Inter Miami Claims MLS Crown, Now Aims for Continental Glory in Concacaf Champions Cup

Inter Miami won the 2025 MLS Cup on Saturday. They beat the Vancouver Whitecaps 3-1 in Fort Lauderdale. Lionel Messi provided two assists in the victory.

The win adds the league’s top prize to their trophy case. The team now immediately targets the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup. Co-owner Jorge Mas confirmed this goal ahead of the final.

From Domestic Triumph to Continental Ambition

This was Messi’s first MLS Cup title. It also marked the final professional match for veterans Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets. The Herons previously won the 2023 Leagues Cup and 2024 Supporters’ Shield.

Their next major challenge is continental. The Concacaf Champions Cup starts in January 2026. According to Concacaf, the tournament draw is set for December 9.

Miami’s path last year ended in the semifinals. They lost to the same Vancouver Whitecaps. Vancouver then fell to Mexico’s Cruz Azul in the final.

Navigating the Champions Cup Format and Draw

Winning MLS Cup gives Miami a major advantage. They skip the first round entirely. The team will enter the competition directly in the Round of 16.

The Concacaf Champions Cup uses a knockout bracket. There is no group stage. Each round is a two-legged series, home and away, with a single-match final in May.

Other teams joining Miami in the Round of 16 include Seattle Sounders and Toluca. Six more MLS clubs have also qualified. This includes FC Cincinnati, LAFC, and the new San Diego FC.

The victory solidifies Inter Miami’s place among MLS elites. Their immediate focus, however, is now firmly on conquering the Concacaf Champions Cup and bringing a historic continental title to South Florida.

Dropping this nugget your way-

Q1: When is the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup draw?

The draw will be held on Tuesday, December 9, 2025. It starts at 7 p.m. Eastern Time. The event will be streamed live on Concacaf’s official YouTube channel.

Q2: How can I watch the draw?

You can watch for free on Concacaf’s YouTube. It will also be broadcast on Fox Sports in the United States. In Canada, fans can tune in via OneSoccer.

Q3: Which MLS teams are in the 2026 tournament?

Nine MLS clubs qualified. The list includes Inter Miami, Seattle Sounders, Vancouver Whitecaps, and FC Cincinnati. LAFC, LA Galaxy, Nashville, Philadelphia, and San Diego FC will also compete.

Q4: Why does Inter Miami skip the first round?

They earned a bye by winning the MLS Cup. This places them directly into the Round of 16. It is a significant advantage in the tournament structure.

Q5: What is the format of the tournament?

It is a straight knockout competition. Teams play two matches per round, one at home and one away. The final is a single match at a neutral venue.