Inter Miami beat NYCFC 2-0 to lock up a 2026 MLS playoff spot

Inter Miami are going back to the playoffs. A clean first half against New York City FC sealed it.

Miami beat NYCFC 2-0 at Nu Stadium on Wednesday night to clinch a spot in the 2026 MLS playoffs. The win keeps the club second in the Eastern Conference.

Berterame breaks through

Germán Berterame opened the scoring in the 20th minute after a well-timed setup from Luis Suárez. It was his first goal since May and ended a long scoreless stretch.

Shortly before halftime Rodrigo De Paul doubled the lead with a finish from outside the box. Lionel Messi set him up for his 14th assist of the season. Miami protected the two-goal cushion the rest of the way.

A coach who likes what he sees

"When you have players who are willing to buy into the vision you're trying to implement, everything becomes easier," Miami coach Cristian "Kily" González said after the game. He said the team recognizes its mistakes and works on them in training.

Six teams are in

Miami joins Nashville, the New England Revolution, the Vancouver Whitecaps, St. Louis City SC and FC Dallas as clubs that have officially punched their tickets. The regular season wraps up in early November with the rest of the field still up for grabs.