Fluminense's one and only previous meeting with African opposition saw them beat Al Ahly 2-0 in the Club World Cup semi-finals in December 2023. Mamelodi Sundowns was face South American opposition for the very first time.
Mamelodi Sundowns vs Fluminense preview
This is a crucial clash in Miami because, come full time, in all likelihood, one will reach the Club World Cup knockout stages, while the other will be heading for home. Fluminense kick off top of Group F, having first held Borussia Dortmund to a goalless draw in East Rutherford. Then, on Saturday evening, the Fluzão fought back from a goal down to beat Ulsan HD 4-2, also at MetLife Stadium.
After Jhon Arias broke the deadlock, thanks to a stunning free-kick, the South Korean side snatched a shock led on the cusp of half time, only for goals from Nonato, Juan Pablo Freytes and then Keno to secure victory for Flu. Renato Gaúcho's team have certainly impressed this summer, but they could be heading for home after this one, requiring a point in South Florida to make sure they advance.
As for Mamelodi Sundowns, the equation is simple; this is must win. Before this year, the Brazilians had lost every Club World Cup match they'd ever played, but changed that fact on matchday one, with Iqraam Rayners' toe-poke enough to down Ulsan HD in Orlando, following a weather delay.
Then, on Friday, the Masandawana were involved in a seven-goal thriller against Borussia Dortmund. Lucas Ribeiro Costa broke the deadlock for the South African champions, only for Dortmund to score four unanswered goals during a 43 minutes spree. Late strikes from Rayners and then Lebo Mothiba did set up a grand-stand finish in Cincinnati, but Miguel Cardoso's side were ultimately beaten 4-3. Thus, the Sundowns must now win at Hard Rock Stadium to progress, and they will do as at Fluminense's expense, unless die Schwarzgelben are beaten by Ulsan HD simultaneously. Given that this is unlikely, it's do or die for both in Miami, so who will secure their spot in the round of 16?
Mamelodi Sundowns vs Fluminense head-to-head record
These two clubs have never previously met.
Mamelodi Sundowns team news
Miguel Cardoso made just one change against Dortmund on Saturday, Tashreeq Matthews coming in for Arthur Sales. Thus, he's unlikely to tinker, what is, a settled XI.
Mamelodi Sundowns predicted lineup vs Fluminense: (4-3-3): Williams; Mudau, Kekana, Cupido, Lunga; Mokoena, Allende, Ribeiro Costa; Matthews, Zwane, Rayners.
Mamelodi Sundowns player to watch vs Fluminense
Iqraam Rayners has netted in both Club World Cup fixtures to date, taking his tally to 24 for the season, so can he fire Masandawana into the round of 16?
Fluminense team news
Renato Gaúcho, in contrast to his opposite number, made six changes on Saturday. Defenders Guga, Juan Pablo Freytes and Gabriel Fuentes all came in, as did midfielders Kevin Serna and Ganso. Most-crucially, top-scorer Germán Cano returned to lead the line, featuring for the first time since 30 April due to a knee injury, and his return could be key to their chances of progression.
Fluminense predicted lineup vs Mamelodi Sundowns: (5-3-2): Fábio; Xavier, Thiago Silva, Freytes, Fuentes; Martinelli, Hércules, Ganso; Arias, Serna, Cano.
Fluminense player to watch vs Mamelodi Sundowns
40 year old Thiago Silva looks like a spring chicken in this team compared to his goalkeeper Fábio, who is 44, set to make his 1,195th senior club appearance here, extending his own world record.
Mamelodi Sundowns vs Fluminense prediction
Supported by a raucous, partisan crowd in Miami Gardens, we are backing Fluminense to claim the victory they need to advance, sending the Sundowns home: Mamelodi Sundowns 0-2 Fluminense.
Mamelodi Sundowns vs Fluminense FAQs - FIFA Club World Cup
How to watch Mamelodi Sundowns vs Fluminense FIFA Club World Cup game on TV channel?
Mamelodi Sundowns vs Fluminense FIFA Club World Cup game will be available on the following TV channels;
- UK: DAZN UK
- USA: DAZN USA.
- Canada: DAZN Canada
How to watch Mamelodi Sundowns vs Fluminense FIFA Club World Cup game on live streaming?
Mamelodi Sundowns vs Fluminense FIFA Club World Cup game will be available on the following streaming services;
- UK: DAZN UK
- USA: DAZN USA.
- Canada: DAZN Canada
What is the date and kick-off time for Mamelodi Sundowns vs Fluminense in the FIFA Club World Cup?
Mamelodi Sundowns vs Fluminense takes place on Wednesday 25 June 2025, with kick off at 20:00 (BST), 15:00 (EDT) & 12:00 (PDT).