Borussia Dortmund vs Sundowns: Jobe’s Rise or Rayners’ Run? —Who Grabs Group F by the Neck?

From Tshwane to Dortmund, Johannesburg to Cologne, the lights now shine on one of the most intriguing matchups of the Club World Cup group stage. A team with 5 Champions League finals in its past takes on a side that just smashed South African league records. This isn’t just Europe vs Africa—it’s pressure vs promise. Legacy vs hunger. 

Dortmund, still goalless, must find answers. Sundowns, flying high, want more than just respect. They want a seat at football’s richest table. 

Something’s got to give in Group F. 

📊 First-ever meeting between both clubs 

📊 Dortmund are unbeaten in their last 8 matches in all competitions (6W, 2D) 

📊 Mamelodi Sundowns have won 24 of their last 30 domestic league games 

📊 Iqraam Rayners has scored 7 goals in his last 9 matches

📊 Sundowns beat Ulsan Hyundai 1-0 with 68% possession and 14 shots 

Borussia Dortmund were left frustrated in their goalless draw against Fluminense. Plenty of possession, little edge. Just 3 shots on target from a side that had scored 20 goals in 6 games coming in. 

Niko Kovac knows that anything short of a win here could send his team into crisis mode, especially with Benfica still to come. 

Jobe Bellingham may start this time, tasked with adding energy to a static midfield. Guirassy and Adeyemi must wake up front, while Dortmund’s backline remains without Schlotterbeck and Emre Can. It's not panic mode—but it's close. 

Sundowns, meanwhile, are soaring. Their 1-0 win over Ulsan wasn't just a result—it was a statement. They controlled the tempo, kept the ball, and suffocated their opponents. 

Rayners, the match-winner, continues his hot streak, while Ribeiro Costa pulls strings with swagger. Coach Miguel Cardoso’s side isn’t here for the ride. They believe they can win the group. A draw might be enough, but they’re playing for more. 

Mamelodi Sundowns (4-3-3) 🟡🟢 Ronwen Williams; Mudau, Kekana, Cupido, Modiba; Mokoena, Allende, Zwane; Ribeiro Costa, Rayners, Sales 

Borussia Dortmund (4-2-3-1) 🟡⚫ Kobel; Ryerson, Sule, Anton, Bensebaini; Groß, Nmecha; Adeyemi, Brandt, Bellingham; Guirassy 

🔹 Jobe’s Big Test: The younger Bellingham has the name. Can he now leave his mark? 

🔹 Rayners on Fire: 7 in 9 games. Dortmund’s backline must stay alert. 

🔹 Midfield Duel: Zwane and Mokoena ran the show vs Ulsan. Can Groß and Nmecha slow them down? 

🔹 Tactical Styles: Sundowns keep the ball. Dortmund want space to counter. Whose rhythm wins? 

🔹 Knockout Math: Dortmund need a win. Sundowns might seal qualification with one. Stakes? Massive.