The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 continues, with Inter Miami facing Portoon Thursday in their second group-stage matchâa fixture that could prove pivotal in determining who advances to the Round of 16. Early signs suggest the group remains wide open, and the pressure is mounting.
Inter Miami enter the contest following a disappointing 0â0 draw against Al Ahly. While many had marked that matchup as the teamâs most winnable game, it proved to be anything but. Lionel Messi showed flashes of brilliance in the second half, but Interâs goalkeeper Ăscar Ustari delivered a standout performance, earning Man of the Match honors and denying Al Ahly multiple scoring chances.
Porto also opened their campaign with a scoreless draw, battling Brazilian powerhouse Palmeiras in a tightly contested, high-quality affair. While the game lacked goals, it featured standout individual effortsâespecially from Palmeirasâ rising star EstĂȘvĂŁo and Portoâs promising youngster Rodrigo Mora, who impressed with his creativity and work rate.
What happens if Inter Miami beat Porto?
A win for Inter Miami would place them in a strong position heading into the final round of group play. While three points wouldnât secure qualification outright, it would give Miami a significant edgeâespecially if the match between Al Ahly and Palmeiras ends in a draw. With every team currently sitting on one point and no goals scored, the group remains entirely level.
Rodrigo Mora of FC Porto runs with the ball during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group A match between SE Palmeiras and FC Porto
In this scenario, Inter Miami would benefit from a stalemate between their two group rivals, keeping the table tight and reducing the risk of a runaway leader. That would set up a high-stakes final match against Palmeiras, widely considered the toughest opponent in the group. The key for Miami would be to enter that clash with momentum and minimal pressure.
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What happens if Inter Miami and Porto tie today?
Should Miami and Porto play to a draw, both clubs would move to two points in the standings. This outcome would keep qualification hopes alive for both, but it would create additional complications. Inter Miami would then need to defeat Palmeiras in their final matchâa tall order considering the Brazilian clubâs depth and pedigree.
Porto, in contrast, would close out group play against Al Ahly. While the Egyptian side is no pushover, that matchup could be slightly more favorable on paper. Still, everything would hinge on results across the group, and the margin for error would shrink significantly.
What happens if Inter Miami lose to Porto?
A loss would place Inter Miami in a precarious position. With just one point from two matches, they would be left hoping for a favorable result between Palmeiras and Al Ahly just to stay mathematically alive. Porto, on the other hand, would climb to four points and approach their final game with breathing room.
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While qualification wouldnât be impossible for Miami in this case, they would be forced to beat Palmeiras and likely rely on goal differential or outside results. For a club entering the tournament with high expectations and global attention, thatâs a scenario theyâll be desperate to avoid.
