FC Cincinnati welcomes Inter Miami to TQL Stadium on Wednesday night in what promises to be one of the highlights of this MLS week.
The hosts are aiming to secure back-to-back home wins for the first time this season, and Inter Miami arrives in Cincinnati sitting in third place in the Eastern Conference and with a lot of momentum.
Pat Noonan’s side drew 2-2 with Charlotte last week, continuing the trend that has defined much of their 2026 campaign so far.
Unlike previous seasons, Cincinnati’s games have become open affairs. Ten of their 12 MLS games this year have featured at least two goals, and seven have produced four or more.
Defensively, there are still clear concerns. Cincinnati have already conceded 27 goals this season, a significant increase from last year’s more controlled campaign, although they look much stronger on home soil.
Inter Miami, meanwhile, responded to their recent comeback by beating Toronto 4-2 at the weekend.
Angel Guillermo Hoyos continues to oversee an aggressive, attack-oriented approach, and Miami are now unbeaten in their last seven MLS games and chasing a fifth straight league victory.
The Herons have looked more dangerous away from home, scoring plenty of goals in their last four league outings.
Lionel Messi also stole the headlines for Toronto, continuing his impressive start to the campaign alongside Luis Suarez and Rodrigo De Paul in attack.
FC Cincinnati vs Inter Miami team news
Cincinnati is still without Alvas Powell, Ayoub Jabbari and Teenage Hadebe due to injury, although Kyle Smith is available again following suspension.
Kevin Denkey and Evander continue to lead the hosts’ attack after scoring twice against Charlotte, with the duo accounting for more than half of Cincinnati’s MLS goals this season.
Evander is also on the brink of a personal best and needs just one more contribution to reach 50 for the team.
Inter Miami have a few injury concerns heading into Wednesday’s match, with Ian Fray their only doubt as he continues his recovery from a lower leg problem.
Messi continued his MLS record-breaking form at the weekend by becoming the fastest player in league history to reach 100 goals.
Luis Suarez, Rodrigo De Paul and Sergio Reguilon were all in the scoring team for Toronto and are expected to keep their places in the starting lineup.
Expected lineup for FC Cincinnati vs Inter Miami
FC Cincinnati: Celentano; Smith, Miazga, Robinson; Bucha, Valenzuela, Evander, Nwobodo, Ramirez; Dem, Denkey
Inter Miami: St. Claire; Mura, Falcon, Lujan, Reguilon; De Paul, Ruiz, Segovia; Messi, Suarez, Silvetti
Where to watch FC Cincinnati vs Inter Miami: TV channel, streaming online
The game will be available to watch live on the MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.
Kick-off is scheduled for 12:30am BST on Thursday morning for UK viewers.
FC Cincinnati vs Inter Miami stats
- FC Cincinnati has seen at least two goals scored in 10 of 12 MLS games this season
- Cincinnati has scored 27 league goals in 2026
- Inter Miami are unbeaten in their last seven MLS away games
- Miami has won its last four league games
- Lionel Messi just became the fastest player in MLS history to reach 100 goals
- Cincinnati has won its last four home games of the season against Inter Miami
