Preview for Borussia Dortmund v Ulsan
Borussia Dortmund have the chance to build on their weekend win over the Mamelodi Sundowns when they face Ulsan with a place in the last 16 of the Club World Cup at stake.
The Bundesliga side edged out the Sundowns 4-3 in Cincinnati after a wild encounter which saw them fall behind early on, surge into a 3-1 lead and then cling on for the final few minutes.
The result left Niko Kovac’s men in second place in Group F on four points, trailing leaders Fluminense on goal difference.
Mamelodi are still very much in the mix, a point behind, meaning there is all to play for on matchday three.
On paper, Dortmund have the easiest task as they face the already eliminated South Korean side knowing they need just a point to advance.
Letztes Gruppenspiel am Mittwoch! 🙌#FIFACWC #TakeItToTheWorld pic.twitter.com/CajAfMKxjW
— Borussia Dortmund (@BVB) June 23, 2025
Sporting director Sebastian Kehl accepts, however, that the team needs to improve on their previous showings.
He said: “We have discussed this very thoroughly and also pointed out how we need to do things better.
“We are in a very good position with four points and have every opportunity to advance on Wednesday, and I am absolutely convinced of it.”
It’s not just prestige up for grabs in the United States this summer with enormous prize money on offer for teams that do well.
If Dortmund do get through to the knockout stages, they will be assured of at least €40 million to add to the coffers.
“We want to take three points. That gives a bit more confidence and a little more money,” added Kehl.
An intriguing subplot of this tournament has been the battle between Jobe and Jude Bellingham for sibling supremacy.
Jobe netted his first goal for Dortmund against Mamelodi and won the man of the match award while Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham also claimed the individual honour after netting in the 3-1 win over Pachuca.
The elder Bellingham admitted after the Pachuca game that he had something to prove after watching Jobe star 24 hours earlier.
Jude said: “Everyone was caning me yesterday saying he’s better than me so I had to do something today. We’re 1-1 now and we’ll see for the rest of the tournament.”
Ulsan have pride and prize money to play for having lost to Mamelodi and Fluminense and will be desperate to leave the States on a high.
