Merciless in Asia
Ulsan HD FC, South Korea’s Reigning KLeague 1 champions, Prepare to face South African Powerhouses Mamelodi Sundowns in the Group F opener of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. Nicknamed the “Gangsters of Asia,” Ulsan returns to the hard-fought global stage after notable previous exits in 2012 and 2020 .
Ulsan’s Club World Cup History & This Year’s Ambitions
This is Ulsan’s third Club World Cup appearance. They finished sixth place in both earlier outings (Japan ’12, Qatar ’20). Now, with a revamped 32-team quadrennial format, they aim to change their fortunes . As champions of Asia and South Korea, they seek to make history.
Ulsan’s Pre-Tournament Build-Up
Arriving in the U.S. on June 6, Ulsan trained at Charlotte FC’s facility before playing a closed-door friendly on June 10. Stars like Lee Chungyong, Érick Farias, Um Wonsang, Milosz Trojak, and Lee Jinhyun found the net, fine-tuning fitness and tactics ahead of their clash with Sundowns .
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Key Ulsan Players to Watch
- Érick Farias: Brazilian forward with eight goals in 14 league games this season; impressed in the tune-up match .
- Defensive Core: Veteran centre-back Kim Younggwon, newcomer Milosz Trojak, and rising star Seo Myungkwan are expected to solidify Ulsan’s defense .
- Jo Hyeonwoo: The experienced goalkeeper played in both past Club Cups for Ulsan and provides leadership between the sticks .
The Opponent: Mamelodi Sundowns
Mamelodi Sundowns are eight-time consecutive champions of South Africa’s Premier Division and hold 15 overall titles—their only previous Club World Cup appearance, in 2016, also ended in sixth place . Coached by Miguel Cardoso since December 2024, they play a possession-based style known locally as “ShoeShine & Piano,” akin to tiki-taka .
Key Sundowns threats:
- Ikram Rayners: Fleet forward with back-to-back double-digit seasons .
- Lucas Ribeiro: Brazilian creator with 20 goals and 13 assists this season, valued over €2 million .
The squad boasts cohesion, fielding seven or eight South African internationals plus South American flair .
Group F Dynamics & Stakes
Group F also features heavyweights Borussia Dortmund and Fluminense, making it one of the tournament’s toughest groups . Both Ulsan and Sundowns are seen as underdogs whose opener on June 18 at Inter&Co Stadium in Orlando at 7 a.m. KST is crucial .
Finishing in the top two of the group is necessary to advance. Due to the competitive lineup, even a strong performance may only be enough to “survive the group of death,” according to Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso .
Tactical Outlook: Clash of Styles
Expect a match of contrasting philosophies:
- Ulsan blends South American flair (Lee Chung-yong, Érick Farias), tactical experience from coach Kim Pan-gon, and a disciplined Asian mindset .
- Sundowns rely on collective pressing, technical finesse, and structured buildup—their style has earned domestic and regional dominance .
Why This Game Matters
Both clubs return to the revamped Club World Cup hungry to make their mark. A win here would not only boost morale but also significantly increase their chances of advancing to the knockout rounds in this highprofile global tournament .
Bottom Line
This Group F opener is a pivotal moment for both underdog teams. Ulsan HD seeks redemption with their third Club Cup appearance, while Mamelodi Sundowns look to cement Africa’s rising global presence. The Winner here gains a strong foothold; the loser faces a challenging path to the last 16.
Final Thought
As the FIFA Club World Cup enters a new era with expanded competition, matches like Ulsan HD FC vs. Mamelodi Sundowns highlight the growing depth and diversity in global club football. Teams are enjoy their matches and victory ,but only one team can won by match .Both teams carry the hopes of their continents into a fiercely contested group, and their clash will not only test tactical strength but also the spirit of continental champions. Whether it’s Ulsan’s experience or Sundowns’ flair that prevails, the result will shape Group F,and possibly set the tone for surprise runs in this landmark tournament.