| Inter Miami vs Cruz | |
| MATCH | Campeones |
| DATE | 17 - 09 - 2026 |
| TIME | 05.30 AM IST |
| STADIUM | Nu Stadium |
Inter Miami vs Cruz Azul: Match Preview
Inter Miami will be aiming to secure another international trophy when they take on Cruz Azul in Wednesday's final.
A victory would give Miami their second international title and continue their recent run of winning at least one trophy in each of the last four seasons.
Kily Gonzalez remains unbeaten since taking charge of the team, although Miami have struggled to turn positive performances into victories recently. They have drawn three consecutive competitive matches and have found it difficult to manage games after taking the lead.
Miami have failed to win five of their last six competitive matches in which they were ahead at half-time, highlighting a recent problem with seeing games through.
Wednesday's contest will mark Inter Miami's fourth appearance in a cup final. They have won two of their previous three finals and will now look to add another piece of silverware to their growing collection.
Their recent record against Mexican opposition at home has been less encouraging. Miami have lost their last two meetings with Mexican clubs at Nu Stadium during this year's Leagues Cup, conceding decisive goals despite holding leads during the second half.
The Herons have faced Cruz Azul only once previously in a competitive fixture. That meeting came during the 2023 Leagues Cup, when Miami recorded a dramatic 2-1 victory.
The match was particularly memorable as it marked Lionel Messi's Inter Miami debut. The Argentine superstar scored the winning goal with a stoppage-time free kick.
Cruz Azul arrive for the final with considerably stronger momentum, having won their last three competitive matches.
Joel Huiqui's team have scored eight goals across that winning run and will be confident of causing problems for a Miami defence that has occasionally struggled to deal with transitions.
Victory would also allow Cruz Azul to claim international trophies in consecutive years. The Mexican club won the 2025 CONCACAF Champions Cup after defeating MLS side Vancouver Whitecaps.
Cruz Azul have also demonstrated strong attacking form away from home, scoring at least three goals in three of their last four competitive road matches.
Their Leagues Cup campaign included two victories against MLS opposition from three matches, although their final group fixture ended in a 2-1 defeat to Chicago Fire, which resulted in their elimination.
Despite having never defeated a Florida-based club during normal time, Cruz Azul have previously beaten Orlando City on penalties during the 2024 Leagues Cup group stage.
Team News
Inter Miami could be without Mateo Silvetti, who is recovering from a shoulder problem. Santiago Morales is also dealing with a quadriceps issue, while Tadeo Allende remains sidelined with a long-term injury.
Lionel Messi continues to be central to Miami's attacking threat. The Argentine has registered a goal involvement in seven consecutive MLS appearances and scored during the recent 2-2 draw with Nashville SC.
Miami's other goal in that match came through an own goal from Reed Baker-Whiting.
Cruz Azul will also have injury concerns heading into the final. Amaury Morales is unavailable after suffering a cruciate ligament injury, while Mateo Levy is doubtful because of a meniscus problem.
Erik Lira, Jose Paradela, Jesus Orozco and Gabriel Fernandez all found the net during Cruz Azul's thrilling 4-3 Liga MX victory over Club America last weekend.
The result further underlined the Mexican side's attacking confidence heading into the final.
With Inter Miami possessing significant individual quality and Cruz Azul arriving on a three-match winning streak, Wednesday's final should provide a competitive battle for international silverware.