Borussia Dortmund have booked a place in the last 16 of the FIFA Club World Cup after defeating Ulsan HD 1-0 on Wednesday in Cincinnati.
Daniel Svensson scored the only goal of the match in the first half, sealing Dortmund’s second straight win in the group. The German side had earlier beaten South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns 4-3. This result confirms Dortmund as Group F winners.
Just over 8,000 fans were in attendance, including U.S. Vice President JD Vance and FIFA President Gianni Infantino. The match was played under extreme heat, with temperatures soaring to 36°C (97°F).
Dortmund coach Niko Kovac praised his players' efforts despite the tough conditions.
“It’s amazing what these boys are doing in this heat,” he said. “They need rest now, and we’ll prepare for the next game.”
Karim Adeyemi and Julian Ryerson were added to the starting lineup, while Jobe Bellingham kept his spot. Serhou Guirassy had a few chances, including a close-range header, but couldn’t convert.
The decisive goal came in the 36th minute. Ulsan lost the ball near their penalty area, Bellingham set up Svensson, and the Swede fired a low shot into the net.
Goalkeeper Gregor Kobel made an important save in the second half to keep Dortmund’s lead, while Yan Couto nearly doubled the score late on.
In the other Group F game, Fluminense held Sundowns to a goalless draw in Miami. With that result, Fluminense also move into the knockout stage, finishing second in the group.
Sundowns controlled possession but couldn’t find the net. Captain Jhon Arias and striker German Cano came close for Fluminense, while Sundowns missed key opportunities to get the win they needed.
Their coach, Miguel Cardoso, praised his team despite the disappointment.
“We’re not happy with the result, but I’m proud of how we played. We’re stronger now than when we arrived,” he said.
Fluminense’s qualification means all four Brazilian clubs at the tournament have advanced to the next round, while all four African clubs have been eliminated.
Dortmund will play their round-of-16 match in Atlanta next Tuesday. They’ll find out who their opponents are once Group E matches wrap up.
