Cincinnati vs Inter Miami – News and Probable Lineups

FC Cincinnati is aiming for back-to-back home wins for the first time in the 2026 MLS season as they host Inter Miami at TQL Stadium on Wednesday.

After drawing 2-2 with Charlotte FC last weekend, Cincinnati currently sits sixth in the Eastern Conference, six points behind Miami, who secured a 4-2 victory against Toronto.

Match overview

In a notable shift from the norm under Pat Noonan, Cincinnati’s matches have seen goals from both teams more frequently, a trend not seen as often in previous seasons.

In 2025, they registered a notable number of 0-0 or 1-0 results, but this season has seen 10 out of their 12 matches feature two or more goals, including seven matches with at least four goals.

Throughout 2026, the team has successfully avoided defeat in five matches when they conceded the first goal, earning nine points in the process.

Their strongest defensive performances have occurred at TQL Stadium, where they achieved their only two clean sheets, and they could manage consecutive home shutouts for the first time since February-March of last year.

With just over a third of the season completed, they have already conceded 27 goals, surpassing half of their total from the entire 2025 regular season (40).

FC Cincinnati has secured victories in their last four home regular-season encounters against Miami, netting three or more goals in three of those matches.

Following his first loss as interim head coach, Angel Guillermo Hoyos observed a strong rebound from his squad on Saturday in Toronto.

This victory extended their unbeaten away streak within this competition to seven matches, with Miami achieving six wins during this span.

If they secure another victory midweek, they would set a club record for five consecutive away wins in this competition.

In their prior four away fixtures, Miami has scored multiple goals, registering three or more goals in three instances.

In their last three away regular-season matches, they have not surrendered a single goal in the first half, and they have not dropped points when scoring first as visitors this year.

Miami holds an unbeaten record in three of their last four competitive clashes against Cincinnati, having kept clean sheets in three of those matches, including a significant 4-0 victory at TQL Stadium during the 2025 playoffs.

Team News

Alvas Powell, Ayoub Jabbari, and Teenage Hadebe may be sidelined for Cincinnati on Wednesday due to leg injuries, while Kyle Smith is set to return from suspension.

Kevin Denkey and Evander found the net in the match against Charlotte, contributing significantly to the team’s goal tally this season (13 of 24), with Evander one goal or assist away from reaching 50 goal contributions for the club.

Miami’s Ian Fray remains the lone injury concern as he deals with a lower leg issue.

Lionel Messi made MLS history on Saturday by becoming the fastest player to hit 100 goal contributions, with Luis Suarez, Rodrigo De Paul, and Sergio Reguilon also scoring.

FC Cincinnati probable starting XI:

Celentano; Smith, Miazga, Robinson; Bucha, Valenzuela, Evander, Nwobodo, Ramirez; Dem, Denkey

Inter Miami probable starting XI:

St. Clair; Mura, Falcon, Lujan, Reguilon; De Paul, Ruiz, Segovia; Messi, Suarez, Silvetti

Cincinnati’s more open style has left them vulnerable at times, and given Miami’s excellent form, a high-scoring match is anticipated with the reigning champions likely to secure a narrow win.