South American champions Fluminense have booked their place in the semi-finals of the FIFA Club World Cup after defeating Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal 2–1 in a high-stakes quarter-final clash played on Tuesday night.
The match, filled with intensity and determination from both sides, saw the Brazilian outfit strike first in the 26th minute through star striker Germán Cano.
The veteran forward capitalised on a defensive gap to calmly slot the ball past Al Hilal's goalkeeper, giving Fluminense an early advantage.
Al Hilal, one of Asia’s most prominent clubs and backed by significant investment in recent years, responded with equal energy.
In the 62nd minute, Brazilian winger Malcom brought the game level with a sharp finish following a swift counterattack that caught Fluminense off guard.
But Fluminense proved resilient. With the game nearing full time, substitute John Kennedy became the hero of the night.
Taking advantage of a defensive error, he fired home in the 79th minute, putting the Brazilians back in front and silencing Al Hilal’s push for a comeback.
The result means Fluminense will face either England’s Manchester City or Japan’s Urawa Red Diamonds in the semi-final stage of the competition.
This victory is significant for Fluminense, who are making their debut in the FIFA Club World Cup. Under the leadership of head coach Fernando Diniz, the team has combined experience and youth to produce confident, attacking football that now sees them just two wins away from global glory.
For Al Hilal, the result is disappointing but not without pride. Their strong showing reflects the rapid growth of football in the Middle East, particularly in Saudi Arabia, which has become an emerging player on the global stage.
As Fluminense prepares for a much-anticipated semi-final clash, fans back home and across the continent will be watching closely, hoping for a historic final appearance and a shot at world club football’s ultimate prize.