Orlando City Clashes with Inter Miami: Bold Predictions and Starting XI Revealed
Inter Miami faces no gentle introduction to the 2026 campaign. Just seven days after suffering a 3–0 defeat to LAFC before more than 75,000 spectators, the Herons return to MLS competition for a showdown with state rivals Orlando City
This encounter marks Miami's third fixture in eight days, following the team's postponed exhibition match in Puerto Rico, where they defeated Ecuador's Independiente del Valle 2–1 on Thursday. That contest, despite being a friendly, featured numerous key players including Lionel Messi, who was brought down by a pitch invader and security personnel.
On Sunday, Miami aims for their inaugural goal of the 2026 campaign, depending on Messi and Germán Berterame, while a goalkeeper battle between Canada's two probable World Cup netminders, Orlando's Maxime Crépeau and Miami's Dayne St. Clair, forms a key narrative.
Here is Sports Illustrated's preview of the opening Florida rivalry match of 2026.
What Time Does Orlando City vs. Inter Miami Kick Off?
What Time Does Orlando City vs. Inter Miami Kick Off?
Orlando City vs. Inter Miami Head-to-Head Record (Last Five Results)
Orlando City vs. Inter Miami Head-to-Head Record (Last Five Results)
Current Form (All Competitions inc. friendlies)
Current Form (All Competitions inc. friendlies)
Orlando City (LXWDL) | Inter Miami (WLDWL) |
|---|---|
Orlando City 1–2 Red Bull New York | Independiente del Valle 1–2 Inter Miami |
Orlando City vs. Colorado Rapids (Closed Doors) | LAFC 3–0 Inter Miami |
Orlando City 3–2 FC Cincinnati | Barcelona SC 2–2 Inter Miami |
Orlando City 2–2 Nashville SC | Atlético Nacional 1–2 Inter Miami |
Orlando City 1–2 Lexington SC | Alianza Lima 3–0 Inter Miami |
How to Watch Orlando City vs. Inter Miami on TV
How to Watch Orlando City vs. Inter Miami on TV
Country | Channel/Stream |
|---|---|
Worldwide | MLS on Apple TV |
Orlando City Team News
Orlando City Team News
Orlando City enters this fixture seeking defensive stability. Despite conceding just twice in their defeat to Red Bull New York, they permitted 11 attempts on goal, depending on new keeper Crépeau to make 11 stops and claim an unusual man of the match award despite being on the losing side.
Under head coach Óscar Pareja, the Lions have demonstrated significant growth, yet haven't experienced a season as genuine championship candidates, typically fighting for MLS Cup playoff spots as campaigns progress. Should they fail to secure three points for the second consecutive week to begin the season, worries could emerge quite rapidly.
The Lions will depend on Martín Ojeda in the attacking midfield role to generate opportunities as he seeks his first goal involvement of the season, after a 16-goal and 15-assist performance in 2025. Meanwhile, Marco Pašalić aims to rediscover his rhythm, with aspirations for a potential squad role with Croatia's World Cup team this summer.
While Crépeau will continue in goal as a reliable figure, the defensive line is still finding its rhythm after losing U.S. men's national team fullback Alex Freeman to Villarreal prior to the season.
Regarding injuries, the Lions might be missing 18-year-old midfielder and winter signing Luis Otávio, who has a thigh problem, while center back Robin Jansson and midfielder Jordan Gerbet will be absent due to more serious injuries.
Orlando have never dropped their opening two MLS fixtures of a season since entering MLS in 2016.
Orlando City Predicted Lineup vs. Inter Miami
Orlando City Predicted Lineup vs. Inter Miami
Orlando City expected lineup vs. Inter Miami (4-2-3-1): Crépeau; Dorsey, Brekalo, Iago, Marín; Ojeda, Guske, Pašalić, Ojeda, Spicer, McGuire
Inter Miami Team News
Inter Miami Team News
Inter Miami understands that significant improvement is needed following their season-opening loss to LAFC. The encouraging element heading into this weekend's match is that the LAFC defeat wasn't their poorest performance—they played adequately but were outclassed by a superior opponent, which certainly isn't the situation with Orlando City.
Simultaneously, it represented the first competitive fixture with Berterame spearheading the attack and showcased Messi transitioning into a more conventional No. 10 role, moving away from the striker position where he excelled to claim the MLS Golden Boot in 2025.
With increased understanding between these two crucial attacking players, they can expect to start producing more consistently. Against Orlando, the priority will be creating opportunities in the final third, after witnessing many forward movements dissolve into distant efforts against LAFC.
Beyond the essential attacking partnership, this weekend might witness the return of MLS Cup record-breaking scorer Tadeo Allende to the starting eleven, along with the continued evolution of the new center-back combination of Micael and Maxi Falcón.
Despite the hectic friendly in Puerto Rico occurring at a less-than-perfect moment, fewer than 72 hours before the season's first derby, it may have enabled Miami to address some of the adjustment issues that were apparent in California last week.
Head coach Javier Mascherano will be unable to utilize creative midfielder David Ayala this Sunday, as he grieves his father's passing, while Sergio Reguilón remains sidelined with a pre-season injury.
Inter Miami Predicted Lineup vs. Orlando City
Inter Miami Predicted Lineup vs. Orlando City
Inter Miami expected lineup vs. LAFC (4-2-3-1): St. Clair; Fray, Falcón, Micael, Allen; De Paul, Bright; Allende, Messi, Silvetti, Berterame.
Orlando City vs. Inter Miami Score Prediction
Orlando City vs. Inter Miami Score Prediction
This opening Florida rivalry match of the season features two clubs desperately hoping to avoid falling to two defeats to begin 2026, while also pursuing a morale-boosting victory against their rivals. Simultaneously, it matches two defensive structures still resolving some problems against highly-regarded offensive units.
Following their goalless season opener, Miami will be exceptionally motivated to return to the upper tier of MLS Cup contender discussion, likely providing them sufficient drive to pursue all three points.