Inter Miami to Face Ottawa or Nashville in CONCACAF Champions Cup

Inter Miami secured their first MLS Cup title with a thrilling 3-1 win over Vancouver Whitecaps at Chase Stadium on Saturday

Lionel Messi's Inter Miami learns opponent for 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup after MLS Cup win.

Ottawa is making its Champions Cup debut after winning the Canadian Premier League playoffs...

Lionel Messi's Inter Miami has advanced to the round of 16 in the 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup after winning the MLS Cup. They'll face either Nashville SC or Atlético Ottawa, who are battling it out in the first round.

Inter Miami joins Toluca, Seattle Sounders, Alajuelense, and Mount Pleasant as teams that qualified directly for the round of 16. This is a notable achievement for Lionel Messi and his team, considering their impressive performance in the MLS Cup.

As such, Miami will have to wait until February to have the exact opponent, as they will meet the winner of the round one clash between Atletico Ottawa and Nashville SC. 

It would not be the first time that Javier Mascherano's men would take on Nashville in the Champions Cup. The sides met in the 2024 season in the round of 16, where Miami prevailed 5-3 over two legs.

Ottawa is making its Champions Cup debut after winning the Canadian Premier League playoffs, edging out regular season winners Forge, who face Tigres in the first round. The 27-team tournament features top teams from Canada, the US, and Mexico, plus qualifiers from Central America and the Caribbean.

Teams qualified through domestic leagues, cups, and tournaments like the Leagues Cup, making it a diverse and competitive field. Inter Miami and other top sides are gearing up for a thrilling competition.

ES NUESTRA!! 2025 MLS CUP CHAMPIONSSSS 🏆#CAMPEONES pic.twitter.com/YM121V6ksO

— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) December 6, 2025

Inter Miami made history by winning their first MLS Cup title, defeating Vancouver Whitecaps 3-1. Both teams had already secured Champions Cup spots, but the victory marked a milestone for Miami.

Vancouver will face Cartagines, who won a two-legged play-in tie in the Central American Cup. The Whitecaps are looking to bounce back from their MLS Cup loss and make a strong showing in the Champions Cup.

Defending champions Cruz Azul will face Vancouver FC in the opening round, looking to defend their title. La Maquina won the Champions Cup seven times, including a 5-0 win over Vancouver Whitecaps in the final.

The tournament kicks off in February, with the final scheduled for May. The opening round, round of 16, quarterfinals, and semifinals will be played over two legs, with the final being a one-off match.