The stage is set for thrilling four matches as the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 rolls on in the United States. Fans can look forward to a packed schedule today with four blockbuster clashes: Monterrey vs. Inter Milan, Ulsan vs Mamelodi Sundowns, Fluminense vs. Borussia Dortmund, River Plate vs. Urawa Red Diamonds. Here is what to expect from each fixture:
Monterrey vs Inter Milan
Inter Milan will want to ensure their recent humiliation in the Champions League final is a thing of the past and they’re ready to be serious contenders to win the Club World Cup. Monterrey have enough quality to be competitive for the majority of the game and they could even challenge to advance past the group stage. However, playing one of the top-teams in world soccer to open the competition is a tough if not impossible task. Monterrey’s defensive fragility will be exposed by two elite strikers and Inter will cruise to a comfortable debut victory under Chivu. However, the Liga MX side has more than enough attacking firepower to score at least once and they will be competitive until the end on Torrent’s debut.
Ulsan vs Mamelodi Sundowns
While Ulsan’s domestic dominance is more recent, Sundowns have ruled South African football for nearly a decade. Since the 2013/14 season, the ‘Stylish Boys’ have only missed out on the league title twice, finishing runners-up on both occasions. Their latest championship under coach Miguel Cardoso was comfortably secured, finishing 12 points ahead of closest challengers Orlando Pirates. For Cardoso, this marks his first trophy with Mamelodi and his second consecutive league title as head coach, having previously won the Tunisian league with Esperance in 2023/24. Ukrainian fans may remember Cardoso from his work with Shakhtar’s youth and senior teams as Paulo Fonseca’s assistant.
On the continental stage, Sundowns have been consistent, reaching at least the quarterfinals in the last six years, although they have fallen short of finals, being eliminated at the semifinal stage three times during this period. Their sole CAF Champions League triumph came in 2016, which earned them their first-ever appearance at the Club World Cup. That tournament ended in the quarterfinals with a 0-2 loss to Kashima Antlers from Japan, their last meeting with an AFC representative. Despite a trophy drought on the continent in recent years, Sundowns qualified for this second Club World Cup based on their strong four-year CAF club ranking. For both teams, this match represents perhaps their best shot at a Club World Cup victory and a chance to challenge for progression from the group. We can expect an open contest with both sides pushing forward and at least one goal apiece.
Fluminense vs. Borussia Dortmund
Fluminense should take inspiration from Palmeiras’s showing against Porto on Sunday night, with their Brazilian rivals unfortunate to not take all three points from their tournament opener. South American teams are bound to benefit from being in midseason form against potentially flagging Europeans, although Fluminense have a considerable quality gap to make up here. However, if they are able to put Dortmund into an uncomfortable position by forcing them to have more of the ball than they wish, then this could be a tricky game for the Germans. Much of their success under Kovač has been predicated on a disciplined defense and efficient counterattacks. Their game model will thus be put to the test in New Jersey, and it’ll be interesting to see how they cope against an in-form opponent. Prediction is Fluminense 1–2 Borussia Dortmund.
River Plate vs. Urawa Red Diamonds
There are high-hopes for River Plate going into the tournament, with the Argentine giants aiming for a surprise run deep into the knockout stages. River Plate will dominate for most of the game but will find it hard to open up a disciplined and well-structured Red Diamonds defense. Eventually, though, the quality of players River have on their ranks will prove impossible to contain for the entirety of the match. Mastantuono and Franco Colidio find the back of the net and Gallardo’s men will get a victory to start their Club World Cup campaign. Prediction is River Plate 2–0 Urawa Red Diamonds.