DC United vs. Inter Miami – News and Probable Lineups

As they embark on the third leg of a five-match MLS road trip, Inter Miami aims to secure back-to-back away victories against DC United this Saturday at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore.

The reigning champions recently achieved a 4-2 victory over Orlando City, propelling them to seventh place in the Eastern Conference standings, tied on points with DC United, who find themselves in sixth place following a 1-0 loss to Austin FC.

Match overview

It’s still early in the 2026 season for head coach Rene Weiler at DC United, but their start has shown improvements compared to the previous year.

In their two regular-season matches thus far, the Black and Red have conceded just once, a positive shift after having the highest goals against in the Eastern Conference last season with 66.

Their 1-0 victory in their season opener marked the end of an 11-match winless streak at home in this competition, where they managed to keep a clean sheet against the Philadelphia Union.

This Saturday, they have an opportunity to secure consecutive home wins for the first time since the stretch between April and May 2023.

Additionally, this fixture could see them achieve their second win in three matches, which would be a significant improvement from 2025 when they registered their second win on matchday nine.

Last year, DC did not lose a regular-season home match against teams from Florida, managing to draw 1-1 against both Orlando City and the Herons.

After a challenging start to the 2026 season with a 3-0 defeat to Los Angeles FC, Inter Miami found their rhythm last week, inspired by their star captain.

The Herons have claimed victory in two of their last three away matches in the regular season, and this weekend they could secure consecutive shutouts on the road for the first time since last April.

Head coach Javier Mascherano boasts an impressive record of never losing an away match in this competition when his team scored multiple goals, having won six straight in such scenarios.

Currently, Inter Miami has yet to net a goal in the first half of regular-season matches in 2026 after successfully doing so in their last three matches before the playoffs in 2025.

Going back to the previous season, they are on an unbeaten streak of four consecutive away matches against Eastern Conference rivals, winning their last two fixtures.

Miami have accumulated points in five consecutive MLS matches against DC, remaining unbeaten in their last four away encounters with them.

Team News

Gabriel Segal and Aaron Herrera are facing lower-leg injuries which may keep them out for DC United this weekend, while Bibi Hakim Karamoko’s availability is uncertain due to illness.

In their last match, two new players, Jared Stroud and Hosei Kijima, made their first starts, stepping in for Jackson Hopkins and Gabriel Pirani.

For Inter Miami, Luis Suarez is doubtful with a lower leg injury, while Sergio Reguilon is likely to be sidelined due to a knee issue.

Lionel Messi played a pivotal role in their recent victory against Orlando, scoring twice, with Telasco Segovia and Mateo Silvetti also contributing to the scoreline.

DC United probable starting XI:

Johnson; Hefti, Rowles, Bartlett, Kurokawa; Stroud, Peltola, Servania, Peglow; Pirani, Baribo

Inter Miami probable starting XI:

St. Clair; Mura, Falcon, Micael, Allen; DePaul, Bright; Allende, Messi, Segovia; Berterame

As the season unfolds, DC may face a difficult challenge against the reigning champions led by Messi, who is likely to exploit gaps in their relatively inexperienced defence.