Club World Cup: Fluminense edge out Al Hilal and advance to the semi-finals

World 05 July 2025 at 03:37

Aliou Toundé

News Editor

Fluminense are the first club to book their spot in the semi-finals of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. On Friday night, the Brazilians outclassed Al Hilal (2-1), clinching victory thanks to a decisive goal from Hércules.

A fitting name for a hero. Coming on at halftime, Hércules donned the hero’s cape, netting the winning goal in a tense, end-to-end encounter. Matheus Martinelli broke the deadlock in the 40th minute with a stunning strike, before Al Hilal threatened to claw their way back into the contest.

Veteran Fabio (44 years old) first denied Koulibaly, then a penalty was awarded... only to be overturned by VAR. Moments later, however, Leonardo leveled the score for the Saudi side with a powerful header.

Just as the match seemed to be hanging in the balance, Hércules—already on the scoresheet against Inter—secured Fluminense’s qualification with a clinical finish on the hour mark (2-1). Fluminense will now face Chelsea in the semi-finals.