Fluminense FC have won the hearts of onlookers at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025™, as their resolute defensive structure, manned by 44-year-old goalkeeper Fabio, has been married to a potent attacking line spearheaded by the brilliant Jhon Arias.
The Brazilian giants will take on the winner of Palmeiras v Chelsea FC at MetLife Stadium in New York New Jersey on Tuesday, 8 July, in the semi-finals. Read on to see how they got there.
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Group Stage (Group F)
Fluminense FC 0-0 Borussia Dortmund
Flu impressed on their tournament bow and were unlucky not to take all three points against Borussia Dortmund, who were indebted to goalkeeper Gregor Kobel for securing a goalless draw.
Fluminense FC 4-2 Ulsan HD
The goals most certainly flowed in their next clash. Arias opened the scoring with a world-class free-kick but by half-time the Brazilian outfit found themselves 2-1 down. Nonato restored parity with just under 25 minutes to go before Juan Pablo Freytes fired home late on. The game was made safe by a late Keno header which ensured Flu’s fate was in their own hands going into their final Group F clash.
Mamelodi Sundowns FC 0-0 Fluminense FC
They met a spirited Sundowns team in that Miami finale who needed to win to progress. The South Africans caused the Tricolor some issues in the first half, with Fabio required to make a number of smart stops. Flu edged their way back into the contest and saw German Cano hit the post in the second half, but the point was enough to see them power through into the knockouts.
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Round of 16
FC Internazionale Milano 0-2 Fluminense FC
After impressing against the defeated UEFA Champions League finalists of 2024, they did the same to the runners-up of 2025 in Charlotte. Cano opened the scoring after just three minutes when he stole in to nod home. Inter missed a number of chances thereafter and even when they did beat an inspired Fabio, they could only find the frame of the goal. Flu were hanging on until a a breakaway in the third minute of stoppage time which saw Hercules bear down on goal and lash home the clincher.
Quarter-finals
Fluminense FC 2-1 Al Hilal
After overcoming the UEFA Champions League runners-up in Charlotte, Tricolor successfully ousted the tournament’s other surprise package. Martinelli opened the scoring when he received the ball in the penalty area with his back to goal, spun and finished sweetly into the far corner. Al Hilal pressed for an equalizer and shortly after the break found it through Marcos Leonardo. But Flu would win the day thanks to key changes. Hercules came in for Martinelli after the break and just as in the previous match lashed home the winning goal, sending the Brazilians to the semi-finals.
