Inter Miami vs. Cruz Azul: Campeones Cup Final in Miami

Inter Miami and Cruz Azul will face off this Wednesday, the 16th, at 9 PM (Brasília time), at Nu Stadium in Miami, for the 2026 edition of the Campeones Cup. The clash brings together the champions of Major League Soccer (MLS) and Liga MX from last season, generating significant interest among fans from both continents.

Road to the Final

Inter Miami reached this match after drawing their last three commitments, including a 1-1 draw against Nashville SC in MLS, with a goal from Lionel Messi. The team currently holds second place in the Eastern Conference, with 12 wins, nine draws, and four losses.

Cruz Azul is experiencing a more positive spell, having won their last three matches, including a 4-3 victory over América in the Mexican Championship. The Mexican club sits in fourth place in Liga MX, with five wins and three losses.

Predicted Lineups

For Inter Miami, the probable lineup includes Dayne St. Clair; Ian Fray, Casemiro, Maximiliano Falcón, and Fricio Caicedo; Yannick Bright, Rodrigo De Paul, and Telasco Segovia; Germán Berterame, Lionel Messi, and Luis Suárez, under the technical command of Cristian “Kily” González.

Cruz Azul is expected to take the field with Kevin Mier; Omar Campos, Jesús Orozco, Willer Ditta, and Érik Lira; Jeremy Márquez, Agustín Palavecino, Amaury García, Carlos Rodríguez, and José Paradela; Nicolás Ibáñez, managed by Joel Huiqui.

Alan Mozo's Challenge

Defender Alan Mozo, a standout player for Cruz Azul, stated that his main goal is to win the Campeones Cup against Inter Miami. In an interview with Record, Mozo emphasized the ambition to secure the club's first international title and reinforced the team's confidence in facing the star-studded MLS squad.

Competition History

Historically, Mexican clubs have won the Campeones Cup on four occasions, while American representatives have claimed three titles. Cruz Azul seeks to extend this regional dominance by facing an Inter Miami team that, despite recent difficulties, boasts a formidable core comprising Messi, Suárez, De Paul, and Casemiro.

What's at Stake

For Inter Miami, lifting the trophy at home could represent a turning point to halt their dip in form and boost their MLS campaign. Cruz Azul, on the other hand, sees victory as an opportunity to validate their recent success in Liga MX, reinforce their status as Mexico's leading force, and create psychological momentum for the next phase of the season.

With information from Estadão, Goal.com.