Preview for Fluminense v Borussia Dortmund
Jobe Bellingham could make his Borussia Dortmund debut when the German side take on Fluminense at the Club World Cup tomorrow.
The England Under-21 international joined Dortmund from Sunderland last week for a fee north of £30million, following in the footsteps of brother Jude who played for the Schwarzgelben before moving to Real Madrid.
It had been expected it would take a little time for the younger sibling to work his way into the Dortmund XI but sporting director Sebastian Kehl says Bellingham’s participation in the end-of-season Championship play-offs, in which Sunderland beat Sheffield United to secure their return to the Premier League, means the 19-year-old is physically ready to step up.
Kehl told the Ruhr Nachrichten newspaper: “He was of course in full rhythm, he played a little longer. He is a good boy, very open, but of course also with the mentality, with the right discipline and professionalism.
“Jobe has already made his mark in training during the first few days. That’s why we’re glad to have completed the deal before the Club World Cup.
“He will strengthen us, not just for this tournament, but hopefully for many years to come.”
It is quite the step up for Bellingham, from the English second tier to the elite clubs in world football.
And Fluminense should present the stiffest test for Niko Kovac’s men in Group F that also contains Ulsan and Mamelodi Sundowns.
Fluminense Football Club pic.twitter.com/ilIrowxqdL
— Fluminense F.C. (@FluminenseFC) June 16, 2025
Dortmund’s former Brazil striker Marcio Amoroso is expecting his countrymen to give his old club a real game.
Amoroso told FIFA.com: We know that Fluminense are a team of real quality, with experienced players like Paulo Henrique, Ganso, Fabio, Thiago Silva, Cano, Keno and John Arias. So, they have to approach it with caution.
“They have Renato Gaucho in charge, a coach who knows a lot about football. Obviously we always end up looking at the European teams as the favourites, because of the dominance we’ve seen over the years on the global stage. But because it’s a tournament where you have two more games in the group stage, we might be in for a surprise.”
Team News for Fluminense v Borussia Dortmund
Soteldo, Fluminense’s new signing, is unlikely to play in the tournament after suffering an injury shortly after joining.
Dortmund duo Emre Can and Nico Schlotterbeck are major doubts through injury while Felix Nmecha could make way for Bellingham.
Fluminense: Fabio; Xavier, Silva, Freytes, Rene; Nonato, Santos, Martinelli; Arias, Everaldo, Serna
Borussia Dortmund: Kobel; Sule, Anton, Bensebaini; Ryerson, Sabitzer, Bellingham, Svensson; Brandt, Adeyemi; Guirassy
Fluminense v Borussia Dortmund kicks off at 5pm UK time at MetLife Stadium. It can be watched on DAZN via your TV and streaming devices.
It can also be viewed on the bet365 app.
