Inter Miami advances to Club World Cup Round of 16, after 2-2 draw with Palmeiras

Inter Miami CF continued its fairytale run at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, battling Brazilian giants Palmeiras to a 2-2 draw at a buzzing Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens on Tuesday night. The result ensured Miami’s qualification to the Round of 16, marking yet another milestone in the club’s meteoric rise on the world stage.

With five points from three group-stage matches—including a dramatic win over Porto and a gritty draw against Al Ahly—Inter Miami clinched second place in Group A, remaining undefeated in the tournament thus far.

How it happened: Allende and Suárez ignite the Miami crowd

Inter Miami struck first in the 16th minute through a dazzling counterattack. A strong clearance by Federico Redondo was smartly chested forward by Luis Suárez into the path of Tadeo Allende, who sprinted into acres of space.

With only the goalkeeper to beat, the Argentine coolly slotted the ball into the far post, notching his first Club World Cup goal and sending the home crowd into raptures.

Suárez doubled Miami’s lead in the 65th minute with a vintage solo effort. The Uruguayan legend weaved past a Palmeiras defender and rifled a thunderous left-footed strike into the top corner, marking his sixth career Club World Cup goal—and his first in this edition.

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Despite trailing 2-0 deep into the second half, Palmeiras refused to go quietly. Paulinho pulled one back in the 80th minute, finishing off a slick sequence of passes inside the box. Just seven minutes later, Mauricio equalized with a powerful header from a corner kick.

The Brazilian side piled on pressure in the final moments, but Inter Miami’s defense held firm, securing the crucial point needed to progress.

What They Said

Javier Mascherano, Inter Miami Head Coach: “We've achieved the goal we set for ourselves at the start of this tournament, which was to qualify for the Round of 16. Now, despite facing arguably the best team in Europe, the Champions League winners, we'll approach it with humility, seriousness, and ambition. Football always gives you a chance.”

Luis Suárez, Inter Miami Forward: “It means a lot to be part of this journey. The group is growing stronger with each game, and scoring my first goal in this tournament with this club was special. We’re not done yet.”

What’s Next: Miami vs. PSG — A Blockbuster Showdown

Inter Miami’s reward? A Round of 16 clash against Group B winners Paris Saint-Germain, who topped their group after a commanding win over the Seattle Sounders. The blockbuster encounter will take place on Sunday, June 29 at 12 p.m. ET at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.

The match pits Lionel Messi’s current club against his former side, and football fans around the globe are already circling the date for what promises to be a classic encounter.

Due to Inter Miami’s advancement, the club’s MLS regular season fixture against Atlanta United, originally scheduled for Saturday, June 28, has been postponed. The new date will be announced soon.

SportsLigue