Mamelodi Sundowns vs. Fluminense Tips and Odds – 25/06/2025

• Fixture: Mamelodi Sundowns FC vs Fluminense FC
• Date: Wednesday, June 25, 2025
• Venue: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida

Match Preview

The final round of Group F in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup brings a high-stakes clash between South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns and Brazil’s Fluminense at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium. Both teams are fighting for a place in the knockout stage, with Fluminense needing at least a draw to guarantee progression, while Sundowns must win and hope for favorable results elsewhere.

Mamelodi Sundowns enter this match after a rollercoaster 4-3 defeat to Borussia Dortmund, a game in which they showed resilience by nearly overturning a 4-1 deficit. Their earlier 1-0 win over Ulsan HD means they sit third in Group F with three points and a goal difference of zero. The South African champions, renowned for their dominance at home, have found the step up in quality at this tournament a true test, but their attacking intent and tactical flexibility have kept them in contention.

Fluminense, meanwhile, come off a thrilling 4-2 victory over Ulsan HD, having trailed at halftime before a dominant second-half display. Their opening 1-1 draw with Dortmund leaves them top of Group F on four points, level with Dortmund but ahead on goal difference. The Brazilian side, Copa Libertadores winners in 2023, have rebounded from a difficult 2024 domestic season and are now showing improved form under coach Renato Gaúcho, with a more solid defense and creative midfield play.

Both teams face selection challenges. Sundowns are without key midfielders Mothobi Mvala and Bathusi Aubaas due to injury, while several others, including Marcelo Allende and Aubrey Modiba, have been managing yellow card risks in recent domestic fixtures. Fluminense are missing young Uruguayan midfielder Facundo Bernal, sidelined by a long-term muscle injury, and Otávio, who ruptured his Achilles earlier in the year. This has forced greater reliance on Martinelli, Hércules, Nonato, and emerging talent Wallace Davi to anchor the midfield.

The stakes are clear: Fluminense advance with a draw or win, while Sundowns must go all-out for victory. Expect a tense, open contest with both sides likely to create chances, as Sundowns’ attacking trio of Lucas Ribeiro, Iqraam Rayners, and Lebo Mothiba look to exploit any defensive lapses, while Fluminense’s creative hub Jhon Arias and veteran striker Germán Cano—recently back from injury—lead the charge for the Tricolor.

Key Players

Mamelodi Sundowns:

• Marcelo Allende: The Chilean playmaker is in excellent form, vital for Sundowns’ creativity and set-piece threat.
• Themba Zwane: A consistent performer with vision and technical skill, key to unlocking defenses.
• Ronwen Williams: The experienced goalkeeper and Ballon d’Or nominee is crucial for organizing the defense and making big saves.

Fluminense:

• Jhon Arias: The Colombian international is the team’s creative engine, leading in assists and set-piece duties.
• Thiago Silva: The veteran captain brings leadership and aerial threat on set pieces, anchoring the defense.
• Germán Cano: The prolific striker, just back from injury, has a knack for scoring in big games, with over 100 goals for Fluminense.

Prediction

Fluminense arrive as slight favorites due to their superior squad depth and recent attacking form, but Sundowns’ fighting spirit and attacking prowess mean this could be a closely contested affair. Expect Fluminense’s experience to edge it, but Sundowns will likely find the net.

Predicted Score: Mamelodi Sundowns 1-2 Fluminense

Betting Markets & Odds

Odds based on current market averages and may vary slightly across bookmakers.

Fluminense’s technical quality and experience at this level give them the edge, but Sundowns’ never-say-die attitude and attacking options mean this promises to be one of the most entertaining fixtures of the group stage.