The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup witnessed a thrilling Group F encounter as Fluminense and Ulsan Hyundai clashed at the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on Saturday, June 21. Both teams were desperate for their first win in the tournament, with Fluminense coming off a resilient 0-0 draw against Borussia Dortmund and Ulsan Hyundai aiming to bounce back from a narrow 1-0 loss to Mamelodi Sundowns.
Fluminense entered the match with high hopes, buoyed by their impressive defensive display against the German giants. Brazilian captain Thiago Silva led the team from the back, with a midfield trio of Matheus Martinelli, Nonato, and Hércules orchestrating play. Up front, Jhon Arias, Everaldo, and Agustin Canobbio formed the attacking line, while new signing Yeferson Soteldo was sidelined due to a muscle injury.
Ulsan Hyundai, coached by Kim Pan-gon, fielded a solid defensive unit featuring Kim Young-gwon and Swedish left-back Gustav Ludwigson in a five-man backline. Brazilian striker Erick Farias spearheaded their attack, supported by Seung-beom Ko and Lee Chung-yong. The Tigers were eager to claim their first points in the competition and keep their knockout hopes alive.
The match kicked off under the watchful eye of English referee Michael Oliver, with assistants Stuart Burt and James Mainwaring, and VAR led by Spain's Alejandro Hernández Hernández. From the outset, Fluminense imposed intense pressure, dominating possession and creating several early chances. Their persistence paid off when Jhon Arias received a precise pass at the edge of the box, deftly turned his marker, and unleashed a powerful shot into the left corner, opening the scoring and sending the home fans into a frenzy.
Despite the early setback, Ulsan Hyundai responded with resilience. Lee Jin-hyun equalized with a well-timed finish after a low cross from Um Won-sang, who then scored a header to give the South Korean side a 2-1 lead heading into halftime. The goals showcased Ulsan's attacking threat and tested Fluminense's defensive resolve.
At halftime, Fluminense made a tactical substitution, bringing on Everaldo for Ganso to inject fresh energy into the attack. The second half saw a more balanced contest, with both teams striving to assert control. Ulsan's Bojanic, Lee Jae-ik, and Ko Seung-beom were replaced by Lee Chung-yong, Jung Woo-young, and Heo Yool to bolster the midfield and defense, while Fluminense introduced Nonato and Keno for Martinelli and Kevin Serna.
Fluminense's persistence was rewarded as Nonato equalized with a precise shot into the left corner, reigniting the match. Moments later, Freytes struck to restore Fluminense's lead, firing a powerful shot past the Ulsan goalkeeper. The Brazilian side continued to press, with Keno sealing the victory by heading home a cross from Arias in the dying moments of the game. His exuberant celebration earned him a yellow card, highlighting the intensity of the moment.
The match featured several stoppages due to injuries and hydration breaks, reflecting the physical toll of the intense heat in New York. Ulsan's Um Won-sang and Ko Seun-Beom received treatment but managed to continue playing. The game was extended by seven minutes of added time, during which Fluminense maintained their composure to secure a crucial 4-2 victory.
This win significantly boosts Fluminense's chances of progressing from Group F, where they now sit alongside Borussia Dortmund and Mamelodi Sundowns. Ulsan Hyundai, despite the loss, remain in contention but must regroup quickly ahead of their next group stage match.
Both teams are scheduled to face off again on Wednesday, June 25, with Fluminense taking on Mamelodi Sundowns and Borussia Dortmund meeting Ulsan Hyundai. These matches will be decisive in determining which sides advance to the round of 16, as only the top two teams from each group move forward in the expanded 32-team tournament format.
Fluminense's coach Renato Gaúcho expressed confidence in his squad's performance, acknowledging the challenges ahead. "Cano trained well, he no longer has any discomfort, he is 100%, he is available, fully recovered, he feels good. So, he is available. Let's see if he starts tomorrow or not. Of course, he still doesn't have the rhythm of the game, that's normal, but a player only recovers the rhythm of the game when he plays," he said. Gaúcho also emphasized the importance of focus and calm in such a competitive environment, noting, "We studied our opponent, Ulsan, very carefully. It is an important game, a difficult game in which both teams have a chance to qualify. Therefore, we know that it will be a boring game, a game in which we have to remain calm."
From a broader perspective, the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup has been marked by surprises, including Flamengo's upset of Premier League giants Chelsea. The tournament features 32 teams divided into eight groups, with the likes of Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, Manchester City, and Chelsea competing against champions from other confederations.
For fans in the United States, the Fluminense vs. Ulsan Hyundai match was available to watch live and for free on DAZN, accessible via multiple platforms including web browsers, mobile apps, and smart TVs. Viewers worldwide could also use VPN services like ExpressVPN to bypass geo-restrictions and enjoy the action uninterrupted.
Fluminense currently holds sixth place in the Brasileirão with 20 points, closely trailing teams like Atlético-MG and Palmeiras, while Ulsan Hyundai sits fourth in the K League 1 with 29 points, reflecting their strong domestic form.
The match's dynamic nature, with momentum swings and multiple lead changes, highlighted the competitive spirit and technical quality present in this global tournament. As the group stage progresses, both teams will look to build on their performances and secure their spots in the knockout rounds.
With the next round just days away, all eyes will be on MetLife Stadium once more as these football giants continue their quest for Club World Cup glory.
