Miami, USA – Inter Miami CF is gearing up for a challenging 2026 season, starting this Saturday in Major League Soccer (MLS). The team aims to defend its MLS Cup title while also conquering the Concacaf Champions Cup, a priority goal.
After less than three months since Lionel Messi led the team to victory in the final against the Vancouver Whitecaps FC (3-1), the club has experienced significant changes. The retirements of Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets, key players in obtaining the championship, have left their mark.
The league debut will be at BMO Stadium against Los Angeles FC. The team will face an initial series of five consecutive away games while the construction of the new Miami Freedom Park is completed. The official stadium debut is expected to be on April 4, with a match against Austin FC.
Priority in the Concachampions
Although MLS revalidation is a clear objective, the management has emphasized that the main challenge of the year is the Concachampions. The club will participate for the third consecutive time in the regional tournament, entering directly in the second round thanks to its champion title.
The team, now under the direction of the Argentinian Javier Mascherano, seeks to overcome recent disappointments, such as the elimination in the semifinals last year, also against Vancouver. Mascherano has assured that the team is designed to compete in all competitions.
In March, Inter Miami will face the winner of the series between Nashville SC and Atletico Ottawa in their continental debut.
Defensive Reinforcements and Adjustments
The defensive fragility was a weak point last season, so the management has reinforced that area. Spanish full-back Sergio Reguilón, Argentinian Facundo Mura, Brazilian Micael, and Argentinian midfielder David Ayala have been added. In addition, Dayne St. Clair, recognized as the best goalkeeper in MLS in 2025, joins the team.
In the offensive, Messi will continue to be accompanied by Luis Suárez, joined by forward Germán Berterame, from Monterrey, and the definitive incorporation of Rodrigo De Paul.
A Special Calendar
2026 will be an atypical year for MLS due to the break between May 25 and July 16, motivated by the celebration of the World Cup organized by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Furthermore, the club will experience a historic moment with the inauguration of Miami Freedom Park, a stadium with a capacity for 25,000 spectators, marking the end of its time in Fort Lauderdale.
With a reinforced squad, a new stadium, and continental ambition as its standard, Inter Miami begins the season with the pressure to be champions and the desire to expand its international trophy case.
