Inter Miami Faces Palmeiras With Knockout Spot on the Line After Historic Porto Win

Inter Miami CF will close out the group stage of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup with a high-stakes showdown against Brazilian powerhouse Palmeiras this Monday at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens.

After a historic 2-1 win over FC Porto—the first ever by an MLS team over European opposition in official competition—Inter Miami enters the match tied with Palmeiras atop Group A with four points, though the Brazilians hold the edge on goal difference.

With a victory, Inter Miami would top the group and move on to face the second-place team from Group B in Philadelphia on June 28. A draw would also secure their passage to the Round of 16 as group runners-up.

Even a loss might be enough to advance, depending on the outcome of the Al Ahly vs. Porto match. If Al Ahly wins, both teams would be level with Inter Miami, and advancement would then come down to tie-breakers like goal difference and fair play points.

Lionel Messi’s superb free-kick goal against Porto marked his 50th for the club, while midfielder Telasco Segovia also found the net in that memorable win. Now, the team faces another massive test against a Palmeiras squad that drew 0-0 with Porto and beat Al Ahly 2-0.

With everything on the line, Inter Miami knows that a composed, sharp performance will be crucial to continue its impressive run on the global stage.