Having drawn their first game, Fluminense will aim to record their first win of the FIFA Club World Cup campaign when they face Ulsan HD at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on June 21, 2025, at 23:00 GMT.
The Brazilian side, runners-up in the 2023 Club World Cup, qualified as the 2023 Copa Libertadores champions, while Ulsan HD, three-time defending K League 1 champions, earned their spot via the AFC ranking pathway. Both teams are in Group F alongside Borussia Dortmund and Mamelodi Sundowns.
Match Preview
Fluminense comes into the tournament off the back of an inconsistent domestic season, having finished 13th in the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A. Their attacking flair was evident in their 2023 Club World Cup run, where they reached the final but fell 4-0 to Manchester City. The Tricolor have been prolific in front of goal of late, scoring in eight of their last 10 matches across all competitions, while keeping four clean sheets in that span.
Head coach Fernando Diniz will be wary of Fluminense’s defensive vulnerabilities, particularly after conceding in six of their last seven away games. However, their experience at this level, having faced top European opposition, gives them an edge. Fluminense have never faced Ulsan HD in competitive action, making this a fresh challenge for both sides.
Ulsan HD, meanwhile, are making their third Club World Cup appearance (2012, 2020) but have yet to advance past the quarter-finals. The South Korean side, known for their disciplined defensive organisation, won the K League 1 title in 2024 for the third consecutive year and boasts a strong recent record, losing just once in their last eight matches.
Under head coach Kim Pan-gon, Ulsan have emphasised resilience, often grinding out results through compact defending and quick counter-attacks. Their 1-0 victory over Yokohama F. Marinos in the 2023-24 AFC Champions League semi-finals showcased their ability to compete against top Asian sides. However, Ulsan have struggled in previous Club World Cup outings, failing to win a match in their last two tournament appearances.
Fluminense will look to dominate possession and exploit Ulsan’s defence with their dynamic attacking play, while Ulsan will aim to frustrate the Brazilians and capitalise on set-pieces or counter-attacks. The matchup pits Fluminense’s flair against Ulsan’s organisation, promising a tactical battle at MetLife Stadium, as reported by our football facts.
Fluminense FIFA Club World Cup form:
- vs Borussia Dortmund0-0 (D) 17/06/25
Fluminense form (all competitions):
- W (A) 2-0 against Internacional (Serie A) 02/06/25
- W (A) 4-1 against Aparecidense (Copa Do Brasil) 21/05/25
- D (A) 1-1 against Juventude (Serie A) 18/05/25
- L (A) 2-3 against Atletico-MG (Serie A) 11/05/25
- L (A) 0-1 against Club San Jose (Copa Sudamericana) 09/05/25
Ulsan HD FIFA Club World Cup form:
- vs Mamelodi Sundowns 0-1 (L) 18/06/25
Ulsan HD form (all competitions):
- L (A) 1-3 against Jeonbuk Hyundai (K League 1) 31/05/25
- D (A) 1-1 against Gwangju FC (K League 1) 28/05/25
- W (H)3-2 against Gimcheon Sangmu (K League 1) 24/05/25
- D (A) 1-1 against Gangwon (K-League 1) 17/05/25
- W (H)3-0 against Incheon Utd (Korea Cup) 14/05/25
Team News
Fluminense are likely to field a strong side, with veteran striker Germán Cano leading the line. The Argentine has been a consistent goal-scorer and could be supported by wingers Jhon Arias and Agustin Canobbio, both of whom bring pace and creativity.
In midfield, Hercules and Martinelli are expected to provide balance, while Paulo Henrique Ganso may pull the strings in an advanced role. Defensively, Thiago Silva and Juan Pablo Freytes are set to anchor the backline, with Rene and Samuel Xavier at full-back. Goalkeeper Fábio, a Club World Cup veteran, is a certain starter.
Ulsan HD’s attack will revolve around Erick Farias, who could be selected ahead of Yool Heo. Midfielders Woo-young Jung and Darijan Bojanic are key to Ulsan’s transition play, while captain Kim Young-kwon, a former Guangzhou Evergrande star, will marshal the defence alongside Myeong-kwan Seo. Goalkeeper Jo Hyeon-woo, a South Korean international, is expected to start. Ulsan may opt for a 5-4-1 formation to maintain defensive solidity.
Fluminense possible starting lineup:
Fábio; Xavier, Freytes, Thiago Silva, Rene; Hercules, Martinelli; Arias, Ganso, Canobbio; Cano
Ulsan HD possible starting lineup:
Jo Hyeon-woo; Ludwigson, Kim Young-kwon, Trojak, Myeong-kwan Seo, Won-sang Um; Chung-yong Lee, Woo-young Jung, Bojanic, Seung-beom Ko; Erick Farias
We say: Fluminense 2-1 Ulsan HD
Fluminense’s attacking quality and experience in high-stakes matches give them a slight edge, but Ulsan’s defensive organisation and counter-attacking threat make them dangerous underdogs. Expect a tightly contested match, with Fluminense’s flair likely to secure a narrow victory.
