Fluminense Stuns Al Hilal to Reach FIFA Club World Cup Semifinals
Fluminense's Surprising Run Continues
No one pegged Fluminense as favorites for this year’s FIFA Club World Cup, but the Brazilian club keeps rewriting the script. Their 2-1 win over Al Hilal was no lucky break—this squad is carving its own story, relying on the kind of steely resolve that only comes from a mix of wise veterans and fresh faces hungry for a shot at history. Their journey started with winning the 2023 Copa Libertadores, but now they're chasing even bigger dreams on the world stage.
Orlando’s Camping World Stadium set the stage for a tense quarterfinal. Midfielder Matheus Martinelli drew first blood in the 40th minute, tapping home after a slick build-up that capped Fluminense’s relentless pressure. Al Hilal answered early in the second half through Marcus Leonardo, giving the Saudi champions a glimpse of hope. But Fluminense stayed cool, and Hércules delivered the final blow in the 70th minute, restoring their lead for good. The squad’s blend of experience and nerve under pressure stood out again in a do-or-die situation.
Veteran Leaders and Rising Stars Shine
A lot of credit has to go to manager Renato Gaucho. He’s kept the group balanced, leaning on seasoned players while letting younger guys step into big moments. Germán Cano, the Argentine forward, has become something of a talisman for Fluminense—he was the hero in their 2-0 round-of-16 win against European heavyweight Inter Milan. But it’s not just a one-man show. The defense held firm when needed, and the midfield engine room—spearheaded by Martinelli—never stopped fighting.
Fluminense’s path to the semis has been anything but easy. They squeezed past Mamelodi Sundowns, a club known for its fierce pressing, and battled to a hard-fought draw with Germany’s Borussia Dortmund in the group stages. Every game forced them to adapt, dig deeper, and trust each other.
Next up? Chelsea. The London club knocked out fellow Brazilian giants Palmeiras and now stands as the next massive obstacle between Fluminense and the final. The semifinal set for July 8 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey promises fireworks—one side with global pedigree, the other running on belief, unity, and the thrill of being underdogs. For fans back in Rio, this is already a moment to savor, but if the team’s fighting spirit holds, their story might just get even bigger.