This is the first-ever competitive meeting between Brazilian giants Fluminense and South Korean champions Ulsan HD. Fluminense earned a hard-fought 0–0 draw against Borussia Dortmund in their opener, while Ulsan suffered a 1–0 defeat to Mamelodi Sundowns, making this a must-win for both sides to stay in contention for the knockout stage.
Fluminense FC: Brazilian Flair Meets Tactical Discipline
Last Match: 0–0 draw vs Borussia Dortmund
Manager: Fernando Diniz
Club World Cup Appearances: 2nd (Runners-up in 2023)
Strengths:
Veteran Leadership: Thiago Silva (40) and goalkeeper Fábio (44) anchor a defense that shut down Dortmund’s attack.
Midfield Control: Martinelli, Nonato, and Hercules provide balance and pressing intensity.
Unbeaten Run: Fluminense are unbeaten in their last 8 matches across all competitions.
Concerns:
Finishing Efficiency: Despite 14 shots vs Dortmund, they failed to convert.
Injury Watch: Yeferson Soteldo remains doubtful with a thigh injury.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1):
Fábio; Samuel Xavier, Thiago Silva, Juan Freytes, Rene; Hercules, Martinelli; Jhon Arias, Ganso, Canobbio; Germán Cano
Ulsan HD: Korean Champions Face Elimination Threat
Last Match: 0–1 loss vs Mamelodi Sundowns
Manager: Kim Pan-gon
Club World Cup Appearances: 3rd (2012, 2020, 2025)
Strengths:
Counterattacking Setup: Wingbacks Um Won-sang and Gustav Ludwigson offer pace and width.
Veteran Core: Kim Young-gwon (112 caps for South Korea) leads the backline.
Erick Farias Factor: Brazilian striker brings familiarity with Fluminense and has 9 goals in 16 matches.
Concerns:
Defensive Gaps: Conceded in 5 straight matches; struggled to contain Sundowns’ press.
Low Morale: A loss would eliminate them from Group F.
Predicted XI (3-4-3):
Jo Hyeon-woo; Seo Myeong-kwan, Milosz Trojak, Kim Young-gwon; Um Won-sang, Jung Woo-young, Darijan Bojanic, Ludwigson; Ko Seung-beom, Erick Farias, Lee Chung-yong
Head-to-Head & Key Stats
| Category | Fluminense | Ulsan HD |
| FIFA Ranking (Club) | Top 30 (Opta) | 274th (Opta) |
| Last 5 Matches | D–W–W–W–W | L–D–W–D–L |
| Goals Scored (CWC) | 0 | 0 |
| Goals Conceded (CWC) | 0 | 1 |
| All-Time Meetings | First meeting | — |
Fluminense held Dortmund to just 0.24 xG in their opener
Ulsan have never advanced past the quarterfinals in Club World Cup history
Over 2.5 goals has hit in 6 of Fluminense’s last 8 matches
Players to Watch
Fluminense:
Thiago Silva: Commanded the backline vs Dortmund; won 9 of 11 duels
Jhon Arias: Creative winger with pace and vision; key to unlocking Ulsan’s low block
Germán Cano: Prolific striker with 14 goals in 23 matches last season
Ulsan HD:
Erick Farias: Brazilian forward with experience against Fluminense; Ulsan’s main goal threat
Jo Hyeon-woo: Veteran goalkeeper with World Cup pedigree
Darijan Bojanic: Midfield engine with set-piece quality
MATCH ODDS
Fluminense – 245 Draw + 370 Ulsan + 750
Over 2.5 – 110 Under 2.5 – 115
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, June 20, 2025
