Inter Milan crash out as Fluminense shock Italian giants in Club World Cup upset

Inter Milan’s hopes of Club World Cup glory came to a crushing end on Monday, 30 June, as Fluminense stunned the Champions League finalists with a 2-0 victory in the Round of 16.

The Brazilian side struck early at the Bank of America Stadium, capitalising on sloppy defending to take the lead inside three minutes.

Defender Renê dispossessed a hesitant Inter player before finding Jhon Arias on the right flank.

The Colombian’s low cross took a deflection and fell perfectly for Germán Cano, who nodded home from close range, leaving goalkeeper Yann Sommer stranded.

Inter, who reached the 2025 Champions League final just weeks ago, pushed hard for an equaliser.

Henrikh Mkhitaryan teed up Federico Dimarco in the 12th minute, but Fluminense’s veteran keeper Fábio produced a superb save to deny the Italian full-back.

The best chance fell to Stefan de Vrij in the 70th minute. Lautaro Martínez kept a curling cross alive with a clever header, but the Dutch defender scuffed his effort wide from point-blank range.

Martínez then had three golden opportunities in seven minutes—twice denied by Fábio before rattling the crossbar—as Inter’s frustration grew.

With seconds left in stoppage time, Fluminense sealed their victory. Midfielder Hércules fired home to make it 2-0, sending the Rio-based club into the quarter-finals, where they will face either Manchester City or Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal in Orlando on Friday, 4 July.

Poor turnout mars tournament momentum

The match drew a meagre crowd of just 20,030 in the 74,867-seater stadium, continuing concerns over fan engagement in this year’s expanded Club World Cup.

Fluminense now join fellow Brazilian side Palmeiras in the last eight, keeping alive hopes of South American success.

For Inter, the defeat marks a bitter end to their campaign, leaving new manager Cristian Chivu with plenty to ponder ahead of the new Serie A season.

What’s next?

Fluminense await the winner of Manchester City vs Al-Hilal in Orlando, while Inter return to Italy to prepare for pre-season.