Inter Miami face Palmeiras on Matchday 3 of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, with Group A hanging in the balance. Both clubs enter the decisive matchup knowing a victory would secure direct qualification to the knockout stage, while any other result could leave their fate in the hands of others. With everything on the line, the intensity at kickoff is expected to match the stakes.
Inter Miami arrive with momentum after a pair of gritty performances. They opened the tournament with a hard-fought draw against Al Ahly, a match defined by standout goalkeeping on both sides. In their second outing, Lionel Messi delivered late heroics, curling in a sensational free-kick to seal a dramatic win and keep the South Florida side in contention for a first-place finish.
Palmeiras, meanwhile, have performed as expected through two rounds. The Brazilian champions began with a goalless draw against Porto in a tightly contested opener, before producing a clinical 2–0 win over Al Ahly. Rising star Estêvão has shined throughout the group stage, while Richard Ríos continues to surprise with his influence in midfield.
What happens if Inter Miami beat Palmeiras?
A victory for Inter Miami would send them directly into the round of 16 as Group A winners. In this scenario, they would avoid any complications from the result of Porto vs. Al Ahly and await their next opponent from Group B, where Paris Saint-Germain, Botafogo, and Atlético de Madrid are still battling for position.
Paulinho of SE Palmeiras
What happens if Inter Miami and Palmeiras tie?
If Inter Miami secure a draw, they would still qualify for the knockout stage, but as runners-up. Palmeiras would finish atop the group on goal difference, while Miami would advance in second place. That path would set up a likely meeting with the winner of Group B—making their journey forward more challenging.
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What happens if Inter Miami lose to Palmeiras?
A loss would leave Inter Miami in a precarious position. Their qualification hopes would hinge on the result of the other Group A matchup. If Porto defeat Al Ahly, Inter would still advance based on the head-to-head tiebreaker, having beaten Porto earlier in the tournament. In this scenario, goal difference becomes irrelevant.
However, if Al Ahly (1) win and Inter Miami (4) lose, the head-to-head numbers wouldn’t be enough to make the difference as both finished goalless in the inaugural match. In this situation, goal differential will decide who gets the round of 16 berth.
With all four teams in Group A still alive, the final matchday sets the stage for high-stakes drama. Inter Miami and Palmeiras understand the magnitude of the moment—and while a win guarantees advancement, a loss could trigger a chain of results that sends them crashing out. Expect urgency, intensity, and no shortage of suspense as the group stage comes to a thrilling close.
