Sunday, March 1, 2026 – 7:00 p.m. ET
Inter&Co Stadium, Orlando, Florida
TV/Streaming: Apple TV (MLS Season Pass – free for all MLS games in 2026)
The 2026 Florida Derby kicks off Week 2 in the Eastern Conference as Orlando City SC hosts Inter Miami CF in their home opener at Inter&Co Stadium. Both teams enter 0-1-0 after disappointing opening-week defeats, heightening the stakes in this heated in-state rivalry. Orlando seeks to leverage home energy and recent H2H dominance, while Inter Miami aims to rebound with star power and tactical adjustments under coach Javier Mascherano. Expect intensity, cards, and potential fireworks in the Sunshine State’s premier derby.
Weather Updates
Predicted conditions: Mild Central Florida evening—highs in the upper 70s°F (25-26°C) during the day, cooling to low-to-mid 60s°F (16-18°C) by kickoff. Light winds (5-10 mph), mostly clear to partly cloudy skies, low chance of precipitation. Comfortable conditions at Inter&Co Stadium—fast pitch, good visibility, and supportive of high-tempo, attacking play with minimal fatigue impact.
Team Context
- Orlando City SC (0-1-0, Eastern Conference): Opened with a loss; Oscar Pareja’s side emphasizes midfield control, set-piece threats, and home dominance after strong 2025 performances.
- Inter Miami CF (0-1-0, Eastern Conference): Fell in opener (e.g., 0-3 at LAFC); focus on integrating stars (Lionel Messi, others) and defensive improvements post-MLS Cup 2025 win.
Recent Team Forms (Last Match – Week 1)
Orlando City: 0-1-0 (loss in opener). Struggled with finishing and defensive lapses; need better organization and home response after road defeat.
Inter Miami: 0-1-0 (loss at LAFC). Dominant opponent exposed vulnerabilities; limited chances despite talent—road test highlighted adaptation needs for new pieces.
Injury Report
Orlando City SC:
- Wilder Cartagena (M) – Out (Achilles tendon rupture).
- Yutaro Tsukada (F) – Out (cruciate ligament tear).
- Others minimal; core (Martín Ojeda, Facundo Torres if rostered, Duncan McGuire) available. Depth tested but healthy rotation expected.
Inter Miami CF:
- Lionel Messi (F) – Questionable (hamstring strain; returned to training recently but availability monitored post-opener).
- Sergio Reguilón (D) – Out (knee injury from preseason).
- Others (e.g., potential minor knocks from LAFC loss) minimal; stars like Messi targeted for return if cleared.
Both teams navigating key absences; final status updates critical closer to kickoff.
Key Player Matchups
- Martín Ojeda / Facundo Torres (Orlando attackers) vs. Inter Miami defense: Ojeda’s creativity and Torres’ pace exploit transitions; Orlando counters could punish Miami’s high line.
- Lionel Messi (Inter Miami, if available) vs. Orlando backline: Messi’s vision and finishing nightmare for Orlando—expect heavy marking and set-piece focus.
- Duncan McGuire (Orlando forward) vs. Miami center-backs: McGuire’s hold-up and runs test Miami’s backline; key for Orlando set pieces.
- Midfield Battle: Orlando’s pressing vs. Miami’s possession—control dictates tempo and chance creation.
Series History (Florida Derby)
Heated rivalry with Orlando gaining recent edge (e.g., 4-1 win Aug. 2025 at Inter&Co; 3-0 win May 2025; season sweep in 2025). All-time close but Orlando unbeaten in last several home meetings. Games high-intensity, often goal-filled (BTTS frequent), cards, and late drama; totals trend Over in many encounters.
Betting Trends
- Orlando strong home openers/follow-ups; value after loss but H2H dominance.
- Inter Miami road vulnerabilities exposed in opener; slight favorites but injury concerns.
- Florida Derby often Over 2.5/BTTS (high-scoring recent meetings).
- Orlando ~45% implied win prob at home; derby intensity boosts variance.
MATCH ODDS
Inter Miami FC + 120
Orlando City SC + 185
Draw + 270
Over 3.5 + 110 Under 3.5 – 140
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Saturday, February 28, 2026
