- The Mamelodi Sundowns vs Fluminense Group F match of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup is set for Wednesday night at Hard Rock Stadium.
- Kickoff is scheduled for 10:00 PM EAT.
- This is a must-win match for Mamelodi Sundowns, while Fluminense need just a draw to secure a spot in the Round of 16.
South African champions Mamelodi Sundowns travel to Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium this Wednesday evening for a crucial, must-win 2025 FIFA Club World Cup encounter against Brazilian powerhouse Fluminense.
Sundowns must secure all three points to keep their playoff aspirations alive. They currently sit third in Group F, having earned three points from their first two matches.
Their campaign began on a historic note with a 1-0 win over Ulsan Hyundai, the first-ever victory for an African club under the tournament’s revamped format.
That win netted them over $11 million in prize money more than double what they would have received for winning the CAF Champions League.
Guided by Portuguese tactician Miguel Cardoso, Sundowns demonstrated both promise and fragility in their next outing against Borussia Dortmund.
Despite a good attacking display that saw them score three goals, they succumbed to a 3-4 defeat against the German giants, revealing a gap in quality but earning admiration for their fearlessness.
Now, Cardoso faces another formidable test, but the stakes are tantalizing.
A win over Fluminense could see Masandawana pocket an additional $9.5 million and advance to the knockout stages.
Fluminense, on the other hand, need only a draw to confirm their place in the round of 16.
The Rio-based club enters this crucial fixture brimming with confidence.
The Tricolor, they have upheld the tradition of Brazilian dominance in this competition.
After a goalless stalemate with Borussia Dortmund, Renato Gaúcho’s side rebounded by dispatching Ulsan Hyundai 4-2.
They remain unbeaten and require just a single point to progress. While they couldn’t find the net against Dortmund, their tactical discipline and defensive resilience were on full display.
Fluminense were finalists in the 2023 edition of the Club World Cup and are aiming to replicate or surpass that memorable run.
What time does Mamelodi Sundowns vs Fluminense start?
The much-anticipated showdown between Mamelodi Sundowns and Fluminense is scheduled to kick off at 10:00 PM East Africa Time on Wednesday, June 25, at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium.
Sundowns vs Fluminense team news
Renato Gaucho is expected to make minor adjustments to his starting XI, though these changes are unlikely to compromise the squad’s overall cohesion or quality.
The Brazilian outfit remains technically superior and will look to assert their dominance on the pitch.
However, Fluminense will be without midfield lynchpin Otavio and winger Yeferson Soteldo, both of whom were ruled out at the start of the tournament.
Agustin Canobbio and Facundo Bernal remain fitness doubts, while seasoned attackers Keno and Germán Cano are back in contention.
For Sundowns, striker Lebo Mothiba is a major concern after sustaining a muscle injury in the narrow loss to Dortmund. He faces a late fitness test.
Tashreeq Matthews, who replaced Arthur Sales in that fixture, is expected to retain his spot in the starting lineup.
Mamelodi Sundowns vs Fluminense: possible lineups
Mamelodi Sundowns: Williams; Mudau, Kekana, Cupido, Lunga, Mokoena, Allende, Ribeiro Costa, Matthews, Zwane, Rayners.
Fluminense: Fabio; Xavier, Thiago Silva, Freytes, Fuentes, Martinelli, Hércules, Ganso, Arias, Serna, Cano.
Mamelodi Sundowns vs Fluminense h2h
This will be the first-ever meeting between Mamelodi Sundowns and Fluminense in any international competition.
Both teams will be eager to etch their names into the history books with a landmark victory.
Mamelodi Sundowns vs Fluminense current form
- Mamelodi Sundowns (Club World Cup): L–W
- Mamelodi Sundowns (All Competitions): L–W–W–W–W
- Fluminense (Club World Cup): W–D
- Fluminense (All Competitions): W–D–W–W–W
Mamelodi Sundowns vs Fluminense prediction
Expect fireworks as Mamelodi Sundowns, clear underdogs, throw everything into this pivotal fixture in a bid to reach the next round.
Their resilience and flair may surprise many, but the Brazilian side remains the firm favorite.
Fluminense simply need to avoid defeat to continue their unbeaten streak and book a spot in the last 16. However, the encounter promises to be fiercely contested over the full 90 minutes.
Other Group F Fixture today
Borussia Dortmund vs. Ulsan Hyundai