Dortmund edge Ulsan to top Group F as Fluminense hold off Sundowns – Club World Cup Round of 16 confirmed

It was a sweltering afternoon in Cincinnati, with temperatures exceeding 36°C (97°F) and pitch-side temperatures reportedly topping 43°C (109°F). Yet, amid the oppressive conditions and a modest crowd of just over 8,000 spectators, Dortmund remained disciplined and effective.

Among those in attendance were FIFA President Gianni Infantino and US Vice President JD Vance, both witnessing the Bundesliga giants display their tournament pedigree.

Dortmund coach Niko Kovac, who has regularly cited the intense summer heat as a major challenge, praised his squad’s resilience:

“What the boys are doing is incredible... It’s exhausting even standing still in this heat. I think we’re seeing the fruits of their hard work now. A day off is needed — we’ll regroup and go again.”

Match Highlights: Svensson breaks through

Kovac made only two changes from the side that edged Sundowns 4-3, with Karim Adeyemi and Julian Ryerson returning to the starting lineup. Rising star Jobe Bellingham retained his place, and played a key role in the breakthrough.

The game's lone goal came in the 36th minute, capitalizing on Ulsan’s defensive lapse. A miscue near the edge of the box allowed Bellingham to steal possession and lay it off for Daniel Svensson, who coolly slotted a low left-footed effort past goalkeeper Jo Hyeon-woo.

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Serhou Guirassy, Dortmund’s prolific striker, had earlier been denied by a sharp Jo save in the 27th minute and later missed a golden headed opportunity just before halftime.

Ulsan mounted sporadic attacks, and Gregor Kobel was called into action to keep out Lee Jin-hyun’s strike in the 60th minute. Dortmund nearly sealed the match through Yan Couto, but the one-goal cushion held firm.

With the result, Ulsan HD exit the tournament with three losses from three games, finishing bottom of Group F.

Fluminense Hold Firm, Sundowns fall just short in Miami

Down in Miami, Fluminense and Mamelodi Sundowns battled under equally challenging conditions. Needing a win to progress, Sundowns controlled possession and applied second-half pressure but failed to break down the Brazilian defense.

Fluminense, despite having fewer chances, created the most dangerous moments of the match. Jhon Arias narrowly missed the target late in the first half, and German Cano had an effort saved shortly after the break.

Sundowns, backed by a crowd of 14,312, threw everything forward in the closing stages but couldn’t find a way through, marking the end of a promising but ultimately fruitless campaign.

Their head coach, Miguel Cardoso, reflected with pride:

“We are not happy — we came here with a clear objective to reach the next round. But I am proud. We leave stronger, more experienced, and our players showed true character.”

Knockout Implications: Dortmund and Fluminense March On

With Borussia Dortmund securing top spot in Group F, they’ll now prepare for their Round of 16 match in Atlanta next Tuesday, facing the runner-up of Group E. Meanwhile, Fluminense, finishing second, will take on the winner of Group E, also to be confirmed.

This result also means that all four Brazilian teams in the tournament — Palmeiras, Botafogo, Flamengo, and Fluminense — have advanced to the last 16, underlining the dominance of South American football in the competition so far.

In contrast, none of the four African teams participating — including Sundowns — will feature in the knockout phase.

SportsLigue