The University of South Carolina will host Fluminense FC for the FIFA Club World Cup

The University of South Carolina will host Fluminense FC, Brazil's first and oldest soccer club, at Stone Stadium for the FIFA Club World Cup. Fluminense, with a World Club Championship (1952), five national titles, and over 20 international tournament wins, will train at the state-of-the-art facility. This marks another milestone for Columbia, which previously hosted the sell-out Rivals in Red match between Manchester United and Liverpool.

FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström highlighted the importance of connections forged during the tournament, saying, "The clubs, their players, coaches, management, staff, and fans will build incredible connections with the local people that support them throughout the tournament."

Athletics Director Jeremiah Donati expressed pride in hosting Fluminense, stating, "It's an honor to host Fluminense FC, one of the premier soccer clubs in the world, at Stone Stadium. The University of South Carolina and the City of Columbia continue to be amazing destinations for soccer events."

Head women's soccer coach Shelley Smith shared her excitement, saying, "We are excited to help host Fluminense for the CWC. Our state-of-the-art facility has recently provided some professional teams from other countries with a place to train and prepare for matches in the USA. This will be another opportunity to do that and for us to be a part of the excitement of the most popular sporting event across the world!"

Fluminense will begin training this weekend, with their first matchup on June 17 at MetLife Stadium (NJ) against Borussia Dortmund. Training sessions will not be open to the public.