Borussia Dortmund are poised to make their Club World Cup debut, albeit they did win the Intercontinental Cup in 1997, defeating Cruzeiro 2-0 in Tokyo.
Fluminense meanwhile made their own maiden Club World Cup appearance in December 2023, ousting Al Ahly in the semi-finals, before being smashed 4-0 by Manchester City in the final.
Fluminense vs Borussia Dortmund preview
These two teams are widely-expected to progress through Group F, so will either make a winning start at MetLife Stadium? Borussia Dortmund travel stateside in excellent form, thereby confident they're capable of making a deep run. Die Schwarzgelben endured a nightmare first two-thirds of this campaign, sat 11th in the Bundesliga as recently as 15 March, following a 2-0 defeat at RB Leipzig.
Well, after that, led by Niko Kovač, who'd only taken over in February, they collected 22 points out of a possible 24, only dropping points away at Bayern Munich, thereby sneaking into the Champions League spots. So, given Dortmund's recent form, should they be considered amongst the favourites this summer? Well, they are certainly likely to get through the group stages, probably in first place, albeit this opener in East Rutherford could be their toughest assignment.
As for Fluminense, they won the Copa Libertadores for the very first time in 2023, defeating Boca Juniors 2-1 after extra time in the final at the Maracanã. However, the Fluzão are not nearly as strong now as they were back then, finishing 13th in last season's Brasileirão, a mere four points clear of relegation, while they are sixth 11 matches into this campaign, despite successive league wins over Vasco da Gama and then Internacional ahead of this competition.
Similar to his opposite number, manager Renato Gaúcho was appointed very recently, overseeing just 15 games since being hired in April, winning ten to date, so he'll be hoping for more of the same stateside, albeit Fluminese kick off at MetLife Stadium as big underdogs.
Fluminense vs Borussia Dortmund head-to-head record
These two clubs have never previously met.
Fluminense team news
40 year old Thiago Silva, who won the Club World Cup with Chelsea four years ago, will captain Renato Gaúcho's team from centre-back. He though is not nearly Flu's oldest player, given that goalkeeper Fábio is 44; he's made 1,189 club appearances since his debut back in 1997.
Elsewhere, Otávio, Facundo Bernal and Agustín Canobbio are all injured, while star striker Germán Cano has not featured since 30 April due to a knee injury, and it's as yet unknwon if he'll be fit.
Fluminense predicted lineup vs Borussia Dortmund: (4-3-3): Fábio; Guga, Thiago Silva, Freytes, Renê; Thiago Santos, Martinelli, Ganso; Arias, Serna, Everaldo.
Fluminense player to watch vs Borussia Dortmund
Ganso will be Fluminense's creator in chief, albeit the 35 year old has scored only one goal in 2025, this coming against Aparecidense in the Copa do Brasil last month, so can he rediscover his best form?
Borussia Dortmund team news
Niko Kovač is without Nico Schlotterbeck and Soumaïla Coulibaly due to injury, but Carney Chukwuemeka is still here, having extended his loan from Chelsea. Also, there could be a debut for midfielder Jobe Bellingham, who swapped Sunderland for die Schwarzgelben last week.
Meantime, it'll be interesting to see if Jamie Gittens features, after the aforementioned Chelsea had a bid rejected for the Englishman ahead of this tournament.
Borussia Dortmund predicted lineup vs Fluminense: (3-4-2-1): Kobel; Süle, Anton Bensebaïni; Ryerson, Bellingham, Groß, Svensson; Adeyemi, Brandt, Guirassy.
Borussia Dortmund player to watch vs Fluminense
Serhou Guirassy was outstanding during his first season at Borussia Dortmund, scoring 34 goals across all competition, including 11 in the Champions League, looking to continue that form here.
Fluminense vs Borussia Dortmund prediction
We fully expected Borussia Dortmund to be victorious in East Rutherford, likely to be too strong for a Fluminense team not at the peak of their powers: Fluminense 1-2 Borussia Dortmund.
Fluminense vs Borussia Dortmund FAQs - FIFA Club World Cup
How to watch Fluminense vs Borussia Dortmund FIFA Club World Cup game on TV channel?
Fluminense vs Borussia Dortmund FIFA Club World Cup game will be available on the following TV channels;
- UK: Channel 5 and DAZN UK
- USA: TNT Sports, TUDN and DAZN USA.
- Canada: DAZN Canada
How to watch Fluminense vs Borussia Dortmund FIFA Club World Cup game on live streaming?
Fluminense vs Borussia Dortmund FIFA Club World Cup game will be available on the following streaming services;
- UK: My5 and DAZN UK
- USA: TNT Sports, TUDN and DAZN USA.
- Canada: DAZN Canada
What is the date and kick-off time for Fluminense vs Borussia Dortmund in the FIFA Club World Cup?
Fluminense vs Borussia Dortmund takes place on Tuesday 17 June 2025, with kick off at 17:00 (BST), 12:00 (EDT) & 9:00 (PDT).