MLS Cup Final Showdown: Inter Miami vs. Vancouver Whitecaps for Historic First Title!

Match Background & Qualification Scenarios

This clash at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale is the highly anticipated 2025 MLS Cup Final, a monumental occasion for both clubs. For Inter Miami CF and Vancouver Whitecaps FC, this match represents a historic opportunity to claim their first-ever MLS Cup trophy, marking a significant milestone in their respective histories. Inter Miami secured their spot in the final with a dominant 5-1 victory over New York City FC in the Eastern Conference Final, showcasing their formidable offensive power. They had previously set an MLS single-season points record and won the Supporters' Shield in 2024. Meanwhile, the Vancouver Whitecaps reached their inaugural MLS Cup Final by defeating San Diego FC 3-1 in the Western Conference Final, demonstrating their resilience and determination. An intriguing subplot is their earlier encounter in the 2025 CONCACAF Champions Cup semi-finals, where the Whitecaps eliminated Inter Miami with a convincing 5-1 aggregate win, adding extra spice to this final. Both teams had strong regular season campaigns, with Inter Miami finishing second in the Eastern Conference and Vancouver Whitecaps securing the second spot in the Western Conference.

Recent Form

Inter Miami CF arrives at the final in scintillating form, having won seven of their last eight matches across all competitions. Their playoff campaign has been particularly dominant, with their last three postseason games resulting in victories by at least a four-goal margin. Most recently, they dispatched New York City FC with a commanding 5-1 win in the Eastern Conference Final. In their last 10 games leading up to December 5, 2025, Inter Miami boasts a 7-2-1 record, averaging 3.4 goals per game and leading the league with 98 goals scored in the 2025 season. The Vancouver Whitecaps are also in strong form, unbeaten in their last four matches in all competitions and having lost only one of their last 16. They demonstrated their resilience by overcoming San Diego FC 3-1 in the Western Conference Final. Over the same recent 10-game period, the Whitecaps recorded 5 wins, 1 draw, and 4 losses, averaging 2.1 goals per game, and are second in the league for goals scored in 2025 with 75.

Key Players & Injury News

Inter Miami CF boasts a star-studded lineup with captain Lionel Messi as the undisputed focal point, having contributed 35 goals and 21 assists this season, alongside 13 goal contributions in the playoffs alone. Uruguayan striker Luis Suárez, midfield maestro Sergio Busquets, and left-back Jordi Alba are also pivotal figures; all three are set to retire after the final and are eager to conclude their illustrious careers with a championship title. Rising star Tadeo Allende is another key player, with 8 playoff goals and a hat-trick in the Eastern Conference Final. On the injury front, Inter Miami will be without Ryan Sailor (knee injury) and David Ruiz (hamstring injury). For the Vancouver Whitecaps, captain and offensive linchpin Ryan Gauld has returned from a long-term knee injury and is crucial for their playmaking. Striker Brian White is in excellent form, having scored 18 goals this season. German superstar Thomas Müller, who joined in August, has also quickly become a key component of the team. Defensively, MLS Defender of the Year Tristan Blackmon returns after a one-game suspension, bolstering their backline. However, the Whitecaps face significant injury woes, with Sam Adekugbe (Achilles), Belal Halbouni (knee/ACL), Daniel Rios (calf), Sebastian Schonlau (calf), and Ranko Veselinovic (knee) all expected to miss the final due to injury.