Mamelodi Sundowns vs Borussia Dortmund Prediction, Preview, Team News and Lineups 21.06.2025

Event Details

• Date and Time: Saturday, June 21, 2025, 12:00 PM EDT
• Venue: TQL Stadium, Cincinnati, USA
• Competition: FIFA Club World Cup

Mamelodi Sundowns vs Borussia Dortmund Preview and Team News 

Mamelodi Sundowns Team News

Mamelodi Sundowns showed excellent possession and structure in their 1‑0 win against Ulsan Hyundai. They controlled the tempo with over 70% possession throughout the first half. 

From the first whistle, they imposed a short-passing, high-tempo system that consistently bypassed Ulsan’s block, while their intense pressing forced turnovers and limited counterattacks. Lucas Ribeiro’s through ball led to Rayners’ well-timed finish just before halftime.

A winning start on the world stage. 🌍✅

Masandawana, drop your thoughts on our #FIFACWC opener in the comments below.👇#Sundowns #TakeItToTheWorld #AfricaToTheWorld pic.twitter.com/kaxl5TyGJY

— Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) June 18, 2025

After the break, Cardoso instructed his side to switch strategy, allowing the opposition more central possession while maintaining a compact defensive shape.

Despite Ulsan’s increased attacking through wide areas, Sundowns maintained their defensive discipline, with Ronwen Williams making crucial saves to preserve their lead.

After securing their eighth consecutive domestic league title, Sundowns shifted their focus entirely to continental and global competition. Despite falling short in the CAF Champions League final against Pyramids FC, this high-level continental experience has prepared them for upcoming challenges.

Iqraam Rayners is our first #FIFACWC Superior Player of The Match after scoring the winner in our opening game! 🔥#Sundowns #TakeItToTheWorld #AfricaToTheWorld pic.twitter.com/xcozfNfEwI

— Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) June 18, 2025

Veteran playmaker Themba Zwane, recently returned from injury management, was handed a start against Ulsan. Iqraam Rayners remains their primary attacking threat, while the technical ability of midfielders Teboho Mokoena and Marcelo Allende will be key to controlling possession against stronger opposition.

Sundowns enter this fixture with a largely injury-free squad.

Mamelodi Sundowns predicted lineup vs Borussia Dortmund (4-3-3): Williams; Mudau, Kekana, Lebusa, Modiba; Allende, Mokoena, Zwane; Ribeiro, Rayners, Matthews

Borussia Dortmund Team News

Dortmund concluded their domestic season strongly with a five-match winning streak, including victories against Hoffenheim and Bayer Leverkusen to secure Champions League qualification.

This run was built on improved defensive stability and effective counter-attacking, demonstrating Kovač’s pragmatic overhaul.

However, Dortmund arrive in the USA with several key players missing from their squad.

Big UCL nights under the lights! 🔜 pic.twitter.com/4C910v37Zp

— Borussia Dortmund (@BlackYellow) May 17, 2025

Key central defender Nico Schlotterbeck is absent from the tournament squad due to a knee injury sustained late in the season, while influential captain Emre Can is also sidelined with an adductor problem. 

These absences were keenly felt in the 0-0 draw against Fluminense, where their backline, with Ramy Bensebaini, Niklas Sule, and Waldemar Anton, was stretched and looked vulnerable to quick movement.

The goalless draw was a frustrating start. Despite the top-class of Serhou Guirassy, Karim Adeyemi, and Julian Brandt, they struggled to break down a well-organized Fluminense defence that effectively blocked their penalty box.

New signing Jobe Bellingham, a promising midfielder from Sunderland, is with the squad and could be an option from the bench.

Borussia Dortmund predicted lineup vs Mamelodi Sundowns (4-2-3-1): Kobel; Sule, Anton, Bensebaini; Ryerson, Sabitzer, Nmecha, Svensson; Brandt, Adeyemi; Guirassy

Mamelodi Sundowns vs Borussia Dortmund Prediction 

• Pick: Borussia Dortmund to win
• Odds: -371 (20Bet)
• Score prediction: Mamelodi Sundowns 1-2 Borussia Dortmund

Mamelodi Sundowns possess tactical discipline and individual quality that sets them apart from many African representatives in global competitions.

Their possession-based approach should create periods of control, and their attacking capabilities make them genuine goal threats.

However, the physical and athletic disparity cannot be ignored. Dortmund, even without some key players, operate at a different intensity level than what Sundowns face on a weekly basis. 

The speed of players like Gittens, Adeyemi, and Guirassy presents a big challenge. 

Although Sundowns will cause problems, Dortmund’s power in transition and their clinical edge in the final third will make the difference. Kovač will demand a response after the draw with Fluminense, and they will likely be more aggressive and direct in this encounter.

Mamelodi Sundowns vs Borussia Dortmund Prediction, Betting Tip

• Pick: Mamelodi Sundowns Total Over 0.5
• Odds: -127 (20Bet) 

Sundowns consistently create scoring opportunities through their possession-based system. They have found the net in the last nine games and showed against Ulsan that they can penetrate defences at this level. 

Dortmund, for all their attacking might under Kovač, have shown defensive vulnerabilities. The absence of Schlotterbeck and Can weakens their spine, and Fluminense demonstrated that chances can be created against them.

Therefore, while a Dortmund victory appears likely, their defensive concerns suggest Sundowns possess the quality to find the net.

Mamelodi Sundowns vs Borussia Dortmund Where to Watch (USA, Canada) 

• DAZN (USA)
• DAZN (Canada)

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By Alexander Yaremenko

Updated: 18 Jun 2025, 17:25