The CONCACAF Champions Cup Round of 16 kicks off with a compelling first-leg matchup between Inter Miami CF and Nashville SC. This rivalry has produced thrilling encounters in recent years, with Inter Miami holding the upper hand historically. Both teams enter in strong early-season form, setting the stage for a high-stakes battle at GEODIS Park.
Venue Location
GEODIS Park
501 Benton Ave, Nashville, TN 37204, USA
This 30,000-capacity stadium is Nashville SC’s home fortress, known for its electric atmosphere and modern amenities. It’s hosted several high-profile MLS and international matches since opening in 2022.
Kickoff is scheduled for
6:30 PM CT (7:30 PM ET)
Broadcast: FS2, TUDN (subject to confirmation closer to matchday).
Weather Updates
Forecast for game time in Nashville: Mostly sunny with a high of 75°F (24°C) during the day, cooling to around 70°F (21°C) by kickoff. Winds from the southwest at 15-17 mph, with 58-62% humidity and a low 15% chance of precipitation. Conditions should be ideal for fast-paced soccer, though the wind could affect long balls and set pieces. Expect comfortable viewing for fans, with no major weather disruptions anticipated.
Injury Report
Nashville SC
- Out: Chris Applewhite (leg injury – expected return mid-March).
- Questionable: Sam Surridge (illness – recently recovered and started vs. Minnesota, but monitor fitness); Xavier Valdez (illness – mid-March return); Charles-Emile Brunet (illness – mid-March return).
- Suspended: None reported.
- Notes: Nashville’s attack could be at full strength if Surridge shakes off any lingering effects, but depth in midfield might be tested.
Inter Miami CF
- Out: Sergio Reguilón (knee injury – late March return); Luis Suárez (leg injury – mid-March return).
- Questionable: David Ayala (personal reasons – recently returned to training); Mateo Silvetti (potential injury from recent match – status unclear).
- Suspended: None reported.
- Notes: Miami’s defense is thinned without Reguilón, and Suárez’s absence could force reliance on Lionel Messi and Germán Berterame up top.
Key Player Matchups
This matchup features star power on both sides, with attacking flair likely to decide the tie. Here’s a breakdown of pivotal battles:
| Matchup | Nashville SC Player | Inter Miami CF Player | Key Insight |
| Attacking Midfield Duel | Hany Mukhtar (NSH – 1 goal, creative hub) | Rodrigo De Paul (MIA – 1 goal, midfield engine) | Mukhtar’s vision vs. De Paul’s tenacity; whoever controls the center could dictate tempo. |
| Forward vs. Defense | Sam Surridge (NSH – 4 goals in 2 MLS games) | Jack Maher/Walker Zimmerman (NSH defenders vs. MIA attack) | Surridge’s hot streak faces Miami’s makeshift backline; expect Zimmerman to shadow Messi. |
| Star Forward Battle | Lionel Messi (MIA – 2 goals, including free-kick magic) | Walker Zimmerman (NSH – defensive leader) | Messi’s dribbling and set-piece threat vs. Zimmerman’s aerial dominance and organization. |
| Wing Play | Cristian Espinoza (NSH – 1 goal, crossing threat) | Facundo Mura (MIA – right-back) | Espinoza’s pace could exploit Miami’s left side, especially without Reguilón. |
| Midfield Anchor | Patrick Yazbek (NSH – recovering from injury) | Yannick Bright (MIA – high pass accuracy) | Yazbek’s recovery balls vs. Bright’s distribution; key for transition play. |
These matchups highlight Miami’s attacking depth against Nashville’s solid home defense.
Recent Team Forms
Nashville SC
- March 7: NSH 3-1 Minnesota United (MLS) – Surridge brace.
- Feb 28: FC Dallas 0-0 NSH (MLS) – Clean sheet away.
- Feb 24: NSH 5-0 Atlético Ottawa (CCC Leg 2) – Dominant win.
- Feb 17: Atlético Ottawa 0-2 NSH (CCC Leg 1) – Pacius, Surridge goals. Form: W-D-W-W (unbeaten in 5 across all comps).
Inter Miami CF
- March 7: D.C. United 1-2 MIA (MLS) – De Paul, Messi goals.
- March 1: Orlando City 2-4 MIA (MLS) – Comeback win.
- Feb 21: LAFC 3-0 MIA (MLS) – Season-opening loss.
- Feb 26: Independiente del Valle 1-2 MIA (Friendly) – Preseason tune-up. Form: W-W-L-W (scoring freely but defensive vulnerabilities).
Series History
Inter Miami leads the all-time series 9-5-5 (W-L-D) across 19 meetings since 2020. Recent games favor Miami, with 4 wins in the last 5 (including playoffs). Nashville’s last victory was a 2-1 MLS win in November 2025. Goals average 3.0 per game, with 79% over 1.5 and 58% over 2.5. At GEODIS Park, Nashville is 2-2-2 vs. Miami.
Betting Trends
- Over/Under Trends: 58% of head-to-head games hit over 2.5 goals; Miami’s last 3 games averaged 4.0 goals, Nashville’s 3.3. Expect goals—over 2.5 has cashed in 85% of Miami’s recent matches.
- Moneyline Trends: Miami has won 83% of recent H2H (5/6); Nashville is unbeaten at home in 2026 (2-0-1 across comps).
- ATS Trends: Nashville covers as home underdogs in 60% of spots; Miami is 2-1 ATS this season.
- Other: Both teams to score (BTTS) in 60% of H2H; Miami games see BTTS 65% of the time. These trends point to a high-scoring affair, with Miami’s attack overpowering but Nashville’s home form keeping it close.
MATCH ODDS
Inter Miami FC + 120
Nashville SC + 205
Draw + 265
Over 2.5 – 110 Under 2.5 – 110
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Tuesday, March 10, 2026
