After a strong end to the Bundesliga season, Borussia Dortmund enter the Club World Cup in high spirits and their tournament begins against Fluminense on Tuesday.
Their journey to the 2024 UEFA Champions League final papered over the distinct cracks within Edin Terzić’s framework, and the hiring of his assistant, Nuri Sahin, proved to be a disaster. It required an impressive salvation job from Niko Kovač to rescue Dortmund’s campaign, as they finished 2024–25 strongly and snuck into the Bundesliga’s top four on the final day.
BVB qualified for this tournament via UEFA’s ranking pathway, and they’ll be aiming to carry the momentum from their strong domestic finale into their summer campaign. Kovač’s men are the overwhelming favorites to win Group F.
After fighting against relegation last year, 2023 Copa Libertadores winners Fluminense are on the up once more with Renato Portaluppi at the helm. They’re up to sixth in Série A and are just four points adrift of bitter rivals Flamengo at the summit.
While a deep run in the United States is seemingly beyond them, the Brazilians will be looking to make an impression during the group stage.
Here is guide to Tuesday’s clash.
