Fluminense vs Al Hilal: 2025 FIFA CWC quarterfinal match preview, prediction
Fluminense defender, Thiago Silva (left) with Al-Hilal midfielder, Ruben Neves (right). Photo Credit- Opta Analyst
South American giants Fluminense face Asian powerhouse Al Hilal in a thrilling 2025 FIFA Club World Cup quarterfinal clash on Friday, July 4, 2025, 3:00 PM ET (7:00 PM GMT), Camping World Stadium, Orlando, Florida, with the winner advancing to face Chelsea or Palmeiras in the semifinals. Both teams stunned European heavyweights in the Round of 16, with Fluminense defeating Inter Milan 2-0 and Al Hilal upsetting Manchester City 4-3. This first-ever meeting between the two promises a clash of styles, as Fluminense’s compact defense meets Al Hilal’s dynamic attack. This piece is set to preview both teams’ performances, tactics, team news, injuries, head-to-head statistics, and a scoreline prediction.
Fluminense recent performances
Fluminense topped Group F with five points, securing a 4-2 win over Ulsan HD, a 0-0 draw with Borussia Dortmund, and a 2-0 victory against Mamelodi Sundowns, before their stunning 2-0 upset over Inter Milan in the Round of 16. German Cano’s third-minute strike and Hércules’ stoppage-time goal sealed the win against Inter. Their defensive resilience, with three clean sheets in four Club World Cup games, has been key, though they can be exposed to defensive vulnerabilities against pacey attacks.
Fluminense tactical analysis
Under Renato Gaucho, Fluminense deploy a compact 4-3-3, prioritizing defensive solidity and counter-attacks, averaging 52% possession in the Club World Cup. Midfielders Hercules and Nonato provide balance, while John Arias’ key passes and Cano’s goalscoring ability driving the attack. Full-backs Xavier and Juan Freytes stretch play, but the absence of left-back Rene exposes their left flank. Their stubborn, compacpt approach, stifled Inter Milan, but Al Hilal’s pace could test their aging defense, led by 40-year-old Thiago Silva.
Fluminense team news and injuries
Fluminense are without left-back Rene, suspended after a second booking against Inter Milan. Juan Freytes is set to deputize, with Thiago Silva and Manoel continuing at center-back. Andre is doubtful with a minor knock, potentially forcing Martinelli into midfield, while Keno is at risk of suspension. German Cano, John Arias, and Hercules are confirmed starters, with Serna pushing for a role after assisting against Ulsan.
Predicted Fluminense XI (4-3-3): Fabio; Xavier, Thiago Silva, Manoel, Freytes; Hércules, Nonato, Ganso; Arias, Cano, Serna.
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Al Hilal recent form
Al Hilal finished second in Group H with five points, drawing 1-1 with Real Madrid, beating Pachuca 2-0, and drawing 0-0 with RB Salzburg, before their historic 4-3 extra-time win over Manchester City on July 1, 2025. Marcos Leonardo’s brace, including the 112th-minute winner, and goals from Malcom and Kalidou Koulibaly showcased their attacking depth. In the 2024/25 Saudi Pro League. Their unbeaten streak since May 2025 underlines their form, though defensive lapses against City raise concerns.
Al Hilal tactical analysis
Simone Inzaghi’s 4-2-3-1 emphasizes fluid transitions and counter-attacks, with 48.2% possession against City. Ruben Neves and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic control midfield, with Neves’ 90.5% pass accuracy and Milinkovic-Savic’s 1.2 key passes per 90 creating chances. Marcos Leonardo, filling in for the injured Aleksandar Mitrovic, has a 25% goal conversion rate. Joao Cancelo’s overlapping runs and Koulibaly’s aerial dominance bolster the flanks, but their high line conceded three goals to City, a weakness Fluminense’s counters could exploit.
Al Hilal team news and injuries
Al Hilal face injury concerns, with captain Salem Al-Dawsari unlikely to feature due to a hamstring injury, and Aleksandar Mitrovic ruled out with a knee issue. Marcos Leonardo, who suffered a minor knock against City, is out, with new signing Abderrazak Hamdallah set to start. Musab Al-Juwayr, back from a knee injury, is available off the bench, and goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, pivotal against City, will start.
Predicted Al Hilal XI (4-2-3-1): Bounou; Cancelo, Koulibaly, Bulayhi, Lodi; Neves, Milinkovic-Savic; Malcom, Al-Faraj, Hamdallah; Michael.
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Fluminense vs Al Hilal head-to-head statistics
Fluminense and Al Hilal have never met in an official competition, making this their first encounter. Fluminense have a strong record against Asian teams, winning their only previous Club World Cup meeting vs while Al Hilal have mixed results against Brazilian sides, losing 3-1 to Flamengo in 2019 but winning 2-1 in 2022. This lack of history adds unpredictability, with some fans on social media calling it a “clash of styles, grit, and determination.”
Fluminense vs Al Hilal score prediction
Al Hilal are slight favorites, bolstered by their 4-3 win over City and nine-game unbeaten streak. Fluminense’s three clean sheets in four games and 2-0 upset over Inter Milan highlight their resilience, but Al Hilal’s attacking depth and Hamdallah’s fresh legs give them an edge. Fluminense’s counter-attacks, led by Cano and Arias, could exploit Al Hilal’s high line, as seen against City, but must be cautious of Al Hilal’s “rapid counter-attacks” and “line of five” defense.
