Inter Miami CF Clash with Palmeiras: Match Preview, Expert Predictions and Expected Starting XI
Everything is on the line this Monday evening in Florida as Inter Miami faces Palmeiras, both teams sitting at the summit of Group A with four points each, in the decisive final group stage encounter.
Teams from South America have demonstrated remarkable performance at the 2025 Club World Cup thus far, and although they may not have achieved the emphatic wins that Flamengo and Botafogo managed, Palmeiras have still made their mark significantly.
They were unfortunate to secure only a draw in their inaugural match against Porto before comfortably dispatching Al Ahly in their second outing. The Brazilian outfit needs merely a single point against the Lionel Messi-led Herons to progress to the knockout phase as group leaders.
Concerns existed that Inter Miami might underperform at the competition, but Javier Mascherano's squad is positioned to reach the round of 16 following their 2–1 triumph over Porto in their second match. Messi delivered a masterclass performance in Atlanta, scoring a spectacular decisive free-kick.
Their advancement to the round of 16 can only be prevented if Palmeiras claims victory on Monday while Al Ahly defeats Porto by a substantial margin (minimum three goals).
Below is Sports Illustrated's comprehensive preview of this Club World Cup encounter.
What time does Inter Miami vs. Palmeiras Kick-Off?
Inter Miami vs. Palmeiras Miami Head-to-Head Record
This marks the inaugural competitive meeting between Inter Miami and Palmeiras.
Current Form (All Competitions)
Inter Miami | Palmeiras |
|---|---|
Inter Miami 2–1 Porto – 6/19/25 | Palmeiras 2–0 Al Ahly – 6/19/25 |
Al Ahly 0–0 Inter Miami – 6/14/25 | Palmeiras 0–0 Porto – 6/15/25 |
Inter Miami 5–1 Columbus Crew – 6/1/25 | Cruzeiro 2–1 Palmeiras – 6/1/25 |
Inter Miami 4–2 CF Montréal – 5/29/25 | Palmeiras 6–0 Sporting Cristal – 5/29/25 |
Philadelphia Union 3–3 Inter Miami – 5/25/25 | Palmeiras 0–2 Flamengo – 5/25/25 |
How to watch Inter Miami vs. Palmeiras on TV
Country | Channel |
|---|---|
United States | DAZN |
United Kingdom | DAZN |
Canada | DAZN |
Mexico | DAZN, tabii |
Inter Miami Team News
Following his brilliant performance against Porto, Messi will maintain his position in Mascherano's lineup and continue his partnership with Luis Suárez. Sergio Busquets has featured in every minute of the tournament so far, though he's been paired with different midfield partners in Miami's two matches.
Benjamin Cremaschi took Federico Redondo's place in the second match, and the 20-year-old is expected to keep his spot ahead of the promising Argentine.
Óscar Ustari will continue as goalkeeper with Drake Callender still unavailable due to hernia issues. Gonzalo Lujan and Yannick Bright remain injured, while Marcelo Weigandt and Ian Fray sustained knocks against Porto and are questionable for Monday's fixture.
Jordi Alba has overcome his hamstring problem and might replace Noah Allen, who conceded a penalty in the previous game, in Mascherano's starting formation.
Inter Miami Predicted Lineup vs. Palmeiras
Inter Miami Predicted Lineup vs. Porto (4-4-2): Ustari; Avilés, Falcón, Martínez, Allen; Allende, Cremaschi, Busquets, Segovia; Messi, Suárez
Palmeiras Team News
Abel Ferreira has established a consistent starting formation despite the absence of striker Bruno Rodrigues, with former Barcelona forward Vitor Roque spearheading Palmeiras's attack throughout the tournament. Nevertheless, he faces competition for future selections from José Manuel López following his goal against Al Ahly.
Chelsea-bound Willian Estêvão has showcased his abilities in the United States and will maintain his inside right role in this match. He'll be eager to score his first Club World Cup goal in Miami.
Young talent Figueiredo is ruled out for the remainder of the season with a serious knee injury, while Anibal Moreno is uncertain for Monday's clash due to a muscular problem.
Palmeiras Predicted Lineup vs. Inter Miami
Palmeiras Predicted Lineup vs. Inter Miami (3-4-2-1): Wéverton; Giay, Gómez, Murilo; Torres, Ríos, Moreno, Piquerez; Estêvão, Mauricio; Roque
Inter Miami vs. Palmeiras Score Prediction
Palmeiras were anticipated to qualify from Group A alongside Porto, but Inter Miami's surprising victory over the Portuguese side has altered the dynamics.
Both teams appear destined to advance, with Palmeiras showing impressive form in their first two encounters. Miami have been less persuasive, but with Messi in their ranks, anything is possible. He was exceptional in their last outing.
The Brazilians may struggle to contain the Argentine maestro's influence, but they'll mount a strong challenge. Their physical style could restrict the Herons in what promises to be a closely contested win for Ferreira's team.