Inter Miami and Palmeiras Secure Club World Cup Knockout Spots After Dramatic Draw

Inter Miami and Palmeiras both made it to the FIFA Club World Cup Round of 16 after a thrilling 2-2 draw in Miami. The result sent both clubs through from Group A, setting up high-profile knockout clashes for each team.

WHAT HAPPENED?

On Monday night at Hard Rock Stadium, Inter Miami made history as the first MLS club to reach the knockout round of the FIFA Club World Cup. The Herons took a 2-0 lead with goals from Tadeo Allende and Luis Suárez, electrifying a crowd split between Miami and Palmeiras supporters. Palmeiras mounted a late comeback by scoring through Paulinho in the 80th minute and Maurício in the 87th, enough for the Brazilian club to secure top spot in Group A. Inter Miami finished second but also earned a spot in the next round, thanks to their five points across three matches (one win, two draws).

HOW THIS IMPACTS BOTH TEAMS

The draw capped a strong group stage for both clubs. Inter Miami, featuring stars like Messi and Suárez, demonstrated attacking flair but conceded late goals in both of their last two matches. They now face a major challenge against Paris Saint-Germain, Group A winners, in the Round of 16 in Atlanta. Palmeiras, which are 2 points from the lead in the Brazilian Serie A and winners of the Libertadores in 2 of the past 3 years, topped the group and will play fellow Brazilian side Botafogo. The Club World Cup allows both clubs to compete globally, achieving a historic milestone for Inter Miami, while Palmeiras continues to excel at the elite level.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR INTER MIAMI AND PALMEIRAS?

Inter Miami will next face Paris Saint-Germain on Sunday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. PSG finished on top of their group and are tournament favorites. Inter Miami is second in the MLS Eastern Conference, trailing FC Cincinnati by four points, and will rely on Messi and Suárez to lead them against Europe’s best. Palmeiras will face Botafogo, another Brazilian power, with both teams leading in the Brazilian league this season. The Club World Cup stakes are rising as both sides look to extend their impressive runs and secure a place in the later stages of the competition.