Inter Miami CF is set to make history once again as the club prepares to host its first-ever championship match at Nu Stadium. On Wednesday, September 16, the reigning MLS Cup champions will welcome Cruz Azul in the 2026 Michelob ULTRA Campeones Cup, an annual showdown between the champions of Major League Soccer and Liga MX.
The highly anticipated match will mark the eighth edition of the competition and another chapter in the growing rivalry between North America’s two premier leagues.
Inter Miami Chasing Another International Trophy
The Michelob ULTRA Campeones Cup is a one-match, winner-takes-all contest featuring the reigning MLS Cup champion against the reigning Liga MX champion.
Inter Miami earned its place after winning MLS Cup, while Cruz Azul secured its berth by defeating Toluca FC 3-1 in the Campeón de Campeones on July 25, overcoming the winners of the 2025 Liga MX Apertura and 2026 Clausura championships.
Historically, Liga MX clubs have held a slight edge in the competition, winning four of the previous seven editions. Toluca most recently claimed the trophy for Liga MX with a 3-2 victory over the LA Galaxy in 2025.
Now, Inter Miami will have the opportunity to level the rivalry while competing in front of its home supporters at Nu Stadium.
A Familiar Opponent Returns
The meeting with Cruz Azul brings back memories of one of the most iconic nights in Inter Miami history.
The clubs first met on July 21, 2023, during Inter Miami’s opening match of its memorable Leagues Cup campaign.
That evening marked the long-awaited debuts of Lionel Messi and Sergio Busquets, who entered as second-half substitutes before Messi delivered a dramatic stoppage-time free-kick winner to seal a 2-1 victory.
Since then, Inter Miami has transformed into one of North America’s premier clubs, and another meeting with La Máquina offers the chance to add another trophy to the growing collection.
Cruz Azul Brings Championship Pedigree
Cruz Azul arrives in South Florida as one of Mexico’s most decorated clubs.
The Mexico City giants own:
- 10 Liga MX championships
- Seven Concacaf Champions Cup titles (tied for the most in tournament history)
- The 2026 Campeón de Campeones trophy
The squad features several internationally recognized players, including goalkeeper Kevin Mier, defender Willer Ditta, midfielder Érik Lira, and striker Gabriel Fernández.
Ditta and Lira also represented Colombia and Mexico respectively during the recent FIFA World Cup, adding further quality to an already experienced roster.
Tickets and Broadcast Information
Inter Miami CF Season Ticket Members will retain access to their seats for the championship match after receiving ticket information from the club.
Single-match tickets will go on sale beginning Friday, August 14, while fans can register in advance for special presale access.
The match will stream globally on Apple TV, with kickoff time to be announced.
What This Means
Inter Miami continues to establish itself among the elite clubs in North America. Hosting the Campeones Cup at Nu Stadium provides another opportunity to add silverware while showcasing the club’s new home on an international stage. Facing a powerhouse like Cruz Azul will also serve as an early measuring stick ahead of future continental competitions.
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External Sources
- Inter Miami CF Official Website
- Major League Soccer (MLS)
- Liga MX
Join the Conversation
Can Inter Miami capture another trophy at its new home, or will Cruz Azul add another Campeones Cup title for Liga MX? Share your predictions in the comments and join the discussion with fellow soccer fans on AtlantaSoccer.News.
Author: Quique Lopez
Quique Lopez doesn’t just cover soccer—he deconstructs it with the precision of a veteran and the wit of a storyteller. A former player who sees the pitch as both a tactical chessboard and a cultural stage, Quique balances sharp critiques with a genuine love for the game’s soul. He’s as quick to call out the ego of a superstar as he is to find the hidden beauty in a local derby.