The opponents for Ulsan HD, the champions of the K League 1, in the FIFA Club World Cup, have been decided.
The Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) held the group draw for the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 at 3:00 AM KST on December 6 at the Telemundo Center in Miami, Florida, USA.
Ulsan, which was assigned to Pot 3, was placed in Group F alongside Fluminense (Brazil, Pot 1), Borussia Dortmund (Germany, Pot 2), and Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa, Pot 4). The tournament will be held in Miami, USA, from June 15 to July 13, 2025, lasting approximately one month.
Representing Ulsan at the draw were CEO Kim Kwang-guk and club legend and commentator Hyun Young-min. Hyun, who wore the Ulsan HD jersey for seven years (2002–2005, 2007–2009), made 227 appearances for the club, leading the club to the 2005 K League title and victory in the 2007 League Cup.
Ulsan secured their spot in the Club World Cup with a historic win in the AFC Champions League (ACL). On April 17, they defeated Yokohama F. Marinos 1–0 in the first leg of the 2023/2024 ACL semifinals, thanks to a decisive goal by Lee Dong-gyeong. This victory brought Ulsan’s AFC club points to 81, surpassing Jeonbuk Hyundai (80 points) and securing second place in Asia behind Al Hilal (Saudi Arabia, 115 points).
FIFA President Gianni Infantino sent a congratulatory message, stating, “Congratulations to Korea’s Ulsan HD FC for qualifying for the newly revamped FIFA Club World Cup.”
As a result, Ulsan will represent Korea and Asia in the tournament. Joining Ulsan from Asia are Al Ain (UAE), Al Hilal (Saudi Arabia), and Urawa Red Diamonds (Japan).
The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 will serve as a precursor to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will also be hosted in North America. The revamped Club World Cup will feature 32 teams competing every four years, similar to the format of the FIFA World Cup.
This marks Ulsan’s third appearance in the Club World Cup, following their participation in 2012 (Japan) and 2020 (Qatar), where they finished in sixth place.
Speaking at the draw event, Ulsan CEO Kim Kwang-guk expressed his commitment, stating: “Experiencing FIFA’s efforts and meeting the representatives of participating teams has made the gravity of this opportunity feel real. We will prepare thoroughly to deliver a strong performance.”
Head coach Kim Pan-gon added: “Facing world-class clubs is a chance to enhance the competitiveness of our team and inspire pride among our fans. We will stay on course during the winter and early next season to showcase our abilities on the global stage.”
FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Group Draw Results
Group A: SE Palmeiras (Brazil), FC Porto (Portugal), Al Ahly SC (Egypt), Inter Miami (USA)
Group B: Paris Saint-Germain (France), Atlético Madrid (Spain), Botafogo FR (Brazil), Seattle Sounders (USA)
Group C: Bayern Munich (Germany), Auckland City (New Zealand), CA Boca Juniors (Argentina), SL Benfica (Portugal)
Group D: CR Flamengo (Brazil), Espérance Sportive de Tunis (Tunisia), Chelsea (England), Club León (Mexico)
Group E: CA River Plate (Argentina), Urawa Red Diamonds (Japan), Monterrey (Mexico), Inter Milan (Italy)
Group F: Fluminense (Brazil), Borussia Dortmund (Germany), Ulsan HD (South Korea), Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa)
Group G: Manchester City (England), Wydad AC (Morocco), Al Ain (UAE), Juventus (Italy)
Group H: Real Madrid (Spain), Al Hilal (Saudi Arabia), Pachuca (Mexico), Red Bull Salzburg (Austria)
