FIFA Club World Cup 2025 | Quarterfinals: Fluminense vs Al Hilal | Preview and Predictions

This quarterfinal encounter of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup will be played between South American giants Fluminense and Asian powerhouse Al Hilal on July 5 at the Camping World Stadium, Orlando. 

Here’s our preview and prediction for the Quarterfinal match between Fluminense and Al Hilal at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025

FIFA Club World Cup 2025 | Quarterfinals: Fluminense vs Al Hilal | 00:30 IST, July 5

The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup Round of 16 has thrown in some huge upsets as some of the perennial favourites bowed out at the hands of their lesser known inter-continental counterparts. 

Before the Round of 16 stage began, no one would have predicted both Fluminense and Al Hilal to win their respective fixtures against their European heavyweight opponents and meet in the last eight stages for a place in the semifinals. But here we are! 

Fluminense came into their Round of 16 fixture as Group F runners-up, drawing two and winning one to remain unbeaten. However, paired to go up against last season’s UEFA Champions League runners-up, the Brazilian club were definitely the underdogs going into this contest.

But an early goal in just the third minute, followed by some astute defending as a unit – as Flu registered their fifth clean sheet in six games – before Brazilian midfield Hercules doubled the score and led his team to the semi-finals. Inter came close on a number of occasions but Fluminense were able to keep them at arm’s length throughout the game. 

Their opponents this Saturday, however, have pulled off an even bigger feat. Al Hilal progressed from Group H as runners-up behind Real Madrid. They drew against both Real and RB Salzburg but got the better of CF Pachuca in their final group fixture. Paired up against the mighty Manchester City, nobody gave them a chance of progressing past the English giants. 

However, in what has to be the biggest upset of the Club World Cup so far, Simone Inzaghi’s Al Hilal knocked out Pep Guardiola’s Man City in the Round of 16 – on merit. The Cityzens weren’t clinical enough in attack, and far too easily exploited on the break, and were deservedly sent home by a 4-3 extra-time defeat.

City took the lead inside the first ten minutes but were unable to increase their lead in the first half. Set up to counter on the break, Inzaghi’s Al Hilal, too, lacked their clinical edge in the first half. 

However, the game became more end-to-end as the second half wore on. Marcos Leonardo grabbed the equaliser before Malcolm – who was arguably Al Hilal’s best player on the night – gave the Saudi club an unexpected lead. Erling Haaland then hit back to take the game to extra time. 

Both Kalidou Koulibaly and Phil Foden exchanged goals before Leonardo eventually scored the winner of this seven-goal thriller in the 112th minute – resulting in this CWC’s first major casualty (Man City’s exit). 

Looking ahead to this fixture, both teams have punched well above their weights and anything from hereon is just an added bonus. However, being on the easier side of the draw – a semi-final matchup against either Palmeiras or Chelsea is one neither side would mind facing. 

Both clubs are equally matched and are very good defensively. Thus, it’s quite possible that just one moment of brilliance or one faulty play can decide this contest. However, based on recent form and performances, we’re backing Asian club Al Hilal to make it to the last four. 

Score Prediction: Fluminense 0-1 Al Hilal

Venue: Camping World Stadium, Orlando