Inter Miami Sets Sights on New Championship Glory Following MLS Cup Victory
FORT LAUDERDALE – Inter Miami claimed the 2025 MLS Cup on Saturday, but they've already turned their attention to securing their next piece of silverware, the Concacaf Champions Cup in 2026.
Lionel Messi provided two assists for the Herons in his inaugural MLS Cup appearance, as Miami overcame Thomas Müller's Vancouver Whitecaps 3–1 to claim the league's top prize, adding to their collection that includes the 2023 Leagues Cup and 2024 Supporters' Shield.
Their upcoming chance to claim another title arrives through continental competition, with the Concacaf Champions Cup scheduled to begin in January.
"Our objective is to claim the Champions [Cup]," co-owner Jorge Mas stated in Spanish to media before the MLS Cup, which also served as the farewell match for Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets's professional playing days.
Although Miami triumphed over Vancouver in MLS Cup, their Concacaf aspirations were dashed by the Whitecaps in 2025, suffering a 5–1 aggregate defeat in the semifinal round.
The Whitecaps progressed to the Concacaf Champions Cup final before falling 5–0 to Liga MX giants Cruz Azul, who secured their place in the 2029 FIFA Club World Cup alongside the following three champions.
Through their MLS regular season performance, the Whitecaps also qualify for Champions Cup participation.
When is the Concacaf Champions Cup Draw?
The Herons and other qualifying clubs will discover their Concacaf Champions Cup route on Tuesday, Dec. 9 when Concacaf conducts the tournament's yearly draw. Through their MLS Cup victory, Miami bypassed the opening round and will begin the competition in the Round of 16.
Different from Europe's UEFA Champions League, the Concacaf Champions Cup functions as a direct elimination tournament without any group stage or league format. Each round consists of home and away matches, with a single-match final scheduled for May 2026.
Additional teams receiving the Round of 16 bye include the Seattle Sounders (U.S.), Toluca (Mexico), Alajuelense (Costa Rica) and Mount Pleasant FC (Jamaica).
Six additional MLS organizations, including FC Cincinnati, LAFC, LA Galaxy, Nashville SC, the Philadelphia Union and San Diego FC will also participate alongside Miami, Seattle and the Whitecaps in Champions Cup competition.
How to Watch the Concacaf Champions Cup Draw
The draw for the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup will be accessible at no cost on Concacaf's YouTube channel on Dec. 9 at 7 pm ET (4 pm PT). Beyond YouTube, the draw will be broadcast on Concacaf TV partners, including Fox Sports in the United States and OneSoccer in Canada.