Fluminense vs Al Hilal: Tips, Odds, and Match Preview

An unlikely clash between Fluminense and Al Hilal kicks off the quarterfinal round of the 2025 Club World Cup. The clubs pulled off a pair of the biggest stunts on the tournament thus far, defeating European powerhouses Inter Milan and Man City, respectively.

Likewise, their clash at the Camping World Stadium, Orlando, means that we'll have at least one non-European semifinalist. A music for Infantino's ears.

Solid, Solid Fluminense

The Brazilian outlet arrived at the World Cup with high hopes, considering a relatively pedestrian group stage opposition that included Ulsan Hyundai and Mamelodi Sundowns alongside group favorites Borussia Dortmund. The Tricolor finished second, which handed them a tall task of facing European runners-up in the first knockout game.

To everyone's surprise, Fluminense striker German Cano shocked Inter Milan in the third minute, only for Hercules to seal the deal in stoppage time. Inter did have most of the ball and more shots at goal, but Fernando Diniz's men stood tall and defended with zest.

Indeed, Fluminense has the stingiest defence in the entire tournament, letting only two goals in the four games played. They're not particularly high-scoring either, with six to their name and two games finishing 0:0.

Fluminense Injury & Suspension News

Left-back Rene received a second yellow on the tour and won't feature against Al Hilal. Otavio has been out since March with an Achilles injury, while midfielder Martinelli picked up a knock against Inter and remains a doubt.

Al Hilal’s Upset of the Century

Fluminense's shock in Charlotte would have been the defining moment of the Club World Cup if it hadn't been for Al Hilal's Man City heroics.

In one of the most entertaining games in the competition, we saw an end-to-end thriller that ended in a 2:2 draw during the regular time. Koulibaly's header continued the scoring spree, before Foden cancelled things out with a beautiful short volley from an impossible angle. The decisive goal came in the 114th minute, as Leonardo found himself in the perfect spot to tap in his second after goalkeeper Ederson saved a powerful header by Sergej Milinkovic-Savic.

Simone Inzaghi's men have faced both Real Madrid and Man City and escaped undefeated. Probably for this reason, the Saudi side enters the quarter finals as a slight favorite.

Al Hilal Injury & Suspension News

The Serbian striker Aleksandar Mitrovic remains sidelined with an injury, as does Suhayb Al Zaid. Hassan Al Tambakti, who missed the Man City game to injury, is a game-time call.

Fluminense vs Al Hilal Dortmund Prediction

I'm expecting a cagey game come Friday, with few chances and even fewer goals. Both clubs emerged as winners against European powerhouses and found themselves in new territory. Neither will open up early, but rather play things safe until they don't.

On top of that, Fluminense's defence, captained by legendary Thiago Silva, has been rock-solid throughout the tour, and their counter-attack is a warning sign against all who dare go all-in. Two goals tops.

CryptoGamba tip: Under 2.5 goals – 1.82 @Metaspins