Fluminense FC faced Al Hilal SFC in a high-stakes encounter at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, captivating football fans worldwide with a clash of South American and Asian club powerhouses. Understanding the lineups for this game reveals the tactical philosophies, player talent, and strategic nuances that shaped the result—whether for match analysis, fan engagement, or future tactics.
Fluminense FC: Starting Lineup & Tactics
Fluminense entered the game with a flexible yet compact shape, often favoring 3-4-1-2 or 4-2-3-1 formations depending on match dynamics. Manager Fernando Diniz opted for a blend of veteran leadership and young talent, seeking control in midfield and precise movement in attack.
Confirmed Starting XI (3-4-1-2)
- Fabio (GK): Experienced shot-stopper and captain, crucial for organizing the defense.
- Ignacio: Aggressive centre-back, vital for aerial duels and physical presence.
- Thiago Silva (C): Legendary defender, provides tactical intelligence and composure.
- Juan Freytes: Solid third centre-back, contributes to ball progression.
- Samuel Xavier: Right wing-back, key for width and crossing ability.
- Facundo Bernal: Young midfield energy, tasked with breaking opposition play.
- Hércules: Dynamic midfielder, assists in ball-winning and transitions.
- Gabriel Fuentes: Left wing-back; filled in for the suspended Renê, offering defensive cover.
- Nonato: Advanced midfielder, operates behind strikers to link midfield and attack.
- Jhon Arias: Forward, known for speed and ability to exploit spaces.
- Germán Cano: Main striker, Fluminense’s most reliable goal threat.
Tactical Detail
- Midfield double-pivot (Martinelli, Hércules) focused on controlling tempo and retrieving possession.
- Wing-backs pushed high to create overloads and stretch Al Hilal’s defensive line.
- Arias and Nonato alternated as creators, feeding Cano with quick ball movement.
Al Hilal SFC: Starting Lineup & Approach
Al Hilal SFC, led by coach Jorge Jesus, adopted a slightly more offensive 3-1-4-2 or 4-2-3-1 setup, integrating several European stars and dynamic Saudi players. Their intent was to dominate possession in midfield and unleash creative talent in final third.
Confirmed Starting XI (4-2-3-1)
- Yassine Bounou (GK): Moroccan international, trusted for composure under pressure.
- Joao Cancelo: Portuguese right-back, expert in overlapping runs and crosses.
- Kalidou Koulibaly: Senegalese centre-back, provides aerial presence and leadership.
- Moteb Al-Harbi: Young defender, vital for defensive solidity.
- Renan Lodi: Brazilian left-back, adds attacking thrust and defensive cover.
- Nasser Al-Dawsari: Midfielder, orchestrates transitions and pressing.
- Ruben Neves: Creative pivot, distributes possession and supports attack.
- Mohamed Kanno (C): Versatile midfielder, anchors play, adjusts positioning to balance Al Hilal’s setup.
- Sergej Milinkovic-Savic: Serbian engine, bursts forward to add goal threat.
- Malcom: Ex-Barcelona winger, provides width and skill, penetrates defensive lines.
- Marcos Leonardo: Talented forward, sharp finisher and movement off the ball.
Tactical Plan
- Kanno and Neves tasked with screening defense and launching counter-attacks.
- Milinkovic-Savic and Malcom looked to find spaces between Fluminense midfield and defense.
- Koulibaly and Bounou enabled confident buildup from the back, countering Fluminense’s press.
Key Absences and Changes
- Fluminense’s Renê missed out due to yellow card suspension, with Fuentes stepping in at left-back.
- Al Hilal was without captain Salem Al-Dawsari due to a hamstring injury—a significant blow to their attacking leadership.
Notable Substitutes
Fluminense brought on experience and offensive options:
- Ganso: Midfield maestro, entered to stabilize play.
- Yeferson Soteldo: Provided flair and pace.
- Paulo Baya, Keno, Canobbio: Reinforced attacking depth.
Al Hilal’s substitutions added variety and defensive cover:
- Musab Al-Juwayr: Recently back from injury, contributed in midfield.
- Khalid Al Ghannam: Young attacker offering pace.
- Abdulaziz Hadhood, Mohammed Hamad Al-Qahtani, Al-Boleahi: Injected energy in transitions.
Formation Comparison Table
| Team | Base Formation | Key Players (XI) | Tactical Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fluminense | 3-4-1-2, 4-2-3-1 | Fabio, Xavier, Silva, Freytes, Fuentes; Martinelli, Hércules; Arias, Nonato, Canobbio; Cano | Compact shape, wing-backs push high |
| Al Hilal | 4-2-3-1, 3-1-4-2 | Bounou, Cancelo, Koulibaly, Al-Harbi, Lodi; Kanno, Neves; Milinkovic-Savic, Malcom, Leonardo | Creative midfield, advanced pressing |
Strategic Analysis
Fluminense FC built their approach from defensive stability and timely pressing, using wing-backs for overloads and aiming to control midfield with versatile pivots. Cano’s goalscoring instincts provided a focal point, while substitutions offered late-game momentum.
Al Hilal SFC leaned on technical defenders and star midfielders for possession play, with creative options in Malcom and Milinkovic-Savic to destabilize defensive blocks. Their depth allowed tactical flexibility through the match, despite notable absences.
Conclusion
Understanding the Fluminense FC vs Al Hilal SFC lineups reveals two giants fielding their best XIs, adapting to injuries and suspensions, and balancing tactical discipline with attacking ambition. The match not only showcased global talent but also highlighted how formation tweaks, individual roles, and substitution plans influence modern football’s biggest stages.
