Fluminense's Crucial Battle Against Ulsan HD
Fluminense faces a must-win situation against Ulsan HD to enhance their chances for a spot in the round of 16.
Fluminense and Ulsan HD are set to clash on June 21 at MetLife Stadium. The renowned Brazilian club, Fluminense, is eager to secure their first win in the Club World Cup against South Korea’s Ulsan HD. In their competition debut, Renato Gaúcho’s squad delivered a commendable performance against Borussia Dortmund, only to settle with a draw. Brazilian supporters have been following in great numbers, making it likely that MetLife Stadium will feel like they’re playing at home at Maracanã. Meanwhile, Ulsan HD suffered a defeat to Mamelodi Sundowns in their first match, possessing just 36% of the ball and struggling creatively in attack. Despite showcasing some strong defensive tactics, they head into Saturday’s match as distinct underdogs. With both teams desperate for a victory to bolster their odds of advancing to the knockout phase, it seems unlikely that they will approach the match as cautiously as in their opening games. Here’s Sports Illustrated2s guide to this Club World Cup encounter.
Match Details: Fluminense vs. Ulsan HD - Location: East Rutherford, New Jersey - Stadium: MetLife Stadium - Date: Saturday, June 21 - Kick-off Time: 6 p.m. ET / 3 p.m. PT / 11 p.m. BST - Referee: Michael Oliver (ENG)
Head-to-Head Record This marks the first competitive match between Fluminense and Ulsan HD.
Current Form (All Competitions) - Fluminense: - 00 Borussia Dortmund - 6/17/25 - Internacional 02 Fluminense - 6/2/25 - Fluminense 20 Once Caldas - 5/29/25 - Fluminense 21 Vasco da Gama - 5/24/25 - Aparecidense 14 Fluminense - 5/21/25 - Ulsan HD: - 0-1 Mamelodi Sundowns - 6/17/25 - Jeonbuk Hyundai 31 Ulsan HD - 5/31/25 - Gwangju FC 11 Ulsan HD - 5/28/25 - Ulsan HD 32 Gimcheon Sangmu - 5/24/25 - Gangwon FC 11 Ulsan HD - 5/17/25
Broadcast Details: - United Kingdom: DAZN - United States: DAZN - Canada: DAZN - Mexico: DAZN
Fluminense Team News Gaúcho’s squad experienced significant injury setbacks with defensive midfielder Otávio and talented Venezuelan Yeferson Soteldo both sidelined, though Soteldo may return for the summer tournament. Against the presumed toughest group-stage opponent, Fluminense proved their defensive fortitude, led by veteran Thiago Silva partnering with emerging star Juan Freytes. John Arias, having been quiet in the initial match, will be aiming for greater influence this time, while Agustín Cannobio’s speed is expected to be crucial in breaking through Ulsan’s defense.
Fluminense Expected Lineup vs. Ulsan HD 4-3-3: Fabio; Xavier, Silva, Freytes, Renê; Nonato, Hérculess, Martinelli; Arias, Cannobio, Everaldo
Ulsan HD Team News Ulsan HD enters the match in a challenging period, having won just once in their past five outings across all competitions. Predicted to finish last in the group before the tournament began, the team now faces a daunting task to defy those expectations. Brazilian forward Erick Farias has been an asset with nine goals in 16 matches since March, sharing attacking duties with fellow striker and South Korea international Won-Sang Um. The key matchup will see Swedish fullback Gustav Ludwigson tasked with marking Arias, likely assisted by seasoned captain Young-Gwon Kim, boasting 112 international appearances.
Ulsan HD Expected Lineup vs. Fluminense 4-4-2: Jo; Trojak, Seo, Kim, Ludwigson; Lee, Jung, Bojanić, Ko; Um, Farias
Score Prediction Fluminense demonstrated superiority over Borussia Dortmund in their opening Group F match and are keen to strengthen CONMEBOL’s presence with a win. Given Ulsan HD’s recent performances, they face challenges penetrating Fluminense’s solid defense. The Brazilian side is expected to dominate possession and create ample chances, leaving the question of how long Ulsan can withstand the pressure. In the end, although not the strongest Brazilian representative, Fluminense has the talent to overcome Ulsan, outsiders by all accounts. Arias and Cannobio are predicted to score, moving Fluminense closer to the round of 16. Prediction: Fluminense 20 Ulsan HD.