Jobe Bellingham will be made to wait for Borussia Dortmund debut at FIFA Club World Cup

Jobe Bellingham will be part of FIFA Club World Cup history this month as he and his brother are set to become the first pair of siblings to ever appear at the same Club World Cup tournament. 

However, the younger Bellingham will have to wait to etch his name into the record books and make his Borussia Dortmund bow, after boss Niko Kovac confirmed he won't start the Group F opener against Fluminense.

The 19-year-old was signed by Dortmund earlier this month in a £27.8 million deal from Sunderland, after the midfielder had been part of the Black Cats side that won promotion to the Premier League in the Play-off final. 

However, Kovac will stick with the players he's had at his disposal from the off at MetLife Stadium, although he's pleased to have the England Under-21 star part of his ranks. 

"We’re all happy he’s here with us now," Kovac told the media ahead of the meeting with the Brazilians. 

"He’s fully fit physically. Looking ahead, he won’t start just yet because one week with the team isn’t enough to fully learn our systems and playing principles.

"Plus, those who performed well in the last Bundesliga matches have priority. But without a doubt, during the tournament, he’ll get his minutes." 

Dortmund will be without Nico Schlotterbeck and Soumaila Coulibaly due to injury, but Carney Chukwuemeka is still available, having extended his loan from Chelsea, for a game that kicks off at 12.00 local time. 

The earlier time will be another test for the Germans and Kovac admits presents its own problems and routine issues. 

"Playing at 12pm is a completely different experience," he added.

"You have to get up very early, combine breakfast with lunch, and there’s very little time to rest in your room. Then there’s the final tactical meeting, and we head straight to the match.​" 

Watch all 63 matches of the 2025 Club World Cup live on DAZN. More information and to sign up for a free account here