Manchester City - Fluminense summary: score, goals, highlights, Club World Cup

CLUB WORLD CUP

Nineteen of 32 participants at new 2025 FIFA Club World Cup confirmed

This is the end of the FIFA Club World Cup as we know it. Starting in 2025, the tournament will be totally unrecognisable, with an expanded competition to be held for the first time in the United States. 

I'll leave you with Paul's explanation of how it will all work, as well as the teams who have already qualified.  

Manchester City: 2023 FIFA Club World Cup winners

Not a bad (slightly early) Christmas present, right?

Manchester City lift the FIFA Club World Cup!

FIFA president Gianni Infantino hands the trophy to City captain Kyle Walker, who pauses before lifting the trophy into the Jeddah night sky! The boys in light blue are more than used to it by now.

Five trophies (Champions League, Premier League, FA Cup, UEFA Super Cup, FIFA Club World Cup) in an incredible 2023. 

Here come the champions, Manchester City

Gold medals for Pep and his boys, including Mateo Kovacic, the first player to win the Club World Cup with three different clubs. 

A big hug and lengthy conversation between Pep Guardiola and Fluminense counterpart Fernando Diniz, who some have called the "Brazilian Pep". 

Fluminense collect silver medals

A guard of honour from Manchester City for the runners-up, which is a nice touch. The last Brazilian winners remain Corinthians, who defeated Chelsea in the 2012 final. 

Al Ahly finish third in Club World Cup

I mentioned earlier that Egyptian side Al Ahly had defeated Urawa Red Diamonds to finish third earlier today. They've nipped across town to pick up their bronze medals, which they've done in four of the last five tournaments. 

The match officials are now collecting their medals. Nothing in the way of controversy, which they'll be pleased with. 

Rodri wins Club World Cup Golden Ball

And the top prize goes to Rodri, the man whose goal won City their first ever Champions League back in June. 

Kyle Walker wins Club World Cup Silver Ball

The Manchester City defender helped his team keep two clean sheets, which you can't argue with, can you? 

Fluminense's Jhon Arrias wins Club World Cup Bronze Ball

A goal in the semi-final for the young Brazilian, who is "officially" the third best player at the tournament. 

Al Ittihad win the Fair Play award

Just in case anyone really cares about that...In their home stadium, which has gone down well. 

Kaka to present the Club World Cup to Manchester City

The Brazilian still looks fit and ready to play!

Oh, and here comes Gianni Infantino to save the day...

I'm starting to see some shinyness out on the field, which includes trophies and medals. 

The City players are currently mulling around on the field waiting for the trophy presentation to begin. Which is taking its sweet time. 

Pep Guardiola completes the set at City

It's been non-stop success for Guardiola since moving to City in 2016. This was the only trophy he had left to win and, obviously, he's gone and won it. 

Five trophies in 2023 for Manchester City

The City trophy train keeps chugging on. 2024 might be slightly tougher though.

Álvarez and Foden star in City win

Find someone that looks at you the way Phil Foden looks at Julián Álvarez, etc...

Full time: Manchester City 4-0 Fluminense - City win the Club World Cup!

Referee Maciniak has had enough and blows up on the final whistle! Two for Álvarez, one for Foden and a Nino own goal. Manchester City are "champions of the world"!

Expertly done from Álvarez, who takes a touch to get away from André and fires low past Fabió into the far corner!

As you might've guessed, I've pulled out those stats because the game has petered out a bit. Flu know it's all over for them, City are waiting to get their hands on the trophy. 

Guardiola to set new Club World Cup record

And Pep is about to become the first coach to win the tournament four times. He is currently tied with Carlo Ancelotti on three. 

This is going to be 11 consecutive European victories in the FIFA Club World Cup...

Pure frustration from Kennedy there as he flicks out at Nunes long after the ball has gone. Yellow. 

Goalscorer Foden replaced

And now he's gone...

Foden and Aké are replaced by Nunes and Bobb. 

Foden the difference-maker for City

A decisive display from the England international, who forced the second goal and scored the third himself. 

Kennedy goes close!

What a goal that would've been! Kennedy robs Gvardiol, tricks his way past a couple of players and unleashes a fierce shot that Ederson has to tip over!

Silva... side netting!

At the other end, Silva lashes into the side netting as City chase a fourth. Offside is eventually given for an offence that took place about 20 seconds earlier. 

A good first involvement from Marlon, who sets Barbosa away down the left. His cross aims for Cano but doesn't quite find the striker. 

Marlon replaces Nino for Flu. A thankless task now...

Rodri goes off

No point in taking risks now...

Rodri goes off, replaced by Akanji. Gvardiol is also on for Stones. 

Kovacic nudged the ball through to Álvarez, whose drives a low cross into the path of Foden, who guides into the net first time!

Play finally gets back underway, with Rodri back on...

This is quite a lengthy stoppage. Rodri has only just made his way to the touchline. 

Man down for City. Rodri might not be able to carry on. 

Alexsander hasn't been on long but he's already in the book. He gets a touch on the ball but follows through on Rodri, who's hurt. 

Xavier gets away down the left and has a chance to pick out a teammate in the middle but Ederson's positioning is perfect and he comes from his line to gather the cross. 

Flu are going to start leaving gaps in defence, by the looks of things. Silva has plenty of grass to run into down the right but opts to turn inside and keep possession. City don't need to force it. 

Ah, that was a chance for Flu! Lima does brilliantly to get past Stones on the goal line and cuts the ball back to Kennedy, who takes who touch too many in the box and passes up a shooting chance. 

If City hold on, Kovacic will become the first player to win the Club World Cup with three different teams (he previously won it with Real Madrid and Chelsea). 

Kovacic replaces Lewis for City. 

Marcelo substituted

That's why...

Marcelo, Melo, Ganso off. Lima, Barbosa and Alexander on. 

That's one to keep an eye on. 

Marcelo, for some reason, seems to be playing as a centre forward at the moment...

Lovely feet and a turn of pace from Kennedy bamboozles Walker but the youngster loses the ball despite appearing to be fouled. 

Marcelo booked

The former Real Madrid man chops Lewis from behind and gets a deserved yellow card. 

Melo gets a short pass from Fábio and is bundled into by Silva, who concedes a free-kick. The veteran defender isn't happy, even though he's been putting himself about A LOT so far.  

This is what the people want to see! Flu revert to their playing ridiculous passes out from the back, which isn't always wise but is really fun to watch. 

Fábio denies Foden!

Fábio is keeping Flu in this at the minute. A short free-kick finds Foden all alone and his low cross-cum-shot has to be beaten out by the goalkeeper. 

For a minute there, it looked as if Walker was going to shoot from range on his left foot, which I don't think I've ever seen him do. Instead, he lays it off for Grealish, who - surprise, surprise - wins a free-kick. 

That move ends at the feet of Grealish, who curls in a Hollywood ball with the outside of his foot...which goes straight past everyone and out of play. 

City have knocked it about really nicely there to get out of their own half. We've not seen all that much of it from then, but they look to be hitting their stride now. 

That could've been "goodnight, Jeddah" for Flu there. 

Fábio double save!

Almost a carbon copy of the first half! Foden's angled shot is parried by Fábio, who this time also keeps out the follow-up header from Silva!

John Kennedy is on for Keno for the Brazilians. 

Second half underway in Jeddah!

Here we go again. Can Flu get back into this?

A second rendition of "Freed From Desire". Are you even at an elite level soccer game if it doesn't come on before kick-off and also at half time? If they don't play it after the final whistle I'll be disappointed. 

The perfect half from Manchester City?

Was that the perfect half from City? The end of it definitely seems to be the way Pep wants his team to play nowadays, controlling possession and keeping opponents at arm's length perhaps more than going in for the kill. 

Half time: Manchester City 2-0 Fluminense

After the first few minutes, it looked as if Fluminense could be on the end of a thrashing. Álvarez netted a rebound from Aké’s strike after little more than 30 seconds, and the Brazilians looked nervy as they attempted to play their way out from the back at all costs, as they do.

They took risk after risk and got away with it once or twice, although they eventually settled into their rhythm and played some hugely entertaining stuff, albeit without seriously threatening.

But just when it appeared as if City might have lost their way slightly, they regained their composure and ultimately extended their advantage in fortunate circumstances, Nino diverting Foden’s cutback into his own net past Fábio.

From then on, Guardiola’s men have been in total control, leaving Flu and Diniz with a mountain to climb if they are to get back into this in the second half.

Julián Álvarez: the man for all competitions

He's also won the Copa América! Although he hasn't scored in it. He's still got room for improvement, then. 

Half time: Manchester City 2-0 Fluminense

Guardiola's side are in total control. Álvarez scored inside the first minute but the unfortunate Nino put through his own net. Oops. 

City have taken the sting right out of this in the last couple of minutes. 

Three minutes to be added.

We've not seen much of Cano in attack but he finally gets some service into the right-hand channel. He waits for support but eventually picks out a light blue shirt rather than a red and green one. 

Almost as if he's read my last post, Nino takes the ball inside his six-yard box, bursts past Grealish and into midfield, where he wins a free-kick. 

We've not had any hospital passes or kamikaze playing-out-from-the-back from Flu for quite a while. And I have to say I'm missing it. 

Grealish goes close!

Almost a third for City! Grealish drifts inside and shoots low towards the bottom corner, only for Fábio to stick out a hand to keep it out!

Arias denied by Ederson!

They almost do! Marcelo's header is met by Arias, who forces Ederson into a fine low save!

A first corner for Flu, won by Arias. Let's see if they can get back into this before the break!

Samuel Xavier is getting very tight on Grealish, the master of winning free-kicks. A frustrating half for the Brazilian defender so far. 

Fluminense haven't been up to much in the last 15 minutes but Cano tries to change that! He spots Ederson off his line but his ambitious effort flies off target.

Play is back underway with a short corner from Silva out to Foden, who hits one of the worst shots I've seen in a while. 

Pep has taken his jacket off to give his "cooling-break talk". Not sure he needed one in the first place, it's HOT out there. 

Hold that corner! We're having a cooling break (yes, it's Christmas, but they're playing in Saudi Arabia, remember). 

The best move of the game from City. Grealish and Rodri play a neat one-two and the Spaniards dinks a pass into the box for Foden, who is just crowded out but does win a corner. 

Huge cheers from the Brazilian fans as Arias nutmegs Silva. No goals for nutmegs, I'm afraid, lads and lasses. 

That Fluminense flourish from a little earlier has dissipated. City in control. 

And all of a sudden, it's not looking great again for Flu...

Grealish releases Foden in the box and the attacker's cut back is nudged into his own net by the unfortunate Nino. 

And we're back! Álvarez looks to line up another one from range but another deflection takes the sting out of it and Fábio gathers comfortably. 

King Abdullah Sports City

A slight lull in play so here's a colourful snap of King Abdullah Sports City before kick off. 

It's taken short to Álvarez, who has space to shoot but sees his effort blocked in the box. 

Grealish takes a sore one and City have a free-kick in a dangerous position. 

City have seen plenty of the ball in the last couple of minutes, which they were needing a bit. They'd lost their way slightly. 

Álvarez goal the fastest in Club World Cup history

No surprise there! I'd only just finished my kick-off post!

City players are getting some heat from the Flu fans for one or two misplaced passes. The Brazilians are getting cocky (in a good way), their team is right in this now. 

Fábio, you daredevil! Three City players bear down on the goalkeeper, who takes a touch to sidestep Silva and calmly plays the ball out to Marcelo. 

Cano went clean through and was taken down by Ederson, but the striker was the width of a fingernail offside. 

Offside, I think...

Is that going to be a penalty for Flu or offside??

Even goalkeeper Fábio is at it! A dragback three yards out to take the ball past Álvarez. This is mad...but hugely entertaining. 

An unintentional (I think) party trick from Marcelo, who scrambles to keep Melo's pass in play, flicks it over Walker and then Lewis before winning a foul. 

City's turn to play the ball out from a goal kick. Walker nutmegs Arias but is met with a brute of a challenge from Melo...take that!

Keno lets fly from range...over! Much, much better from Fluminense!

A big chance for Arias to get Marcelo in behind Walker, but the attacker chooses not to release the pass. Not sure the Brazilian would've had the pace to get away but he was in acres of space. 

For about a minute, Flu have been out-Manchester City-ing Manchester City. I take it all back. 

A first bit of possession for the Brazilians inside opposition territory. That's better!

Flu are literally dribbling the ball around opposition players inside their own box and along their own goal line. Let's see how it goes...

Looks like the Flu game plan hasn't gone out the window, this was their intention all along. That's not looking very wise at the moment...

City are pressing high up the field, knowing Flu will try to play their way out at all times. 

Oh dear. This has not been a good start from Flu. Melo gifts another ball to City inside his own half, although nothing eventually comes of it. 

Absolutely crazy stuff. That's Fluminense's game plan out the window, you'd have to imagine...

A nightmare for Marcelo, whose cross-field pass is cut out by Aké. He strides forward and curls a brilliant effort against the post, with Álvarez stooping to chest in the rebound! 

Just over 30 seconds on the clock!

Underway in Jeddah!

And away we go! City get us going!

Ready? 

CLUB WORLD CUP

Who is Szymon Marciniak, the referee for the 2023 FIFA Club World Cup final?

He'll be hoping to stay out of the headlines, but Polish ref Szymon Marciniak is the man in the middle for the final. Here's Will with more on the whistler, who has taken charge of some big games in recent years. 

We've had "Freed From Desire", now we're getting "Seven Nation Army". It must be time to go. 

Fluminense team to play Manchester City

Just the two fortysomethings in the Fluminense line-up. 

Fábio; Samuel Xavier, Nino, Melo, Marcelo; André, Martinelli; Arias, Ganso, Keno; Cano.

MANCHESTER CITY

Why is Erling Haaland not playing for Manchester City against Fluminense in the Club World Cup final?

And a little reminder, as if you needed it, of why there is no Erling Haaland, or Kevin De Bruyne, for Manchester City in the final. 

Manchester City team to play Fluminense

Almost ready to go! Here's how Manchester City will line up in Jeddah. 

Ederson; Walker, Stones, Dias, Ake: Rodrigo, Lewis; Bernardo, Foden, Grealish, Álvarez.

FIFA CLUB WORLD CUP

What happens if Manchester City and Fluminense tie in the 2023 FIFA Club World Cup final?

Manchester City will be seen as many as firm favourites to win this. But stranger things have happened in soccer. Could Fluminense pull off an upset, or might the teams cancel each other out?

Here's how the final will be decided if things are level after 90 miuntes. 

David Guetta and Bebe Rexha perform closing ceremony

Just in case you're interested, there's a little over 10 minutes until kick off in Jeddah, and David Guetta and Bebe Rexhe have stepped onto the field to belt out a few tunes for the "closing ceremony". Was the tournament long enough to warrant one...?

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola praises Fluminense and Fernando Diniz

Speaking yesterday, Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola had nothing but praise for Fluminense and his counterpart Fernando Diniz. 

"The way they play, we've never faced, never. I love it. I love the build-up. I love how they associate between each other. They play a typical Brazil style from the 1970s, '80s, early '90s - until 1994, when they won the World Cup in the United States. We will have to impose our rhythm and our positional game as best as possible and do a good performance, because we know without it, it will be so difficult to win the final."

Life begins at 40 for Felipe Melo

Nicknamed "Pitbull", 40-year-old Felipe Melo starts in central defence for Fluminese. I can confirm that he is younger than American rapper Pitbull, who is 42. Only just. 

Manchester City arrive at King Abdullah Sports City

The question on everybody lips - has Kevin De Bruyne had a hair cut since he got injured in August? Remember, the Belgian playmaker won't be playing against Fluminense, although he shouldn't be too far away from making his comeback. 

FIFA CLUB WORLD CUP

2023 FIFA Club World Cup prize money: how much does the winning team make?

That domination won't come as a surprise to many considering the vast superiority European clubs have when it comes to finances. It's estimated Fluminense have an annual revenue of around $76 million, about 10% of City's turnover. 

A shiny trophy is obviously on offer for winning today's game as well as some prize money (which won't do much to help the Brazilians catch up if they do win). Here are the details. 

European dominance at the FIFA Club World Cup

We've seen complete and utter dominance by UEFA/European teams at the FIFA Club World Cup, who have won 15 of the 19 tournaments contested so far. Real Madrid currently hold the record for most wins (five), followed by Barcelona (three).

CONMEBOL/South America (Brazil…) is the only other continent to have produced a winner (in the other four).

AFC/Asian clubs have reached three finals, while CAF/African teams have made it to two finals. OFC/Oceania is the only continent never to have provided a FIFA Club World Cup finalist, despite Auckland City holding the record for number of appearances (11).

BARCELONA

Barcelona reportedly keen on Fluminense’s André

That's not to say the Brazilians don't have plenty of young talent too, though. 22-year-old midfielder André is arguably the pick of the bunch, with Barcelona the latest in a long line of European clubs keeping tabs on him. Joe has more on that. 

Matheus Martinelli and John Kennedy are other youngsters to look out for, with the latter having netted the winner in the Copa Libertadores final against Boca last month. 

Veterans Marcelo and Melo lead Fluminense

What a roster Fluminense have put together! From their Keno-Cano duo in attack, to the fact 35-year-old Marcelo isn't even remotely close to being the oldest player in the starting line-up, let alone the squad. 

Goalkeeper Fábio is 43 and made his pro debut in 1997. Former Brazil international Felipe Melo, who played for Inter and Juventus in Serie A, plays in central defence at the age of 40. Germán Cano, meanwhile, has enjoyed the best two seasons of his career since moving to Rio in 2022 but will be 36 in January. 

Fluminense team to play Manchester City: Marcelo starts

No changes for Fluminese following their 2-0 win over Al Ahly in the last four. You may recognise one or two names, including former Real Madrid man Marcelo, even if you're not an avid follower of Brazil Serie A...

Fábio; Samuel Xavier, Nino, Melo, Marcelo; André, Martinelli; Arias, Ganso, Keno, Cano. 

MANCHESTER CITY

Why is Erling Haaland not playing for Manchester City against Fluminense in the Club World Cup final?

In case you've just joined us, have seen the Manchester City line-up and bench and are wondering why on earth Erling Haaland's name doesn't appear,Kieran is here with a little explainer. The Norwegian, who has scored 19 goals in 22 games this season, has already sat out his team's last two Premier League fixtures, as well as Tuesday's Club World Cup semi-final. 

There's also a little update on Kevin De Bruyne in there too. 

Manchester City team to play Fluminense: Álvarez returns

Pep's ready to go! Three changes for City from the semi-final, with Dias, Lewis and Álvarez replacing Akanji, Kovacic and Nunes. 

Ederson; Walker, Stones, Dias, Ake: Rodrigo, Lewis; Bernardo, Foden, Grealish, Álvarez. 

King Abdullah Sports City hosts 2023 Club World Cup final

As I mentioned, that third-place playoff was held at Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Sports City, across town from the venue for the final. Manchester City and Fluminense will face off at King Abdullah Sports City, and our man in Jeddah has taken up this position - for now - behind the one of the goals. In with the Brazilian fans seems like a good choice to me...

Al Ahly beat Urawa Red Diamonds in third-place playoff

And speaking of the beaten semi-finalists...

Al Ahly have finished third for the third time in four Club World Cups after defeating Urawa Red Diamonds in an entertaining clash at Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Sports City. A 4-2 win for the Egyptians was followed by Tina Turner's "Simply The Best" blaring out of the PA System, which amused me. "Simply The Third Best" was never released, was it? 

Fluminense: how did they get to the Club World Cup final?

Fluminense also entered the competition at the semi-final stage and made slightly harder work of seeing off Egyptian side Al Ahly. There was less than 20 minutes to go when they made the breakthrough from the penalty spot, Jhon Arias keeping his cool from 12 yards to edge his team towards the final. A nervy end to the game followed, which was finished off by John Kennedy (yes, that's right) adding a second in the final minute of normal time. 

CLUB WORLD CUP

Urawa Red Diamonds - Manchester City summary: score, goals, highlights, Club World Cup

In case you missed it, here's the whole story of City's semi-final, as told by Kieran. Pretty much a walk in the park for the Premier League champions, as most of us expected, if we're honest. 

Manchester City: how did they get to the Club World Cup final?

It was plain sailing for Manchester City in their semi-final against Urawa Red Diamonds on Tuesday, which was their first game in the competition. Although the Japanese side almost managed to get to half time on level terms, an own goal at the end of the first half set Pep Guardiola's team on the road to victory. Quick-fire goals from Mateo Kovacic and Bernardo Silva had the tie sewn up with 30 minutes left to play. 

How did Fluminense qualify for the FIFA Club World Cup?

It's also been a year of firsts for Fluminense. A first FIFA Club World Cup final in their first appearance in the competition. Which came about by them winning the Copa Libertadores for the first time in their history. In early November, the Brazilians defeated Argentine giants Boca Juniors in the final of that tournament at the Maracanã, their home ground. 

How did Manchester City qualify for the FIFA Club World Cup?

If you're here, the chances are you'll know this already, so let's just call this a friendly reminder. In addition to winning the Premier League and FA Cup in 2022-23, Manchester City finally got their hands on the big one that had evaded them for long enough - the UEFA Champions League. A 1-0 win over Inter in the final in June also qualified them for the FIFA Club World Cup for the first time in their history. Today, they could complete a near-perfect 2023 (they didn't win the League Cup, after all). 

Early Fluminense team news: full squad to choose from

That little first aid sign is redundant for the Brazilians, who look to have a full squad to choose from for this game. In the era of 100-minute matches every few days, you don't hear that often anymore, do you?

And that despite having several players on their roster who make me feel young. More on that in a few moments.

Early Manchester City team news: Haaland and De Bruyne still out injured

If you had to pick Manchester City's two "best" players, there's a decent chance you'd plump for Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne (although Rodri has gathered lots of momentum in that conversation of late). Neither of the first two are fit to face Fluminense, while flying winger Jérémy Doku is also absent (good news for live bloggers everywhere who can forget about having to put accents on his name). 

CLUB WORLD CUP

Manchester City - Fluminense: times, how to watch on TV, stream online | Club World Cup

Before we get down to business, you may still be looking for a way to watch today's final. If you’re in the United States, then you’re in luck as there is a way and Will is here with the details! 

Just be sure to stick with me too, please!

What time does Manchester City - Fluminense kick off?

We’ll all have to wait just a little though, as the clash in Jeddah gets underway at 9:00 p.m. local time, which is 1:00 p.m. ET and 10:00 a.m. PT. Let’s hope you’ve decided to work from home today (those of you who can)…

Over the next 90 minutes or so I’ll be bringing you build-up, team news and plenty more. Let's do this!

Hello and welcome to Manchester City - Fluminense!

The FIFA Club World Cup as we know it is about to come to an end, with Manchester City and Fluminense set to battle it out for an (only slightly) early Christmas present. King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia hosts the 2023 final, which Pep Guardiola’s side are firm favourites to win.

I’m Roddy and thanks for joining me for live coverage!