In just their second appearance in the Club World Cup, Fluminense has been very impressive and has a chance to go the distance. The 2023 Copa Libertadores champions only won once in Group F, but they pulled off a huge upset, beating Inter Milan in the Round of 16, before taking down Al Hilal in the quarters.

Fluminense has been the biggest surprise at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup . In a tournament that featured several European powers like Manchester City, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea, it was easy to assume Fluminense was there as a make-weight.

Even though City Football Group’s flagship team, Manchester City, didn't make it back to the New York metro area for the FIFA Club World Cup semifinals, the organization, New York City FC (NYCFC), and their creative partners still found a way to soar.