Borussia Dortmund head coach Nuri Sahin expressed excitement at the prospect of facing unknown opponents at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, which includes South Africa's Mamelodi Sundowns.
The draw for the 2025 edition of the tournament was held on Thursday night, placing Downs in Group F alongside Dortmund, Brazilian giants Fluminense, and South Korean outfit Ulsan Hyundai.
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The Bundesliga manager was quick to acknowledge the unique nature of the competition.
While Dortmund are well-acquainted with Brazilian football thanks to their tradition of Brazilian players, the Turkish tactician also admitted that the Betway Premiership side and Ulsan present relatively uncharted territory.
"The draw increases the excitement for the Club World Cup even further," Sahin stated per the club's official website.
"We will face three very interesting opponents that we don't yet know anything about, with the exception of Fluminense.
"That will, of course, change before the start of the tournament, but irrespective of that, we want to get through the group stage and lay the foundations for a successful tournament in these three games."
Team captain Emre Can echoed his manager's sentiments, highlighting the novelty of the group: "This draw promises an exciting trip to the USA for us.
"Three opponents from three different continents; it will certainly be an exciting group stage.
"Even if we don't yet know our opponents down to the last detail, our objective as Borussia Dortmund is, of course, to reach the knockout stages."
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Group F is part of the expanded 32-team format for the tournament, which will be held in the United States between 15 June and 13 July 2025. UEFA is expected to confirm venues and dates soon.