Cardoso expects ‘very tough opponent’ as Sundowns face Fluminense in FIFA Club World Cup

Photo Credit – Mamelodi Sundowns.

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has admitted he expects a tough challenge when his side face Brazilian club Fluminense in their final group fixture of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup in the USA.

After winning their group opener 1-0 against Ulsan HD, the Betway Premiership champions suffered a 4-3 defeat against Bundesliga team Borussia Dortmund in their second match at the TQL Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday.

Sundowns will now conclude their group fixtures against Fluminense, who are currently top of Group F following their 4-2 victory against Ulsan HD and 0-0 draw against Dortmund. The decisive match will be played at Hard Rock Stadium on Wednesday.

Asked whether he was confident that Sundowns will grind out a result against Fluminense, Cardoso said: “It’s a very competitive team led by a very strong coach, coming from a continent where club football in the last ten years has made a big jump, where the level of the game and the intensity has increased a lot in recent years.

“So I expect a very tough opponent, for sure. But again, I will appeal to us to be ourselves, to be aggressive, to enjoy […] because without those things, we cannot play our football. If we put ourselves on that level, we can compete.”

Group leaders Fluminense are level with Dortmund on four points, while Sundowns are third with three points. A win for Sundowns could potentially see them advance to the knockouts.