Mamelodi Sundowns vs Fluminense Preview: Team News & Prediction | 2025 FIFA Club World Cup | Group Stage

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Fluminense produced an entertaining come from behind defeat of Ulsan Hyundai the other day as they now take on a similarly good to watch Mamelodi Sundowns side.

Kick-off date/time:

How to watch on TV & online: UK – DAZN / US – DAZN

Mamelodi Sundowns team news: No need to change

The Mamelodi Sundowns have played an excellent and entertaining style of football throughout their two games thus far and, with no injury issues, it seems likely that they will keep the same eleven for this one.

Predicted XI (4-1-4-1): Williams; Mudau, Cupido, Kekana, Lunga; Mokoena; Lucas Ribeiro, Zwane, Marcelo Allende, Matthews; Rayners

Unavailable: 

Questionable: 

Fluminense team news: Nothing fresh

There are no fresh injury concerns or suspension issues for Fluminense to deal with as they take on their South African opponents. Venezuela international attacking midfielder Yeferson Soteldo does remain sidelined for the Brazilians, though. 

Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Fabio; Guga, Silva, Freytes, Gabriel Fuentes; Matheus Martinelli, Hercules; Jhon Arias, Ganso, Serna; Cano

Unavailable: Yeferson Soteldo (Injured)

Questionable: 

Key stats

• Mamelodi Sundowns are facing a South American team in a FIFA competition for the first time.
• Fluminense’s one previous FIFA fixture against an African side was a 2-0 victory against Al Ahly in the semi-finals of the competition now known as the FIFA Intercontinental Cup in December 2023.
• Fluminense are unbeaten in their last eight matches in all competition, winning six and drawing two (W6 D2 L0).
• Against Dortmund, Mamelodi Sundowns forward Iqraam Rayners became the first African player to score in successive FIFA Club World Cup™ matches.
• Iqraam Rayners has found the net in eight of his last ten appearances for Sundowns in all competitions.
• The Mamelodi Sundowns squad includes two Brazilians – forwards Arthur Sales and Lucas Ribeiro Costa. The former made a substitute appearance against Fluminense in the Brazilian Série A in June 2023 as a loan player with Bahia.
• Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Matías Esquivel (2019-2023) and Fluminense striker Germán Cano (2007-2012) both started their careers at Argentine club Lanús.
• Fluminense’s Thiago Silva was on the winning side against Mamelodi keeper Ronwen Williams when he captained Brazil in a 5-0 victory away from home against South Africa in a friendly match in March 2014.

Mamelodi Sundowns vs Fluminense prediction

The Mamelodi Sundowns came into this tournament with a bit of promise due to their easy on the eye style of football and they began with a surprise 1-0 defeat of Ulsan Hyundai. They then took a 1-0 lead over Borussia Dortmund before going 4-1 down and eventually restoring some pride with a 4-3 loss to the German giants.

They now face a Fluminense side that, captained by Thiago Silva, began their FIFA Club World Cup group stage campaign with a goalless draw against the aforementioned Dortmund before then coming from 2-1 down at half-time to defeat Ulsan HD by four goals to two in the second-half the other day.

Mamelodi Sundowns are likely to once again take the game to their opposition so both teams scoring would appear a good bet for this final group stage encounter.

Mamelodi Sundowns vs Fluminense tip: Both teams to score