Fluminense Brazilian Club Advances to Semifinals of Club World Cup after Eliminating Al-Hilal
In a thrilling encounter at the Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, on July 4, Fluminense secured their place in the final four of the FIFA Club World Cup with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Al-Hilal.
The Rio de Janeiro-based team, led by coach Fabio Carille, started the match on the front foot, with Matheus Martinelli scoring just before halftime to give Fluminense the lead (1-0, 45+2). Gabriel Fuentes provided the assist for Martinelli's goal, setting the tone for a spirited performance.
Al-Hilal, coached by Simone Inzaghi, laid siege to Fluminense's penalty area in the second half, but couldn't find an equaliser. The Saudi Arabian club's efforts were thwarted by a resilient Brazilian defence, which held firm despite injuries.
Hercules then doubled Fluminense's advantage with a well-taken goal, assisted by Samuel Xavier (2-0, 70). However, Al-Hilal responded five minutes later through Marcos Leonardo (1-2, 75). Yassine Bounou, Al-Hilal's Moroccan goalkeeper, made a crucial save to deny Fluminense a third goal, diving to his left to push away a shot (55).
Despite Koulibaly's numerous attempts, he was unable to find the back of the net for Fluminense. The experienced defender, who has played for AC Milan, Paris Saint-Germain, and Chelsea, expressed his surprise at reaching the semifinals, saying, "I never thought we would make it this far, but the team spirit and determination have carried us through."
Koulibaly was also booked for simulating a penalty, but no goal was awarded. Fluminense held on to their lead and secured a memorable victory, advancing to the final four of the FIFA Club World Cup.
It is worth noting that Fluminense's most recent involvement in the FIFA Club World Cup was in 2023, not 2021. In 2023, Fluminense qualified for the tournament by winning the 2023 Copa Libertadores. They reached the final of the 2023 FIFA Club World Cup after a strong campaign, defeating Al Ahly (Egypt) 2–0 in the semi-finals and losing to Manchester City in the final.
As of July 2025, Fluminense is participating in the expanded FIFA Club World Cup, having advanced through their group and remaining unbeaten in the tournament so far. The Brazilian team will be hoping to continue their impressive form and lift the trophy in the final.
Crossing continents, the legendary Fluminense football team, now competing in the expanded European-leagues, has shown remarkable resilience, having earned their spot in the semifinals of the prestigious FIFA Club World Cup - the very tournament where they met their milestone in 2023, having clinched the Copa Libertadores earlier that year. With their goalkeeper, Yassine Bounou, making crucial saves and the strong defensive line underpinning their efforts, the Premier-League bound team has proven their worth, ready to fight for the ultimate glory yet again in the final.
