The game is the first match of Group F in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, which is a new tournament with 32 teams from six different confederations.
Match Prediction
Ulsan HD, which represents Asian football, got in as the best-ranked team in the AFC four-year ranking because they won three K-League 1 titles in a row.
Mamelodi Sundowns made it as the second-best ranked team in the CAF four-year ranking after having a great season in the South African Premiership.
This is their first time playing against each other, which makes it even more exciting. Group F also has Fluminense and Borussia Dortmund, so starting strong is really important.
18.06.2025 00:00
FIFA Club World Cup – Round 1
Ulsan HD : Mamelodi Sundowns
Ulsan HD: The South Korean team has been the K-League 1 champion for three years in a row, but their 2025 season has been a bit shaky. They are currently in third place with 8 wins, 5 draws, and 6 losses out of 19 games, scoring 23 goals and allowing 19. Their latest match was a loss to Jeonbuk, which ended their seven-game unbeaten streak. They have also struggled away from home, not winning four out of their last five away matches.
In the AFC Champions League, they were eliminated after losing six out of seven group games, showing how tough it is for them against the best teams in Asia.
Mamelodi Sundowns: The South African club has been dominant, winning their 15th South African Premiership title, their eighth in succession, with a record of 24 wins, 1 draw, and 3 losses in 28 matches, scoring 65 goals and conceding just 13, keeping 17 clean sheets.
Their most recent competitive match was a 3-2 aggregate defeat to Pyramids in the CAF Champions League final on June 1, 2025, ending their wait for a second continental title. They found the net in 26 of their 28 league matches, underlining their consistency and balance at both ends of the pitch.
Based on the analysis, Mamelodi Sundowns are doing really well in their home games, thanks to Ribeiro Costa, and their solid defense makes it seem like they will probably win against Ulsan HD. The game is expected to be tough, but Mamelodi Sundowns’ good performance and strong team might give them the advantage.
Our prediction:
2 (Mamelodi to Win)
Odds:2.25
Published: 17.06.2025 08:34
Kindly be advised that all odds are accurate as of the publication date and time indicated, and they may be subject to alterations.
All kick-off times and updates are provided in Central European Summer Time +2 (GMT+2).
How the Teams Might Line Up:
Ulsan HD (4-1-4-1):
Goalkeeper: Hyeon-Woo
Defense: Ludwigson, Myung-Guan, Young-Gwon, Sang-Woo
Midfield: Woo-Young (defensive), Jae-Seok, Seung-Beom, Bojanic, Won-Sang
Striker: Erick Farias
Mamelodi Sundowns (4-3-3):
Goalkeeper: Williams
Defense: Modiba, Lebusa, Kekana, Mudau
Midfield: Adams, Mokoena, Allende
Attack: Matthews, Rayners, Costa
Players Who Won’t Play:
Ulsan HD FC have no injuries or suspensions. Erick Farias is their main striker and has been scoring well this season with 8 goals in 14 games.
Mamelodi Sundowns come with a full squad and good form.