On June 25, 2025, Borussia Dortmund secured a narrow but crucial 1-0 victory over Ulsan Hyundai (Ulsan HD) at Cincinnati's TQL Stadium, a win that propelled the German Bundesliga giants into the knockout stage of the 2025 Club World Cup. The match, held under the bright Ohio sun and officiated by American referee Tori Penso, was a tightly contested Group F showdown that ultimately saw Dortmund confirm their top spot in the group.
The decisive moment came in the 36th minute when Dortmund's young Swedish full-back Daniel Svensson found the back of the net. Svensson, who has been steadily impressing this season, received a precise pass from midfield maestro Jobe Bellingham and executed a quick, clinical finish. Reflecting on his goal, Svensson described it as "a very nice feeling to score," adding that he made a run into the box after Bellingham played the ball to him. His goal was the only one of the game but enough to secure Dortmund's advancement.
Dortmund dominated much of the first half, with their attacking trio—Jobe Bellingham, Felix Nmecha, and Karim Adeyemi—putting relentless pressure on Ulsan's defense. They crafted numerous chances, but Ulsan's goalkeeper Jo Hyeon-woo was in inspired form, making several crucial saves, including a powerful header from Serhou Guirassy and a well-struck left-footed shot by Pascal Gross. Despite Dortmund's dominance, the scoreline remained tight, reflecting Ulsan's resilience.
The second half saw Ulsan improve their performance, pressing for an equalizer and creating more space as Dortmund played a bit slower. Lee Jin-hyun's fierce shot from 30 yards tested Dortmund's goalkeeper Gregor Kobel, who managed to keep the ball out of the net. Ulsan also made tactical substitutions, bringing on forward Heo Yool late in the game in a final attempt to change the outcome, but Dortmund's defense held firm.
Dortmund’s young Belgian forward Julien Duranville, a player with a lot of promise, came close to extending the lead with a dynamic run and shot that grazed the side netting. Although he has yet to fully ignite the Dortmund fanbase, his potential remains undeniable. Meanwhile, Jobe Bellingham continued to impress with his steady and sensible possession play, contributing the assist for the winning goal and earning praise from local media for his performances.
As the match drew to a close, Dortmund managed to see out the game despite Ulsan switching to a more aggressive 4-3-3 formation and pushing forward. In stoppage time, substitute Giovanni Reyna made one of his final appearances for Dortmund, as he is set to leave the club this summer after falling down the pecking order. At just 22 years old, Reyna’s future lies outside Germany, with speculation pointing towards leagues in Spain or Portugal where his technical skills might flourish.
The victory not only confirmed Dortmund’s place in the knockout round but also crowned them Group F winners with seven points, two clear of Brazilian side Fluminense, who progressed as runners-up after a goalless draw with South Africa's Mamelodi Sundowns. Ulsan finished at the bottom of the group, having lost all three of their matches.
With the group stage concluding, Dortmund now look ahead to the round of 16, where they will face the runner-up from the highly competitive Group E. Potential opponents include River Plate, Inter Milan, or Monterrey, with the match scheduled for July 1st in an indoor, climate-controlled stadium in Atlanta—a setting that Dortmund players are expected to appreciate after battling the intense sun in Cincinnati.
The Club World Cup continues to captivate fans worldwide, with other groups also reaching decisive moments. Group G will see Juventus face Manchester City and Wydad AC take on Al Ain, while Group H features an all-European clash between Real Madrid and RB Salzburg. Meanwhile, Group E’s final matches will determine the last qualifiers for the knockout rounds, setting the stage for thrilling encounters ahead.
The presence of high-profile attendees, including U.S. Vice President JD Vance at the Dortmund-Ulsan match, underscores the growing significance of the tournament. Dortmund’s narrow win, though perhaps not as emphatic as their fans might have hoped, was a testament to their resilience and tactical discipline under coach Niko Kovac, who has guided the team through a slow start to a confident and promising position in the competition.
Fans in the UK and beyond could follow the match live via DAZN’s free streaming service, as the game was not televised live on traditional channels. This accessibility has helped global audiences engage with the evolving drama of the Club World Cup, showcasing emerging talents and established stars alike.
As Dortmund prepare for their upcoming challenge, the team’s blend of youth and experience, exemplified by players like Svensson, Bellingham, and Duranville, will be critical. Their ability to convert chances more efficiently and maintain defensive composure will be tested against the high-caliber opposition expected in the knockout stages.
In the end, Dortmund’s 1-0 victory over Ulsan HD was a hard-fought but deserved win that keeps their Club World Cup ambitions alive. With the knockout rounds looming, the Bundesliga side will look to build on this momentum and make a deep run in the tournament.
