips
- Dortmund to win: 11/20
- Both teams to score (BTTS): 3/4
- Serhou Guirassy anytime goalscorer: 10/11
- Fluminense over 3.5 corners: Competitive odds, given their counter-attacking style.
