All four teams in Group A, Inter Miami, Porto, Al Ahly, and Palmeiras are currently tied on points after drawing their opening matches. For Inter Miami, that opener ended in a scoreless draw against Egyptian powerhouse Al Ahly last weekend in Florida.
It was a match filled with action, and Inter Miami had goalkeeper Oscar Ustari to thank for keeping them in it. The 38-year-old delivered an outstanding performance, making eight saves, including a crucial penalty stop just before halftime to deny Trezeguet.
Head coach Javier Mascherano admitted his players looked nervous and anxious in the first half but praised their response after the break. He said he was proud of their fight and believes that if they can replicate that second-half display, they’re capable of beating any team.
Inter Miami qualified for the Club World Cup by winning the 2024 MLS Supporters' Shield. But with Porto and Palmeiras still to play, they know they’re underdogs and realistically need at least one win to have a shot at a top-two finish in the group.
One encouraging sign? The team won at this very stadium just three months ago, beating Atlanta United 2-1 in MLS play.
Porto, like Inter Miami, had to lean on their goalkeeper to earn a point in their opening match. Claudio Ramos filled in for the injured Diogo Costa and put in a stellar performance during a 0-0 draw with Palmeiras in New Jersey.
He made four key saves, including a brilliant double stop in first-half stoppage time, helping Porto survive 39 touches from Palmeiras inside their box, the most they’ve allowed in any match since October 2024.
After the game, Porto head coach Martin Anselmi emphasized how tough the group is and said his squad will need to play at a high level if they want to move on to the next round.
Porto qualified for the tournament through UEFA’s ranking system. However, they’re coming off a disappointing domestic season, finishing third in Portugal’s Primeira Liga for a second year in a row and missing out on silverware.
Now, looking to shift the focus away from that underwhelming run, Porto prepares for their first-ever competitive match against a U.S. side. That said, they’ve struggled at neutral venues lately, winning just one of their last five such matches.
Thursday’s game offers both teams a critical opportunity to take control of Group A, and neither can afford to let it slip.
INJURIES & SUSPENSION
Inter Miami has several injury concerns heading into their match with Porto. Jordi Alba, Gonzalo Lujan, Yannick Bright, and David Martinez all missed the draw with Al Ahly due to injury and will be evaluated before kickoff to determine their availability.If Alba, Lujan, and Martinez are still out, Noah Allen is likely to continue at left back, while Tomas Aviles could once again line up alongside Maximiliano Falcon in central defense. At right back, Ian Fray and Marcelo Weigandt are both competing for a starting spot.
Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez were left frustrated in the final third during the last match, but with 23 goals between them this year, they are expected to lead the attack once again.
For Porto, it remains uncertain whether Diogo Costa will recover from a thigh injury in time to return in goal. If he is not ready, Claudio Ramos is prepared to step in after his strong showing against Palmeiras.
New signing Gabri Veiga, who joined from Al Ahli earlier this month in a 15 million euro deal, made his full debut against Palmeiras and is expected to keep his place in midfield alongside Alan Varela. Fabio Vieira is likely to feature in an attacking role, joined by either Rodrigo Mora or Pepe in the final third.
Samu Aghehowa, who scored 25 goals during the 2024 to 2025 season, more than any of his teammates by a wide margin, will be looking to add to his tally. He will be confident against an Inter Miami defense that had gone ten matches without a clean sheet before their recent draw with Al Ahly.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Inter Miami possible starting lineup:Ustari; Fray, Falcon, Aviles, Allen; Allende, Cremaschi, Busquets, Segovia; Messi, Suarez
Porto possible starting lineup:
Ramos; Fernandes, Ze Pedro, Marcano; Mario, Varela, Veiga, Moura; Vieira, Pepe; Omorodion
EXPERT PREDICTION
Inter Miami 1-2 FC Porto
This match is shaping up to be another tight contest with plenty at stake. Both sides will be looking to find their rhythm in front of goal, and while Messi and his teammates will believe they have what it takes to cause an upset, Porto's experience and overall quality might give them the edge in Atlanta.
