Soccer
Mamelodi Sundowns vs Fluminense Preview: Odds, Tips and Prediction
Date: June 25, 2025 Venue: Hard Rock Stadium Kickoff Time: 21:00 South Africa’s reigning champions and history makers, Mamelodi Sundowns, have done the continent proud by securing their first-ever victory in the FIFA Club World Cup after defeating South Korea’s Ulsan HD on matchday 1. Masandawana are flying the South African flag high in this global showpiece and have demonstrated their ability to take it up a notch by competing with some of the world’s best teams, despite the lack of experience at the highest level of club football. Fluminense, however, is a well-established club with a rich history, which has earned them the respect as a formidable opponent both domestically and on the international stage. The Tricolor will see themselves advance into the next round with a victory in this final group stage fixture, providing an opportunity for them to replicate their 2023 performance, where they managed to finish as runners-up to eventual champions Manchester City.
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Players of Mamelodi Sundowns/Getty Images
Pre-Game Odds and Win Probability
HOME: 21/5 (5.20) – 19.2%
DRAW: 17/5 (4.40) – 22.7%
AWAY: 59/100 (1.59) – 62.9%
Odds courtesy of Betway, subject to change.
Head-To-Head Record
An exciting encounter awaits as fans will witness a first-ever meeting between these two respectable clubs.
Mamelodi Sundowns Current Form - WLDWW
Miguel Cardoso, coach of Mamelodi Sundowns, has taken the Betway Premiership champions to the next level by participating in a somewhat successful FIFA Club World Cup. The Portuguese mentor not only tested his own credentials but has challenged his team to find another gear and compete rather than playing it safe. This approach has brought success and a newfound confidence, allowing the team to deliver “Shoe Shine & Piano” to the world.
Masandawana faced Ulsan HD on matchday 1, which saw the South Africans dominate and dictate the tempo of the game. They had the better of possession, controlling the game with their possession-based football, quick, intricate passes between the lines and attacking style of play, which saw them become the first African side to secure a victory in this edition of the FIFA Club World after Iqraam Rayners found the back of the net from an exceptional pass by Lucas Ribeiro Costa.
Following that historical victory, Sundowns matched up against eight-time Bundesliga champions Borussia Dortmund. The Germans needed to come away with a victory and did so by asserting their dominance, despite Cardoso’s men putting up a strong fight. Sundowns will need to regroup and go into this fixture with full confidence if they look to cause an upset against Fluminense.
Key Players To Watch
Lucas Ribeiro Costa: Costa has been an exceptional addition to the Sundowns squad. He has brought another dimension to the attack with his skill, close ball control, and vision, allowing him to pick out passes in dangerous areas. His creativity provides scoring opportunities, making him a constant threat when given the space and time to influence the game. The Brazilian is not just a playmaker; he also shows excellent composure in the final third and knows how to score goals.
Iqraam Rayners: Rayners uses his speed to his advantage, which has seen him become a reliable scorer for his team. He is always on the move, exploiting space and making runs to get in behind defensive lines. His intelligent movement, paired with his clinical finishing, makes him a tough striker to handle. Having already scored in this tournament, Rayners will be determined to get on the scoresheet to end off on a high note.
Teboho Mokoena: Mokoena is the conductor of this Sundowns squad. He is the player who initiates everything from retaining possession and dictating the tempo of the game to launching attacks. His tactical awareness and passing range allow him to not only intercept passing lines but also drive the team forward with his accurate diagonal passes and decisive through balls. Mokoena has a powerful shot on him and is also very efficient from free-kicks, which adds to his all-around game.
Mamelodi Sundowns Team News
Mamelodi Sundowns went to the FIFA Club World Cup with their current squad, which won the 2024/25 Betway Premiership. They did not strengthen their squad before heading to the USA, which sheds light on the collective strength and cohesion they have built as a team.
Fluminense Current Form - DWWWW
Fluminense manager Renato Portaluppi boasts a rich history, both as a player and a manager, having won multiple titles in both capacities. The Brazilian is no stranger to the Fluminense club, having last coached the Tricolor back in 2014. Portaluppi, also known as “Gaucho”, has assembled a well-balanced squad, blending experienced campaigners with youthful players who bring quality and energy to his team.
Coming into this final group fixture, Fluminense played out to a feisty goalless draw against Dortmund on matchday 1. Portaluppi’s men, led by Brazilian legend Thiago Silva, put on an attacking display but were not enough to come away with the victory, despite having the better opportunities to score on the night. South Korea’s Ulsan HD was on matchday 2, which saw the Brazilians again assert their free-flowing attacking style of play, putting them with one foot into the next round after coming away with an important victory. Knowing what a victory will do in this final match against Sundowns, Portaluppi will not allow his team to be complacent but will approach this fixture eager to advance and remain unbeaten.
Key Players To Watch
Thiago Silva: Silva brings a wealth of experience with him that is invaluable to his team. He has been an integral part of every team he has played for, showcasing his leadership qualities that have seen him become a legend of the game. He is very comfortable with the ball at his feet and has no issues building up play from the back while initiating attacks with his passing range. His reading of the game is one of his best attributes and is a danger during set pieces.
Agustin Canobbio: Canobbio primarily plays as an attacking midfielder or winger, demonstrating versatility by effectively operating on both flanks as well as through the centre of the pitch. His tactical awareness allows him to be a significant threat during counterattacks, as he often makes incisive runs and cuts inside from the wings to create scoring opportunities. Known for his exceptional dribbling skills, he can navigate through tight defences with ease.
Jhon Arias: Arias is widely recognised for his exceptional agility and creativity on the ball, which allows him to navigate tight spaces with ease. He thrives in one-on-one situations, often dazzling defenders with his impressive dribbling skills, enabling him to manoeuvre around them effortlessly. His keen vision and superior playmaking abilities not only enhance his own performance but also significantly contribute to the overall effectiveness of the team during the attacking phase. Whether delivering accurate passes or making strategic runs to create goal-scoring opportunities, Arias proves to be an invaluable asset on the field.
Fluminense Team News
Fluminense are already into their season and have not seen the need to add to their squad before heading into the FIFA Club World Cup. This well-organised squad are maintaining their high standards and will be determined to go the full distance.
Predicted Line-Up
Mamelodi Sundowns: 4-3-3
R. Williams, K. Mudau, M. Mvala, G. Kekana, D. Lunga, T. Zwane, T. Mokoena, M. Allende, L. Ribeiro, I. Rayners, A. SalesFluminense: 4-3-3
Fabio, Xavier, T. Silva, Freytes, Rene, Nonato, Hercules, Martinelli, Arias, Everaldo, Conobbio
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Both Teams To Score (Yes): The quality of attack on both sides will provide scoring opportunities in this exciting encounter. 22/25 (1.88) with Betway.
Total (Over 2.5): Both teams will aim for a win here to give themselves the best opportunity to book their ticket into the next round. 23/25 (1.92) with 1xBet.
Next Goal (Team 2 To Score Goal 2): Fluminense are the more experienced in this encounter and will be the team that will create more scoring chances than their opponents. Get on at 4/5 (1.8) with Betwinner.
Value Bets
Analysing the best sports betting strategies and tips, football fans can take advantage and make well-informed bets.
First Goal Time (21-30): It will be a tactical battle to begin with, but as time goes on, opportunities will present themselves, especially with the quality of players that will be on display. 5/1 (6.00) with 1XBet.
First Half Both Teams To Score (Yes): Both teams will test each other in the first half, looking to take the early advantage. 18/5 (4.60) with Stake.
Half-time/Full-time (Draw/Fluminense): Sundowns will challenge Fluminense; however, the Brazilians will be too strong and have enough experience to secure the victory over the line. 33/10 (5.7) with Bettilt.
Prediction: Fluminense to Win
The Brazilians have a great opportunity to continue their journey in this competition and must remain focused in order to navigate their way past a determined Mamelodi Sundowns outfit. At the same time, the Tricolor have experienced players who have played at the highest level, which will provide the necessary boost to hold off Sundowns and end the group stages with a much-needed victory.
Marc Strydom is a dedicated sports lover with a wealth of experience in the sports betting industry, mostly as a Chief Editor of a sports betting publication in South Africa. While Marc’s enthusiasm covers many sports, football and NBA are his favourites. His articles feature on multiple top-rated platforms, covering a wide range of topics.