NYCFC vs Inter Miami CF preview: Can the Pigeons stay unbeaten? | OneFootball

The last time New York City FC faced Inter Miami CF, they faced a team that was extremely hot and outscoring everyone in the MLS Cup Playoffs.  So, when the teams met in the Eastern Conference Finals, it was not shocking that the Herons won and eventually won the MLS Cup.  However, the Pigeons were demolished in the most embarrassing way, losing 5-1 and ending the season in the worst way possible.

Now, when NYCFC hosts Miami for the first time in 2026, the players will do everything they can to not suffer a similar fate.  They also lost 4-0 to Lionel Messi and friends in the last regular-season meeting against them.  When one includes the 2-2 draw at the beginning of the 2025 season, the Florida team outscored the Pigeons 11-3.  They do not want the same thing to happen again, and the recent games for the Boys in Blue might provide some hope.

In four matches, NYCFC has scored 11 goals, including the 5-0 win in the home opener against Orlando City SC.  The Boys in Blue have looked impressive at times, and have had success in matches they dominated and those they were not always the best team.  The Bronx side could stay unbeaten if they continue to do what they have been doing so far in 2026.

It will not be easy, but winning is possible.  Here is a preview of NYCFC’s game against Inter Miami.

NYCFC vs Inter Miami CF preview

Date

NYCFC and Inter Miami will face one another on Sunday, March 22.

Time

The match will begin at 1:00 PM ET.

Location

The game will be at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, New York.

How to watch

Supporters can catch the battle on Apple TV.

Weather

When the game begins, it will be around 55 degrees and mostly cloudy.  There is only a slight chance of rain, 15%, so it should stay dry.  The clouds are supposed to decrease as the fixture is played, so since this is an afternoon match, the sun might be out by the end.

Injury report

Malachi Jones (leg), Alonso Martínez (leg), and Andrés Perea (leg) are all unavailable to play against Miami.

Players to watch

Matt Freese is the player to watch on NYCFC.  The entire team allowed those five goals in the postseason match, but more than likely, it haunts him the most since he was the goalkeeper that was supposed to stop the goals.  Hence, how he is mentally could influence his performance on Sunday.  Moreover, Freese will want to have a great game before leaving for international duty.  Remember, he is trying to lock down the starting goalkeeper position with the USMNT, and bad game before the break could be detrimental towards that goal.

Of course, Messi is the player to watch on Miami.  He has three goals so far in MLS, and constantly remains a threat.  At the same time, the Argentine does not like to lose, and he and his teammates were knocked out of the CONCACAF Champions Cup by Nashville SC due to two draws and the away-goal rule in the competition.  Therefore, he will probably be a little angry and hungry for a big win for his team.  That Messi is always the most dangerous.

In complete honesty, especially based on recent history, a win is probably not in the cards for the Pigeons, despite it being possible.  However, the match could go in different directions depending on what the team does and whether the defense plays as well as it did against the Philadelphia Union.  In that case, the fixture will end in a 1-1 draw.  But if there are problems in the performance, then NYCFC will lose 3-0.