FC Cincinnati welcome Inter Miami to TQL Stadium on Wednesday night in what promises to be one of the standout fixtures of the latest MLS week.
The hosts are aiming to secure back-to-back home wins for the first time this season, while Inter Miami arrive in Cincinnati sitting third in the Eastern Conference and carrying serious momentum.
Pat Noonan’s side shared a dramatic 2-2 draw with Charlotte last time out, continuing a trend that has defined much of their 2026 campaign so far.
Unlike previous seasons, Cincinnati matches have become increasingly open affairs. Ten of their 12 MLS games this year have featured at least two goals, while seven have produced four or more.
Defensively, there are still clear concerns. Cincinnati have already conceded 27 goals this season, a sharp increase compared to last year’s much more controlled campaign, although they have looked significantly stronger on home soil.
Inter Miami, meanwhile, responded to their recent setback by defeating Toronto 4-2 over the weekend.
Angel Guillermo Hoyos continues to oversee an aggressive, attack-minded approach, with Miami now unbeaten in their last seven MLS away matches and chasing a fifth consecutive league victory on the road.
The Herons have looked particularly dangerous going forward away from home, scoring multiple goals in each of their last four away league wins.
Lionel Messi once again stole the headlines against Toronto, continuing his remarkable start to the campaign alongside Luis Suarez and Rodrigo De Paul in an attack.
Team news for FC Cincinnati vs Inter Miami
Cincinnati remain without Alvas Powell, Ayoub Jabbari and Teenage Hadebe due to injury concerns, although Kyle Smith is available again following suspension.
Kevin Denkey and Evander continue to lead the attack for the hosts after both scoring against Charlotte, with the duo combining for more than half of Cincinnati’s MLS goals this season.
Evander is also on the verge of a major personal milestone and needs just one more goal contribution to reach 50 for the club.
Inter Miami have very few injury concerns heading into Wednesday’s clash, with Ian Fray their only major doubt as he continues to recover from a lower leg problem.
Messi continued his record-breaking MLS form at the weekend by becoming the fastest player in league history to reach 100 goal contributions.
Luis Suarez, Rodrigo De Paul and Sergio Reguilon were also all on the scoresheet in Toronto and are expected to retain their places in the starting lineup.
Expected line-ups for FC Cincinnati vs Inter Miami
FC Cincinnati: Celentano; Smith, Miazga, Robinson; Bucha, Valenzuela, Evander, Nwobodo, Ramirez; Dem, Denkey
Inter Miami: St. Clair; Mura, Falcon, Lujan, Reguilon; De Paul, Ruiz, Segovia; Messi, Suarez, Silvetti
Where to watch FC Cincinnati vs Inter Miami: TV channel, online stream
The match will be available to watch live on MLS Season Pass via Apple TV.
Kick-off is scheduled for 12:30am BST in the early hours of Thursday morning for UK viewers.
The stats for FC Cincinnati vs Inter Miami
- FC Cincinnati have seen at least two goals scored in 10 of their 12 MLS matches this season
- Cincinnati have conceded 27 league goals already in 2026
- Inter Miami are unbeaten in their last seven MLS away games
- Miami have won their last four away league matches
- Lionel Messi recently became the fastest player in MLS history to reach 100 goal contributions
- Cincinnati have won their last four regular-season home games against Inter Miami
