The Concacaf Champions Cup Round of 16 continues with a key matchup between Inter Miami and Nashville SC, as the two MLS clubs meet in the opening leg of their knockout series on Wednesday, March 11, 2026.
The result of the first match could shape how the tie unfolds heading into the return leg. Although the first game does not decide the series on its own, every result can influence the strategy for the second meeting.
The Champions Cup knockout rounds are played over two legs, meaning the aggregate score across both matches determines which team advances to the quarterfinals. That makes the opening encounter especially important.
What happens if Inter Miami beat Nashville SC today?
If Inter Miami beat Nashville SC in the first leg, they would take a lead on aggregate into the second leg of the Champions Cup. The series would still remain open, but the Florida club would control the advantage heading into the return match.
Knockout rounds are decided over two legs, with the total number of goals across both games determining which team advances. That means a victory in the opening match would allow Inter Miami to approach the second leg knowing that a draw could still be enough to reach the quarterfinals.
A multi-goal victory would give the club more margin for error in the second leg, while a one-goal win would leave the tie much tighter. Still, taking an early lead in the aggregate score is often a key step toward advancing in a two-game series.
What happens if Inter Miami and Nashville SC tie?
If Inter Miami and Nashville SC tie in the first leg, the series would remain level on aggregate heading into the second match. Neither team would hold an advantage, leaving the return leg to determine who advances.
A draw means the teams would begin the second leg with the same total number of goals. The winner of that match would move on, while another tie across both legs would trigger the tournament’s tiebreaking procedures.
If both teams finish the two matches tied on aggregate, the next factor used to determine the winner is the number of away goals scored in the series. If that is also equal, the tie can be decided by penalties.
What happens if Inter Miami lose to Nashville SC today?
If Inter Miami lose in the first leg, they would head into the second match trailing on aggregate. The team would have to win the return leg by enough goals to erase Nashville’s advantage and stay alive in the tournament.
A narrow defeat would keep the series very manageable, since Inter Miami could equalize the aggregate score with a one-goal win in the second leg. However, a larger loss would force them to chase multiple goals in the return game.
Even in a losing effort, scoring could still prove important. Goals scored away from home can become a tiebreaker if the aggregate score ends level after both matches, potentially influencing which team advances to the next round.
