On June 17, 2025, Fluminense kicks off the FIFA Club World Cup against Borussia Dortmund, in a match set to electrify the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA. The game, part of Group F, starts at 1:00 PM (Brasília time) and marks the Tricolor’s debut in their quest for the unprecedented title. With confirmed broadcasts, probable lineups are circulating, and anticipation is high for the clash between the 2023 Libertadores champion and the 2023-24 Champions League runner-up. The match brings together two global football giants, with fans eager for a tactical and technical spectacle.
Fluminense, led by Renato Gaúcho, comes in strong after a series of solid results in the Brasileirão and Copa Sudamericana. Meanwhile, Borussia Dortmund, under Niko Kovač, aims to overcome an inconsistent Bundesliga season to shine in the international tournament. The game also highlights stars like Jhon Arias for the Brazilian side and Serhou Guirassy, Dortmund’s top scorer.
- Key match details:
- Date: June 17, 2025, at 1:00 PM (Brasília time).
- Venue: MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey.
- Competition: FIFA Club World Cup, Group F.
- Broadcast: DAZN and Globo channels.
Club World Cup debut
The 2025 Club World Cup, held in the USA from June 15 to July 13, features a new format with 32 teams split into eight groups. Fluminense, a Group F seed, faces not only Borussia Dortmund but also Ulsan HD from South Korea and Mamelodi Sundowns from South Africa. The debut against the Germans is seen as the toughest challenge in the group stage, as Dortmund qualified via the UEFA ranking, holding the third spot among eligible clubs.
The Tricolor’s preparation included training in Atlantic City, about an hour from New Jersey, using Stockton University’s facilities. The Brazilian club relies on the experience of players like Thiago Silva and the versatility of Jhon Arias to counter Dortmund’s solid defense and quick transitions. Dortmund, meanwhile, arrives with targeted reinforcements, like midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka on loan from Chelsea, and trusts in Serhou Guirassy’s goal-scoring prowess, with 28 goals in the 2024-25 season.
Where to watch live
The match will be broadcast live on DAZN, which secured global Club World Cup rights, and Globo channels, ensuring wide coverage in Brazil. For online viewers, DAZN’s streaming platform offers real-time access on mobile devices and smart TVs. Additionally, Sofascore provides live scores, detailed stats, and minute-by-minute updates, including possession, shots, and cards.
Fans in the USA can purchase tickets through Hellotickets, with prices varying by stadium section. A large crowd is expected, as the MetLife Stadium, with a capacity of over 82,000, is one of the largest venues in the competition.
Probable lineups
Fluminense is expected to field a solid lineup, leveraging their experienced squad. The probable lineup, based on recent Brasileirão and Sudamericana matches, is:
- Fluminense: Fábio; Samuel Xavier, Thiago Silva, Freytes, Fuentes; Hércules, Gustavo; Jhon Arias, Everaldo, Serna; Germán Cano. Coach: Renato Gaúcho.
Borussia Dortmund, led by Niko Kovač, is likely to adopt a 3-4-3 system, emphasizing quick transitions. Their probable lineup includes:
- Borussia Dortmund: Gregor Kobel; Niklas Süle, Emre Can, Nico Schlotterbeck; Julian Ryerson, Marcel Sabitzer, Carney Chukwuemeka, Jamie Gittens; Karim Adeyemi, Serhou Guirassy, Donyell Malen. Coach: Niko Kovač.
These lineups reflect recent team patterns, but changes may occur until one hour before the match, when official lineups are announced.
Match history
Fluminense and Borussia Dortmund have never faced each other in official competitions, making the duel highly unpredictable. The lack of prior encounters heightens curiosity about how their playing styles will match up. While Fluminense relies on ball possession and offensive creativity, Dortmund is known for intensity and speed in counterattacks.
Recent results
Fluminense is in top form, unbeaten in their last five matches before the Club World Cup break. Their recent results include:
- Fluminense 2-0 Once Caldas (Copa Sudamericana)
- Fluminense 2-0 Internacional (Brasileirão)
- Fluminense 2-1 Vasco (Brasileirão)
- Aparecidense 1-4 Fluminense (Copa do Brasil)
- Juventude 1-1 Fluminense (Brasileirão)
Borussia Dortmund, however, had an inconsistent season, with 20 wins, 8 draws, and 16 losses in 45 matches. Their last five results were:
- Bologna 1-2 Dortmund (Champions League)
- Holstein Kiel 4-2 Dortmund (Bundesliga)
- Dortmund 3-1 Augsburg (Bundesliga)
- Freiburg 0-2 Dortmund (Bundesliga)
- Dortmund 1-1 Wolfsburg (Bundesliga)
Top scorers
For Fluminense, Jhon Arias is the main offensive threat, with decisive goals and assists this season. Germán Cano, despite recent absences, remains a key figure in attack. For Dortmund, Serhou Guirassy leads with 28 goals and 9 assists, holding the highest goal involvement in the 2024-25 season. Youngster Jamie Gittens, with 12 goals and 5 assists, is also a constant danger.
Coaches and strategies
Renato Gaúcho, Fluminense’s coach, is known for his pragmatic approach, alternating between possession and quick counterattacks. His experience in South American competitions will be tested against the European style. Niko Kovač, who took over Dortmund in February 2025, implemented a more solid defensive system with three center-backs and attacking wingbacks. The coaching change after Nuri Sahin’s departure reflects the German club’s pursuit of consistency.
City and stadium
The MetLife Stadium, the match venue, is one of the most modern in the USA, with a capacity of 82,500 spectators. Located in East Rutherford, New Jersey, it has hosted events like the Copa América final and NFL games. A natural grass pitch was installed specifically for the Club World Cup, ensuring ideal playing conditions. East Rutherford, near New York, expects thousands of Brazilian and German fans.
Weather forecast
For June 17, 2025, East Rutherford’s weather forecast predicts mild temperatures, with a high of 24°C and a low of 17°C. No rain is expected, favoring the match and fan comfort. Relative humidity should hover around 60%, according to local meteorological data.
Refereeing
FIFA has not yet announced the refereeing team for the match, but a seasoned crew is expected given the game’s importance. Referees from international competitions, such as UEFA or CONMEBOL, are likely candidates. VAR will be in use, ensuring accurate reviews of controversial calls.
Match trivia
- Fluminense is the first Rio de Janeiro club to compete in the Club World Cup’s new format.
- Borussia Dortmund returns to the tournament after their 1997 victory.
- The MetLife Stadium is the largest venue in the group stage, surpassing locations like Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.
- Fluminense’s Jhon Arias leads the 2024 Brasileirão in assists, with 12.
- Dortmund’s Serhou Guirassy was the Bundesliga’s second-top scorer in 2024-25, behind only Harry Kane.
Match predictions
Experts foresee a balanced game, with slight favoritism for Borussia Dortmund due to their European experience. However, Fluminense has surprised in international matchups, like in the 2023 Libertadores. A 1-1 draw is the most predicted score, with goals from Guirassy for Dortmund and Arias or Cano for Fluminense. Sofascore’s community poll gives Dortmund a 55% chance of winning, Fluminense 25%, and a draw 20%.
Tickets and access
Tickets for Fluminense vs Borussia Dortmund are available on Hellotickets, starting at $50 for distant sections and up to $200 for premium areas. Brazilian fans in the USA have mobilized to attend, while German supporters also plan to fill the stands. Organizers recommend arriving early at MetLife Stadium to avoid lines, with public transport being the best option due to expected heavy traffic.
