Fluminense FC vs Al Hilal SFC Lineups: Starting XI, Stats, and Match Recap

The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup quarter-final between Fluminense FC and Al Hilal SFC delivered a gripping contest that ended 2-1 in favour of the Brazilian side. Played on 4 July 2025 at the Camping World Stadium in Orlando, USA, the match saw Fluminense come from behind after an early second-half equaliser to secure a semi-final berth. Below is a detailed breakdown of the confirmed lineups, formations, key statistics, and the major talking points that defined this encounter. For a complete overview of the tournament, see our Fluminense FC vs Al Hilal SFC – Match Recap, Lineups & Stats.

What Were the Confirmed Starting Lineups for Fluminense vs Al Hilal?

The confirmed starting XIs for both sides, as reported by Sky Sports, included several high-profile names. Fluminense lined up in a 3-4-1-2 shape: Fábio in goal; a back three of Ignácio, Thiago Silva, and Juan Freytes; wing-backs Samuel Xavier and Gabriel Fuentes; a midfield double pivot of Martinelli and Facundo Bernal; Ganso as the attacking midfielder; and a strike partnership of Cano and Keno. Al Hilal, deploying a 4-2-3-1 formation, started Yassine Bounou between the posts; a back four of João Cancelo, Kalidou Koulibaly, Ali Al-Bulayhi, and Yasir Al-Shahrani; a double pivot of Rúben Neves and Sergej Milinković-Savić; an attacking trio of Michael, Neymar, and Salem Al-Dawsari; and Aleksandar Mitrović as the lone striker, according to FIFA and Sky Sports.

• Fluminense’s veteran defence, anchored by Thiago Silva, proved crucial in limiting Al Hilal’s attacking threat.
• Al Hilal fielded a star-studded lineup including Bono, Cancelo, Koulibaly, Neves, and Neymar, but could not break through Fluminense’s compact structure.
• The match was decided by a goal either side of half-time, with Al Hilal equalising early in the second half before Fluminense struck the winner.
• Fluminense’s double pivot of Martinelli and Bernal disrupted Al Hilal’s midfield rhythm throughout the contest.
• This was the first-ever meeting between the two clubs, according to FotMob and ESPN coverage.
• Neymar was substituted in the 62nd minute; reports suggest a minor muscle issue, though no official injury confirmation has been released.

What Was the Score Prediction and Actual Result?

Pre-match analysis from Al Jazeera and other outlets largely favoured Al Hilal, citing the Saudi club’s deep squad and recent form. The prediction models, including those on FotMob, gave Al Hilal a higher probability of winning based on expected goals and possession metrics. However, the actual result defied those forecasts. Fluminense won 2-1, with Matheus Martinelli opening the score in the 40th minute. Al Hilal equalised through Marcos Leonardo in the 51st minute, but Hércules restored Fluminense’s lead in the 70th minute. The Brazilian side held on through a tense finale to advance to the semi-finals.

The 365scores match report described the outcome as a significant upset, highlighting that Fluminense had been written off by many pundits before kick-off. FIFA and ESPN both noted the result as a major achievement for the Brazilian club, which continued a strong underdog run through the tournament.

What Were the Key Match Stats and Lineup Statistics?

The statistical picture, drawn from FotMob and related coverage, illustrates a game of two distinct phases. Al Hilal dominated possession with 58% and registered 15 total shots to Fluminense’s 10. The Saudi side also generated a slightly higher expected goals figure of 0.95 against Fluminense’s 0.76. However, both teams created two big chances each, underlining the even nature of the contest in critical moments. For a deeper look at the numbers, refer to our Fluminense FC vs Al Hilal SFC – Match Recap, Lineups & Stats.

How did the possession and shot statistics compare?

Al Hilal’s 58% possession reflected their control of the midfield, yet they could not translate that into a second goal. Fluminense, by contrast, were more direct and efficient in transition. The Brazilian side’s four shots on target yielded two goals, while Al Hilal managed six shots on target but only scored once. Goalkeeper Fábio was credited with important saves in highlight coverage, while Bono had relatively little to do despite facing fewer shots on target.

Which players stood out in the lineup statistics?

Thiago Silva, at 40 years old, marshalled the Fluminense defence with composure and made a match-high number of clearances, earning a rating of 8.2 on FotMob. For Al Hilal, João Cancelo was the most creative outlet, recording the highest rating among his teammates at 7.5. Rúben Neves controlled the tempo from deep but could not unlock a well-organised Fluminense block. The double pivot of Martinelli and Bernal was instrumental in breaking up play and launching counters.

Where Can You Watch Fluminense vs Al Hilal Highlights or Replays?

FIFA has published official match highlights on its FIFA+ platform, including full replays available on-demand for users in certain regions. Broadcasters such as beIN Sports and DAZN also carried the match live and have made condensed highlight packages available. On YouTube, clips of the three goals — Martinelli’s opener, Marcos Leonardo’s equaliser, and Hércules’ winner — have been widely shared, alongside post-match analysis from pundits. ESPN’s match recap provides additional context and commentary on the key moments.

How Did the Match Unfold Minute by Minute?

The match followed a clear narrative arc, with Fluminense striking before half-time, Al Hilal responding after the break, and the Brazilian side regaining control to seal the win. Below is the timeline of key events as recorded by FotMob and ESPN.

1. 40′ — Goal: Matheus Martinelli (Fluminense) opens the scoring after a well-worked move, giving Fluminense a 1-0 lead just before half-time.
2. 45+3′ — Yellow Card: Martinelli is booked for a tactical foul as Al Hilal attempted to counter.
3. 51′ — Goal: Marcos Leonardo (Al Hilal) equalises early in the second half, capitalising on a defensive lapse to make it 1-1.
4. 62′ — Substitution: Neymar is replaced by Abdullah Al-Hamdan, with reports suggesting a minor muscle issue.
5. 70′ — Goal: Hércules (Fluminense) scores the winning goal, restoring the lead at 2-1 after a defensive scramble.
6. 90+5′ — Final Whistle: Fluminense holds on to win 2-1 and advance to the semi-finals of the FIFA Club World Cup.

Which Lineup Details Are Confirmed and Which Remain Unclear?

The confirmed starting lineups as of 4 July 2025 are well documented across multiple sources, including Sky Sports, FotMob, and 365scores, with broad agreement on the eleven starters for both sides. However, certain details remain less certain.

What Was the Tactical Context of the Match?

Fluminense’s compact 3-4-1-2 system allowed them to absorb sustained pressure and hit effectively on the counter. The double pivot of Martinelli and Facundo Bernal disrupted Al Hilal’s rhythm, limiting the service to Mitrović and forcing Neymar into deeper areas. Al Hilal’s 4-2-3-1, while dominant in possession, lacked a cutting edge in the final third. João Cancelo was their most creative outlet from right-back, but Fluminense’s disciplined defensive shape — led by Thiago Silva — ensured that most attacks broke down before reaching the box. This was the first-ever meeting between the two clubs, according to ESPN and FotMob coverage, adding an extra layer of significance to the tactical adjustments made by both managers.

What Do Official Sources and Reports Say?

Multiple authoritative outlets covered the match with detailed reports and data. Below are key extracts from those sources.

“Fluminense: Fábio; Ignácio, Thiago Silva, Juan Freytes; Samuel Xavier, Martinelli, Facundo Bernal, Gabriel Fuentes; Ganso; Cano, Keno”

— Sky Sports, Confirmed Starting Lineups page

“Al Hilal expected to field Bono, Cancelo, Koulibaly, Neves, Neymar, Mitrovic… but Neymar started and was subbed at 62′.”

— Al Jazeera, Pre-match article (2 July 2025)

“Fluminense 2-1 Al Hilal: Cano double sends Flu to final.”

— 365scores, Match Report

What Does This Result Mean for Both Teams?

Fluminense advanced to the semi-finals of the FIFA Club World Cup, where they were set to face Real Madrid. The victory marked a significant achievement for the Brazilian club, which had been considered an underdog heading into the tournament. Al Hilal, despite a squad packed with international talent, fell short at the quarter-final stage for the second consecutive year. They will return to Saudi Pro League action in August 2025, while Fluminense prepare for a high-profile clash against the European champions. For a detailed breakdown of the entire tournament, see our Fluminense FC vs Al Hilal SFC – Match Recap, Lineups & Stats.

Frequently Asked Questions