Fluminense Clash with Al Hilal: Match Preview, Expert Predictions and Expected Starting XI
Fluminense and Al Hilal meet in the opening quarterfinal encounter of the Club World Cup following both sides' remarkable upset victories in the previous round.
The Brazilian outfit stunned Inter Milan with an exceptional defensive performance that left the Italian giants frustrated. After taking an early lead through Renato Gaúcho's strike, they executed a disciplined and organized defensive strategy before sealing their quarterfinal berth with a late second goal against the Champions League runners-up.
Just hours afterward, Al Hilal produced the tournament's most thrilling encounter yet, defeating Premier League powerhouse Manchester City 4–3 in a dramatic extra-time battle. Simone Inzaghi's squad showcased both individual brilliance and mental fortitude, matching one of football's elite teams blow-for-blow to secure the summer's most significant upset.
Neither side has suffered defeat in the Club World Cup and both have impressed against Europe's finest clubs. In this unique quarterfinal matchup featuring no European representation, both Fluminense and Al Hilal will be optimistic about reaching the tournament's final four.
The victorious team from this encounter will meet either Chelsea or Palmeiras in the semifinal stage.
Here's Sports Illustrated's comprehensive preview of this Club World Cup quarterfinal showdown.
What Time Does Fluminense vs. Al Hilal Kick-Off?
Fluminense vs. Al Hilal Head-to-Head Record
This marks the inaugural competitive meeting between Fluminense and Al Hilal.
Current Form (All Competitions)
Fluminense | Al Hilal |
|---|---|
Inter Milan 0–2 Fluminense - 6/30/25 | Man City 3–4 Al Hilal - 6/30/25 |
Mamelodi Sundowns 0–0 Fluminense - 6/25/25 | Al Hilal 2–0 Pachuca – 6/27/25 |
Fluminense 4–2 Ulsan HD - 6/21/25 | RB Salzburg 0–0 Al Hilal – 6/22/25 |
Fluminense 0–0 Borussia Dortmund - 6/17/25 | Real Madrid 1–1 Al Hilal – 6/18/25 |
Internacional 0–2 Fluminense - 6/2/25 | Al Hilal 2–0 Al Qadisiyah – 5/26/25 |
How to Watch Fluminense vs. Al Hilal on TV
Country | TV Channel / Live Stream |
|---|---|
United Kingdom | DAZN |
United States | DAZN |
Canada | DAZN |
Mexico | DAZN |
Fluminense Team News
Gaúcho implemented a three-center-back formation against Inter for the tournament's first time, matching the Italian side's tactical setup. Facing Al Hilal, Fluminense may return to their preferred 4-2-3-1 formation.
Jhon Arias delivered an outstanding performance against Inter and will spearhead the offensive efforts as he has throughout the competition, alongside Germán Cano, one of South America's most prolific strikers in recent seasons, seeking another knockout phase goal.
Regular left-back Renê received his second consecutive yellow card and is suspended for the quarterfinal. Colombian defender Gabriel Fuentes is expected to take his place in the starting eleven.
Martinelli sustained a minor injury in the previous match but seems to have avoided serious damage. If fit, he will likely partner Hércules in the central midfield pairing.
Fluminense Predicted Lineup vs. Al Hilal
Fluminense Predicted Lineup vs. Al Hilal (4-2-3-1): Fabio; Xavier, Silva, Freytes, Fuentes; Martinelli, Hércules; Arias, Nonato, Canobbio; Cano
Al Hilal Team News
Al Hilal matched one of the world's premier teams over the past decade in their last outing without altering their tactical approach or attacking philosophy. Having maintained their system against City, there's little reason to expect changes against Fluminense.
Team captain and one of the world's finest wingers outside European football, Salem Al Dawsari, will miss the remainder of the tournament due to a hamstring problem. Fellow Saudi international Mohamed Kanno stepped into the lineup against Manchester City and appears set to continue in the quarterfinals.
Aleksandar Mitrović remains sidelined through injury, but former Brasileirão forward Marcos Leonardo scored twice in the previous round and will lead the attack against a team he has previously found the net against.
Former European stars Kalidou Koulibaly, João Cancelo, and Renan Lodi excelled against City and will anchor the defensive line. Ahead of them, the midfield partnership of Rúben Neves and Sergej Milinković-Savić will aim to control proceedings for Inzaghi's accomplished team.
Al Hilal Predicted Lineup vs. Fluminense
Al Hilal Predicted Lineup vs. Fluminense (4-2-3-1): Bono; Cancelo, Koulibaly, Al-Harbi, Lodi; N. Al-Dawsari, Neves, Kanno; Milinković-Savić; Malcom, Leonardo
Fluminense vs. Al Hilal Score Prediction
This encounter features contrasting tactical approaches where individual quality from both squads will likely determine semifinal progression.
In a short period, Inzaghi has already implemented his tactical philosophy throughout this Al Hilal team while maintaining the possession-oriented approach that secured their 2023–24 Saudi Pro League championship.
Conversely, Gaúcho prioritizes direct play over possession statistics unless they create attacking opportunities. His teams favor a straightforward style that excels in transitional moments and precise passes to exploit defensive gaps.
Al Hilal will probably dominate possession, but scoring chances should be evenly distributed between both teams. The match promises entertainment for spectators with plenty of action at both ends. However, Al Hilal have demonstrated slightly superior performance throughout the tournament and will emerge as the competition's first semifinalists.