Borussia Dortmund Faces Fluminense in Club World Cup Opener on Tuesday

EAST RUTHERFORD, New Jersey — Borussia Dortmund will kick off their FIFA Club World Cup campaign against Brazil’s Fluminense on Tuesday, June 17. After a strong finish to the Bundesliga season, Dortmund enters the tournament with high hopes.

Under the guidance of coach Niko Kovač, Dortmund rebounded from an uneven start this year, sneaking into the Bundesliga’s top four by winning 22 out of their last 24 points. The team qualified for the Club World Cup through UEFA’s ranking pathway and will look to maintain their momentum in the tournament.

“Our recent form gives us confidence,” Kovač stated in a press conference. “We know we have the quality to advance in this competition.” Kovač’s squad includes new signing Jobe Bellingham, who is expected to make his debut after transferring from Sunderland.

On the other side, Fluminense, who won the Copa Libertadores in 2023, are looking to establish themselves on the world stage after a turbulent previous season that placed them just above relegation. Now under coach Renato Portaluppi, Fluminense is aiming for a strong showing in Group F, where they are considered underdogs.

“We respect our opponents, but we also believe in our chance to make an impression,” Portaluppi said ahead of the match. Their captain, experienced defender Thiago Silva, will lead the team on the field against the German giants.

The two teams have never previously faced each other, adding an air of uncertainty to the matchup. Silva, who aims to protect goalkeeping veteran Fábio, could be crucial in keeping Dortmund at bay.

Fluminense’s lineup will feature key players such as Colombian star Jhon Arias and midfielder Gansu, who will look to create chances offensively. However, several injuries, including a season-ending Achilles tear for Otávio, cast doubt on their depth.

With kickoff scheduled for 12:00 PM EDT, fans can watch the match on various channels including DAZN and TNT USA. Dortmund are currently favored to win, building on their impressive recent form, while the Brazilians hope to pull off an upset.

As both teams prepare for this historic encounter, the world will be watching to see if Dortmund can assert their dominance or if Fluminense can rise to the occasion.