Quick Read
- Jobe Bellingham joined Borussia Dortmund this summer in a £27.8 million deal.
- He will not start in their Club World Cup opener against Fluminense but is expected to play.
- Coach Niko Kovač cited limited training time as the reason for his bench role.
- The match takes place at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Tuesday at 12pm EDT.
Jobe Bellingham, the 19-year-old English midfielder and younger brother of Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham, is set to begin his Borussia Dortmund journey in the FIFA Club World Cup. The teenager, who recently transferred from Sunderland for £27.8 million, has been included in the squad for Dortmund’s opening game against Brazilian side Fluminense on Tuesday, June 17. However, Bellingham will not start the match, as head coach Niko Kovač emphasized the importance of gradual integration into the team.
Bellingham’s Arrival Marks a New Chapter
Bellingham’s signing comes after a stellar season with Sunderland, where he played a pivotal role in their promotion to the Premier League. According to Bundesliga, his addition to Dortmund’s squad has generated excitement, with fans eager to see how he adapts to the intensity of Bundesliga football and international tournaments like the Club World Cup.
Despite his impressive form and fitness, Kovač clarified during a pre-match press conference that Bellingham would not feature in the starting lineup for the game at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. “He’s fully fit physically, but one week with the team isn’t enough to fully learn our systems and playing principles,” Kovač explained. He also highlighted that players who performed well in the Bundesliga season finale would take priority, adding, “But without a doubt, during the tournament, he’ll get his minutes.”
Key Players and Tactical Plans
Dortmund enters the tournament riding a wave of momentum, having won seven of their last eight Bundesliga matches to secure a fourth-place finish. The team’s attack will be led by Guinean forward Serhou Guirassy, who scored an impressive 34 goals in all competitions last season. Alongside Guirassy, captain Julian Brandt and Karim Adeyemi are expected to provide creative sparks against Fluminense.
Fluminense, on the other hand, brings a blend of experience and talent to the field. According to Au, their squad includes 40-year-old Thiago Silva, a former Chelsea and PSG defender, and striker Germán Cano, who recently returned from a knee injury. The Brazilian side is no stranger to high-stakes matches, having finished as runners-up in the 2023 Club World Cup under its previous format.
The Significance of the Club World Cup
This year’s tournament features an expanded format with 32 teams, making it a true test of global club football excellence. Dortmund’s participation highlights their ambition to compete on the world stage, a sentiment echoed by sporting director Sebastian Kehl. “We want to go as far as possible,” Kehl stated in an interview with Dazn. “First of all, we want to get through the group stage and reach the round of 16, and then we’ll see who awaits us there.”
The match against Fluminense is also significant for its venue. The MetLife Stadium, primarily used for NFL games, offers a capacity of 82,500, setting the stage for a thrilling international football spectacle. Dortmund’s special edition kit, designed by PUMA and debuted under the slogan “Paint it Dortmund,” adds an extra layer of excitement for fans.
What to Expect Moving Forward
As Bellingham prepares to make his debut, the spotlight will undoubtedly be on his adaptation to Dortmund’s playing style and the demands of high-level competition. His journey in the Club World Cup is not just about individual growth but also about contributing to the team’s success in a prestigious tournament.
For now, fans will have to wait a little longer to see Bellingham’s full potential in Dortmund colors. With group stage matches against South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns and Korea Republic’s Ulsan HD still to come, there will be ample opportunities for the young midfielder to make his mark.
As Jobe Bellingham steps onto the global stage, his journey symbolizes not just a personal milestone but also Borussia Dortmund’s broader aspirations. Whether he starts or comes off the bench, his presence is a reminder of the team’s commitment to nurturing young talent while striving for international success.