On June 30, 2025, Fluminense delivered a stunning 2-0 upset over Inter Milan in the FIFA Club World Cup round of 16, securing their place in the quarter-finals. Led by captain Thiago Silva, the Brazilian side outplayed the Champions League finalists in Charlotte.
Fluminense struck early at Bank of America Stadium, with German Cano heading in a deflected cross from Jhon Arias in the third minute, slipping the ball through Yann Sommer’s legs. Despite Inter Milan’s possession dominance, Fluminense’s defence, anchored by 40-year-old Thiago Silva and 44-year-old goalkeeper Fabio, held firm. A second goal came in stoppage time when substitute Hercules fired a low shot into the corner, sealing the 2-0 win before a sparse crowd of 20,030.
Inter Milan, fresh off a 5-0 loss in the Champions League final to PSG, struggled to find its rhythm under new coach Cristian Chivu. Lautaro Martinez and Federico Dimarco hit the woodwork, and Stefan de Vrij missed a close-range chance, but Fluminense’s defence thwarted their efforts. Chivu admitted, “It was not our day,” citing Fluminense’s organised low block as a challenge. The defeat ends Inter’s tough 2024-25 season, with their Serie A campaign set to start in August.
Fluminense beat Inter Milan to head to the quarter-finals 🤩🇧🇷 pic.twitter.com/sEtNBZrWYm
— LiveScore (@livescore) June 30, 2025Jhon Arias earned the FIFA Superior Player of the Match award for his dynamic play, including the assist for Cano’s goal. Thiago Silva’s leadership and Fabio’s crucial saves, including one against Martinez, secured a clean sheet. Inter’s Martinez and Dimarco showed flashes of brilliance but couldn’t convert, highlighting Fluminense’s tactical discipline and resilience in the Charlotte heat.
Fluminense, the 2023 Copa Libertadores champions, will advance to face the winner of the Manchester City vs. Al-Hilal match in Orlando on July 4, 2025. The Brazilian side, joined by Palmeiras in the quarter-finals, carries South American hopes after Botafogo and Flamengo’s earlier upsets. Captain Thiago Silva expressed pride, noting the challenge of facing a recent Champions League finalist.
Thiago Silva was left in tears after Fluminense beat UCL finalists Inter Milan 🥹 pic.twitter.com/FtArDTjYRS
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) June 30, 2025Fluminense’s upset over Inter Milan highlights the competitiveness of the expanded 32-team Club World Cup, showcasing South American strength against European giants. The victory boosts Brazilian football’s global profile and fuels excitement for a potential rematch with Manchester City, who defeated Fluminense 4-0 in the 2023 final. This match captivates fans and underscores the tournament’s unpredictability.
