The FIFA Club World Cup served up two major upsets as Al Hilal of Saudi Arabia and Brazil’s Fluminense knocked out European powerhouses Manchester City and Inter Milan, respectively.
The unexpected outcomes now set up a high-stakes quarterfinal between the two underdog champions this Friday in Orlando.
Al Hilal Shocks Manchester City in 4-3 Extra-Time Victory
In an electric showdown at Camping World Stadium, Al Hilal edged out Manchester City 4-3 after extra time. The match saw momentum shift constantly, with Bernardo Silva opening the scoring for the Premier League side. Al Hilal responded swiftly through Marcos Leonardo and Malcom, turning the tide before halftime.
Manchester City struck back in the second half with Erling Haaland equalizing. Extra time brought more drama as Kalidou Koulibaly and Phil Foden exchanged goals.
Then, in the 112th minute, Leonardo struck again to seal the win for the Saudi champions. His brace marked a career-defining moment, one he emotionally dedicated to his mother.
The Saudi side’s resilience and sharp counter-attacks ultimately outclassed the reigning UEFA Champions League winners. City manager Pep Guardiola admitted post-match that Al Hilal had simply been the better team on the night.
Fluminense Stifles Inter Milan with Defensive Brilliance
Earlier in the day in Charlotte, Fluminense delivered a masterclass in defense to defeat Inter Milan 2-0. The Brazilian champions took the lead just three minutes into the game through Argentine striker German Cano’s well-placed header.
Manager Renato Portaluppi’s tactical switch to a three-man defense featuring Ignacio, Freytes, and veteran Thiago Silva proved pivotal.
Their compact setup left Inter frustrated and unable to build momentum. Despite a flurry of late chances from Lautaro Martinez and Federico Dimarco — both denied by the woodwork — Inter couldn’t find a breakthrough.
In stoppage time, substitute Hercules pounced on a defensive lapse to score Fluminense’s second and seal the match. Inter boss Cristian Chivu voiced frustration at his side’s slow start and lack of urgency, admitting they never truly found rhythm.
With two of Europe’s strongest sides eliminated, Al Hilal and Fluminense now find themselves eyeing a path to Club World Cup glory — in a matchup few could have predicted.