EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ — If Jobe Bellingham makes his Borussia Dortmund debut on Tuesday afternoon at MetLife Stadium against Fluminense in their Group F opening match at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, it will not be as a member of the starting XI.
Dortmund manager Niko Kovac admitted that the highly-touted 19-year-old English midfielder would not start against the Brazilian powers in the shadow of New York City.
“Anticipate this: He will not play from the start because the one week since he joined us is not enough to internalize all our processes and all our principles,” Kovac said. “In addition, priority is given to those who have played so successfully in the last few Bundesliga games.”
Bellingham signed from English side Sunderland just last week for $38 million, a record fee for the newly-promoted Premier League side. Considering his bloodlines, expectations are sky-high. His brother, Jude Bellingham, spent three years at Borussia Dortmund before signing with Spanish giants Real Madrid. All the while, he has become one of the faces of England’s national team.
Scoring four goals with three assists in 40 matches with Sunderland in 2024-25, Bellingham was a key fixture in the Black Cats’ promotion back to England’s top flight. He is expected to play a versatile role in Dortmund’s midfield — both as a No. 8 who sits back deeper and as an offensively dynamic No. 10.
The youngster will serve as a high-profile substitute at MetLife Stadium, where his debut is likely regardless of not being in the starting XI. Kick-off between Dortmund and Fluminense is set for noon ET.
