Fluminense takes on Inter Milan in Club World Cup: time, broadcast, and likely teams

Inter Milan and Fluminense headline one of the most anticipated matches of the 2025 Club World Cup round of 16 on Monday, June 30, at 4:00 PM (Brasília time) at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, United States. The game, the first official meeting between the two teams, will be broadcast live on Globo, SporTV, DAZN, and CazéTV, with real-time coverage on various sports platforms. With Salvadoran referee Iván Barton officiating, the match promises excitement, pitting Inter’s tactical discipline, as runners-up in the Champions League, against Fluminense’s grit, aiming to upset after an unbeaten group stage. A spot in the quarterfinals is at stake, with the winner facing Manchester City or Al-Hilal.

The clash brings together two teams with contrasting paths in the tournament. Inter Milan, led by coach Cristian Chivu, enters as favorites after a solid campaign, while Fluminense, under Renato Gaúcho, relies on the experience of players like Thiago Silva and the flair of Jhon Árias to exceed expectations. The game is a tough test for the Tricolor, facing a heavyweight opponent in a stadium with a capacity of over 74,000 fans.

Key highlights of the matchup include:

• Multi-platform broadcast, covering free-to-air TV, cable, and free streaming.
• Inter Milan dealing with significant absences, including Çalhanoglu and Thuram.
• Fluminense with lineup doubts, particularly in defense and attack.
• Single-elimination match, with extra time and penalties if tied.

É necessário sempre acreditar que o sonho é possível.#FIFACWC #TakeItToTheWorld pic.twitter.com/ftIouJDdZW

— Fluminense F.C. (@FluminenseFC) June 30, 2025

Group stage performance

Inter Milan showed strength in Group E, finishing top with seven points. The Italian side started with a 1-1 draw against Mexico’s Monterrey in a balanced game. In the second round, they secured a 2-1 comeback win over Japan’s Urawa Red Diamonds, displaying resilience. Their most convincing performance came in the final match, a 2-0 victory over Argentina’s River Plate, with goals from Esposito and Bastoni, eliminating the Argentine club and solidifying Inter as title contenders.

Fluminense, meanwhile, faced challenges in Group F but secured second place with five points. The Tricolor began with a 0-0 draw against Germany’s Borussia Dortmund, marked by a strong defensive display and an outstanding performance from goalkeeper Fábio. They followed with a 4-2 thrashing of South Korea’s Ulsan HD, driven by Jhon Árias and Germán Cano. The final match against South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns ended in a 0-0 draw, enough to advance but exposing Fluminense’s struggles to convert chances.

Likely lineups and absences

Inter Milan takes the field with a star-studded squad but significant absences. Coach Cristian Chivu will miss Çalhanoglu, Pavard, Bisseck, and Zielinski, who returned to Italy due to injuries, plus Marcus Thuram, still in recovery. The probable lineup includes:

• Goalkeeper: Yann Sommer
• Defenders: Darmian, Acerbi, Bastoni, Dumfries
• Midfielders: Asllani, Mkhitaryan, Barella, Dimarco
• Forwards: Lautaro Martínez, Pio Esposito

For Fluminense, Renato Gaúcho has nearly a full squad but faces uncertainties in defense and attack. Thiago Silva, who felt muscle discomfort against Ulsan, was rested in the last round and is expected to return, though Ignácio is an option. Up top, the choice is between regular starter Germán Cano and Everaldo, criticized for missing chances. Venezuelan Soteldo, recently recovered from injury, may debut. The likely lineup is:

• Goalkeeper: Fábio
• Defenders: Samuel Xavier, Freytes (or Ignácio), Thiago Silva, Renê
• Midfielders: Hércules, Nonato, Martinelli
• Forwards: Jhon Árias, Canobbio, Everaldo (or Cano)

The match venue

Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina, is one of 12 venues chosen for the 2025 Club World Cup. With a capacity of 74,867, the stadium is known for hosting NFL games, such as those of the Carolina Panthers, and major events, including concerts and international soccer matches. Its selection reflects the tournament’s grandeur, featuring 32 clubs from five continents in its first expanded edition.

Charlotte, a cultural and economic hub in the southeastern U.S., is ready to welcome fans from around the globe. A sizable crowd is expected, with many Brazilian expatriates in the U.S. supporting Fluminense, while Inter relies on a loyal base of Italian and European soccer fans.

Refereeing and match rules

The game will be officiated by Salvadoran referee Iván Barton, known for his work in international competitions like the Copa América and Concacaf qualifiers. He will be assisted by David Moran (El Salvador) and Antonio Pupiro (Nicaragua). No confirmed details exist on VAR usage, which could impact the game’s dynamics, especially in controversial moments.

The Club World Cup rules state that the round of 16 is a single-elimination match. If tied after regular time, a 30-minute extra time follows. If the deadlock persists, a penalty shootout decides, raising the stakes for both teams to avoid critical errors.

Where to watch and live coverage

The match offers broad accessibility for viewers. Broadcast options include:

• Globo: Free-to-air TV, with narration and commentary for a wide audience.
• SporTV: Cable TV, offering in-depth analysis and extensive pre-game coverage.
• DAZN: Paid streaming, ideal for mobile device viewing.
• CazéTV: Free YouTube streaming, also available on Disney+ and Prime Video at no extra cost for subscribers.

Beyond broadcasts, platforms like ge.globo, UOL Esporte, and CNN Esportes provide real-time coverage with play-by-play updates, stats, and post-match interviews. High viewership is expected, especially in Brazil, where Fluminense carries the hopes of keeping Brazilian soccer alive after other teams’ eliminations.

History and match context

Inter Milan and Fluminense have never met in official competitions, making the game unpredictable. Inter, runners-up in the 2024/25 Champions League, aims to regain prestige after a heavy final loss. The Italian club has a storied history, with three Champions League titles and a Club World Cup (2010).

Fluminense, meanwhile, is in a phase of affirmation. As 2023 Libertadores champions, the Rio-based club entered the World Cup tasked with representing South American soccer proudly. An unbeaten run of nine games, including friendlies and official matches before the tournament, boosts the squad’s confidence, seeing the match as a chance to make history.

Expectations and quotes

Fluminense coach Renato Gaúcho struck an optimistic yet grounded tone, noting that Inter’s favoritism doesn’t guarantee victory and praising his squad’s quality. Inter’s Cristian Chivu acknowledged Fluminense’s strength but emphasized maintaining the consistency shown in the group stage.

Sports journalists, in analyses on platforms like Lance! and ESPN, see Inter as favorites but warn of Fluminense’s upset potential, especially with the experience of players like Fábio and Thiago Silva in high-stakes games. Tricolor fans, active on social media, believe in a spirited performance to overcome the odds.

Stakes of the match

The game is pivotal for both sides. For Inter, a win reinforces their title contender status and erases the Champions League final disappointment. For Fluminense, reaching the quarterfinals would be a milestone, cementing the club as a global contender. The winner faces the Manchester City vs. Al-Hilal victor, in what promises to be an even tougher challenge.

The tournament, with 32 clubs in its debut U.S. edition, has drawn global attention. With packed stadiums and broadcasts in over 100 countries, the 2025 Club World Cup is a showcase for players, coaches, and clubs. For Fluminense, it’s a chance to prove Brazilian soccer can still compete with European giants.

Team preparations

Fluminense wrapped up preparations in Charlotte with drills focusing on set pieces and quick transitions, strategies Renato Gaúcho deems vital against Inter. Inter worked on possession and defensive compactness, leveraging the experience of players like Lautaro Martínez and Barella. Despite absences, the Italian side retains a strong squad, with youngsters like Pio Esposito vying for prominence.

Logistics played a role. Fluminense arrived early in the U.S., adjusting to the time zone and Charlotte’s mild weather. Inter, used to long trips, opted for light training to conserve player energy.

Club World Cup trivia

The tournament has sparked widespread interest with its new format. Notable aspects of the 2025 edition include:

• First edition with 32 clubs, modeled after the FIFA World Cup.
• Four Brazilian clubs: Fluminense, Flamengo, Botafogo, and Palmeiras.
• Iconic venues like Hard Rock Stadium and the Rose Bowl as hosts.
• Global coverage, with over 63 matches broadcast across platforms.

The Inter Milan vs. Fluminense clash is a highlight of the round, alongside matches like Botafogo vs. Palmeiras and Benfica vs. Chelsea. Running until July 13, the tournament promises unforgettable moments, and the Charlotte duel is just the start of an intense journey toward the title.