- Inter Milan require a victory to secure a top-two position, while River Plate must avoid a loss
- Monterrey must win their final match and hope for a loss in the other game
- Fluminense can advance from Group F with a draw against Mamelodi Sundowns
- Borussia Dortmund will progress if they don't lose
None of the eight teams playing in Wednesday's FIFA Club World Cup matches have guaranteed their spots in the knockout stage, with six of them still in contention for a place in the final 16.
The top two teams in Group E will clash on Wednesday with River Plate facing off against Inter Milan, while Monterrey will aim for a crucial win against Urawa Reds to potentially secure a top-two finish.
Sitting in second place in Group F, Borussia Dortmund need a positive result against Ulsan HD to ensure their advancement, while Mamelodi Sundowns hope to cause an upset against Fluminense.
Borussia Dortmund vs Ulsan HD (Wednesday, 8pm)
Borussia Dortmund faced a tough challenge from an impressive Fluminense team in their first game, but they bounced back with a convincing 4-0 victory over Mamelodi Sundowns in their last outing.
However, Dortmund's defense showed vulnerability by conceding three goals and allowing 2.74 expected goals against the South African side, giving Ulsan HD hope of finding the net despite their 4-2 loss to Fluminense in the previous match.
Having conceded four goals against the Brazilians, the South Korean team may struggle against Dortmund, who have scored four goals in three of their last five matches. A high-scoring win for Dortmund could see them through to the next round.
Score prediction: Borussia Dortmund 4-1 Ulsan HD
Mamelodi Sundowns vs Fluminense (Wednesday, 8pm)
A draw will be sufficient for Fluminense to advance to the knockout stage, and they might settle for that result against an impressive Mamelodi Sundowns side.
Mamelodi Sundowns, despite being underdogs in Group F, put up a strong fight in a thrilling 4-3 loss to Borussia Dortmund. They outshot their opponents 16-8 and had 2.74 expected goals compared to Dortmund's 1.72.
Although they gave themselves a chance with a victory over Ulsan HD in their opening match, Mamelodi Sundowns may not do enough to stop Fluminense from progressing with a draw.
Score prediction: Mamelodi Sundowns 1-1 Fluminense
Inter Milan vs River Plate (Thursday, 2am)
A draw would put Inter Milan at the mercy of the other result, but they can secure their fate with a win over River Plate on Thursday morning.
Level on four points each, River Plate may aim to hold out for a draw to advance on goal difference. However, Inter Milan have shown promise despite mixed results, having dominated against Monterrey and deserving more against Urawa Reds.
Although Inter Milan have struggled to keep clean sheets, they are expected to edge past the Argentinian side in a close encounter.
Score prediction: Inter Milan 2-1 River Plate
Urawa Red Diamonds vs Monterrey (Thursday, 2am)
Monterrey need a victory to keep their hopes alive in Group E, and they should have enough to claim all three points against the eliminated Urawa Red Diamonds.
To be honest, Monterrey's two draws in the group stage were more than they deserved after being largely outplayed. However, facing Urawa Reds, who have nothing at stake, could work in Monterrey's favor.
If the other Group E match ends in a draw, Monterrey would require a two-goal win to move above Inter Milan. Yet, Monterrey has not shown they can secure a comfortable victory, so a tight contest is anticipated.
Score prediction: Urawa Red Diamonds 0-1 Monterrey