Previewing the 2023 FIFA Club World Cup final, we explore the clash between Manchester City and Fluminense. Will Pep Guardiola secure his fourth Club World Cup title?
Match Preview: Club World Cup Final 2023-24
The final showdown of the 2023 FIFA Club World Cup is set to unfold at the King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on Friday. It will feature Manchester City, triumphant in the 2023-24 UEFA Champions League, Premier League, and FA Cup, against Fluminense, the victors of the 2023 Copa Libertadores.
Manchester City aims to join the exclusive ranks of English clubs who have clinched the FIFA Club World Cup, following in the footsteps of Chelsea (2021), Liverpool (2019), and Manchester United (2008). Pep Guardiola underscores the significance of the match, emphasizing its importance after their victorious semi-final encounter with Urawa Red Diamonds on Tuesday.
Speaking about the upcoming final, Guardiola stated, “The players know how important it is for the club. To be in this final, you have to do incredible things like win the Champions League. This may be the only time we play this in our lifetime.“
For Guardiola, this marks his fourth appearance in the FIFA Club World Cup final as a manager. His track record is impressive, having lifted the trophy in each of his previous three attempts with Barcelona (2009, 2011) and Bayern Munich (2013), winning all seven games across those editions.
While Brazilian clubs have claimed four FIFA Club World Cup titles, the most recent triumph was by Corinthians in 2012 against Chelsea. Notably, European sides have dominated the competition, winning the last 21 matches, with the last defeat dating back to Chelsea’s loss to Corinthians in 2012.
It’s worth mentioning that three of the four losses suffered by European clubs in Club World Cup matches involved English teams: Vasco da Gama 3-1 Man Utd in 2000, Liverpool 0-1 São Paulo in 2005, and Chelsea 0-1 Corinthians in 2012.
Recent Form
Manchester City’s Unlikely Recent Setbacks
Manchester City enters the upcoming match on the heels of a period marked by mixed form, securing victories in just four of their last nine competitive encounters. Despite a comfortable victory over Urawa Red Diamonds in Tuesday’s semi-final, draws against Chelsea, Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur, and Crystal Palace, along with a defeat to Aston Villa on December 6, have exposed vulnerabilities in Man City’s current squad. Compounding their challenges is the absence of top scorer Erling Haaland in the last four matches.
The semi-final clash against Urawa Reds showcased City’s dominance, with a commanding 25-2 shot advantage and not conceding a single shot on target to the Japanese side. The scoring opened with an own goal from Marius Høibråten just before half-time, followed by second-half goals from Mateo Kovacic and Bernardo Silva, securing City’s spot in Friday’s final.
On Saturday, City drew against Crystal Palace at the Etihad Stadium which ended in 2-2. City faced a setback when they conceded an equalizer in the 95th minute, courtesy of Michael Olise’s penalty. Despite initially leading 2-0 with goals from Jack Grealish and Rico Lewis and only 14 minutes remaining, City allowed their two-goal advantage to slip away. As a result, they currently find themselves five points behind the Premier League table’s top position.
Fluminense’s Path to Become Copa Winners, Club World Cup Contenders
Fluminense struggled in the 2023 Brasileirão, finishing seventh, 14 points behind Palmeiras, eventual league winners. Despite this, they secured their first Copa Libertadores title in November at the Maracanã, defeating Boca Juniors 2-1 after extra time. This victory earned them a spot in the Club World Cup in Saudi Arabia.
In the semi-final, Fluminense triumphed 2-0 over Al Ahly, with goals from Jhon Arias and John Kennedy. This marked their first win since November 29, breaking a streak that included losses in their last two Brasileirão matches against Palmeiras and Grêmio.
Prediction: Manchester City vs Fluminense
Manchester City enters the FIFA Club World Cup final as clear favorites against Fluminense on Friday. Our prediction strongly leans towards a victory for Guardiola’s side, considering the odds are stacked against the Brazilian team. Anticipated results are expected within the standard 90 minutes, with the likelihood that the match may not extend to extra time.
Manchester City vs Fluminense Squads
Manchester City
Ederson, Kyle Walker, Rúben Dias, Kalvin Phillips, John Stones, Nathan Aké, Mateo Kovačić, Jack Grealish, Rodri, Stefan Ortega, Julián Álvarez, Bernardo Silva, Sergio Gómez, Joško Gvardiol, Manuel Akanji, Matheus Nunes, Scott Carson, Phil Foden, Oscar Bobb, Max Alleyne, Mahamadou Susoho, Rico Lewis, Micah Hamilton.
Coach: Pep Guardiola
Fluminense
Fábio, Samuel Xavier, Marlon, Alexsander, André, Matheus Martinelli, John Kennedy, Ganso, Keno, Marcelo, Germán Cano, Danielzinho, Jhon Arias, Pedro Rangel, Guga, Thiago Santos, Felipe Melo, Nino, Yony González, Barbosa, David Braz, Lima, Vitor Eudes.
Coach: Fernando Diniz
Where to Watch: Broadcast & Streaming Details
The FIFA Club World Cup 2023 final between Manchester City and Fluminense can be streamed live on FanCode. For viewers in India, the live telecast will be available on Eurosport India TV channel. The highly anticipated match is scheduled to kick off at 11:30 PM IST on Friday, December 22, 2023.
