FIFA Club World Cup Quarter-Final Preview: Fluminense vs. Al Hilal – A Clash of Giant Killers in Orlando

The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 quarter-finals kick off with a captivating clash of giant killers as Brazil's Fluminense FC takes on Saudi Arabia's Al Hilal. This highly anticipated match is set for Friday, July 4th, at Camping World Stadium, with kick-off at 15:00 ET (Orlando). Fans worldwide can witness every moment live and for free via the sports streaming service DAZN, or follow in-depth action through the FIFA Match Centre.

This quarter-final marks the first-ever meeting between these two formidable sides, a testament to their recent upsets over European football powerhouses. Their paths to Orlando have been nothing short of spectacular, promising a fiercely contested battle as they both eye a spot in the semi-finals.

Road to the Quarter-Finals: Defying Expectations

Fluminense's Heroic Knockout:

Fluminense's journey to this stage was a dramatic affair. In their Round of 16 encounter in Charlotte, the Brazilian side delivered a knockout blow to European heavyweights FC Internazionale Milano. The match saw striker Germán Cano open the scoring, with substitute Hercules sealing the victory in injury time with a crucial header. This hard-fought 2-0 victory over Inter showcased Fluminense's resilience and attacking flair. However, they will face Al Hilal without suspended left-back René, who picked up his second booking of the tournament against Inter, presenting a tactical challenge for the Brazilian champions.

Al Hilal's Stunning Upset:

Al Hilal arguably delivered the biggest shock of the tournament thus far. They stunned English titans Manchester City in an astonishing seven-goal thriller in Orlando, ultimately securing their place in the quarter-finals. The match was a rollercoaster of emotions, with Marcos Leonardo netting an extra-time winner to send Pep Guardiola's star-studded side packing. This incredible 4-3 victory over Manchester City underlined Al Hilal's attacking prowess and their ability to perform under immense pressure. On the team news front, Musab Al Juwayr has recovered from a knee injury and saw action as a late substitute against City. However, captain Salem Al-Dawsari is set to miss the remainder of the tournament due to a hamstring problem, a significant blow to their squad.

Possible Starting XIs:

Anticipation is high for the tactical approaches of both coaches. Here are the likely starting line-ups:

Fluminense:

Goalkeeper: Fábio

Defenders: Samuel Xavier, Thiago Silva (C), Freytes, Fuentes

Midfielders: Martinelli, Hercules

Forwards: Arias, Nonato, Canobbio; Cano

Key Players: Germán Cano will lead the line, looking to continue his goal-scoring form. The leadership of veteran Thiago Silva in defense will be crucial against a potent Al Hilal attack. The midfield battle, especially without René, will be vital for controlling the tempo.

Al Hilal:

Goalkeeper: Yassine Bounou

Defenders: João Cancelo, Al-Harbi, Koulibaly, Renan Lodi

Midfielders: Nasser Al-Dawsari, Rúben Neves, Sergej Milinković-Savić

Forwards: Malcom, Marcos Leonardo, Kanno (C)

Key Players: The European core in midfield (Neves, Milinković-Savić) and attack (Malcom, Marcos Leonardo) will be central to Al Hilal's strategy. Marcos Leonardo, fresh off his heroics against Man City, will be a primary threat. The absence of Salem Al-Dawsari will test their attacking depth.

What They Said: Voices from the Camps

The players themselves have expressed pride and determination ahead of this critical match:

Thiago Silva, Fluminense captain: "I think we’ve played very well in this competition. It’s not easy to play against European teams, but the motivation for us is different. I’m very proud of my team and myself as well, because ten days ago I had a hamstring injury. Now we need to recover well because after three or four days we have to play again. I’m not young, you know? So I need to recover well.” Silva highlights the unique motivation of non-European teams in the competition and his personal commitment to recovery.

Marcos Leonardo, Al Hilal's two-goal hero against Manchester City: "I've had a difficult time in the last two months. My mother spent 70 days in the Intensive Care Unit. Today she's fine, thank God. When I scored those two goals, I thought of her - she was able to watch the match. We have to think about our families - people who want the best for us. If they weren't watching, I wouldn't be here today." Leonardo's deeply personal reflection underscores the emotional drive behind his stunning performance and the importance of family support.

This quarter-final promises a captivating contest between two teams riding high on confidence after their respective upset victories. Both Fluminense and Al Hilal will look to continue their impressive Club World Cup campaigns, with the winner earning a coveted spot in the semi-finals. The stage is set for another memorable chapter in Orlando!