Nashville SC vs Inter Miami Preview – prediction, team news, lineups | MLS 2026

Nashville SC and Inter Miami meet at GEODIS Park with first place in the Eastern Conference at stake.

Nashville SC will host Inter Miami at GEODIS Park on Saturday, August 15, with the two sides separated by two points at the top of the MLS Eastern Conference. Both teams drew 2-2 in their previous league matches, with Nashville sharing the points with DC United and Miami being held by Columbus Crew.

Nashville have been one of the strongest sides in the MLS this season, remaining unbeaten in 11 of their last 12 league matches and conceding a league-low 14 goals. They are also the only unbeaten home side remaining in MLS, having won eight of their nine matches at GEODIS Park.

Inter Miami, meanwhile, have won eight away matches in the league, the joint-highest road tally, and have scored a league-best 45 goals. They are looking to avoid three successive defeats across all competitions after losing their final two Leagues Cup group matches.

Kick-off details

• Competition: MLS Regular Season
• Date: Saturday, August 15, 2026
• Time: 8:30 PM ET / 7:00 AM IST, August 16
• Venue: GEODIS Park, Nashville, Tennessee
• Referee: TBD
• VAR: Not in use

Form

Nashville SC: W-L-W-W-L-D

Inter Miami: W-W-W-W-W-D

Players to watch out for

Sam Surridge (Nashville SC)

Surridge has been one of Nashville’s main attacking players this season and recently scored his 50th MLS regular-season and playoff goal for the club in the 2-2 draw against DC United. Nashville’s official site had him on nine goals in eight appearances earlier in the campaign, keeping him firmly in the MLS Golden Boot race.

Lionel Messi (Inter Miami)

Messi remains Inter Miami’s primary attacking threat and returned to action against Club León after missing Miami’s previous match. The Argentine will face a Nashville defence that has conceded just 14 league goals this season.

Messi has scored 12 goals and registered 7 assists in 15 MLS matches so far in the 2026 season.

Match Facts

• Nashville SC currently lead the MLS Supporters’ Shield standings.
• Nashville have conceded a league-low 14 goals and kept eight clean sheets in MLS this season.
• Nashville are the only unbeaten MLS team at home this season, winning eight of their nine matches at GEODIS Park.
• Inter Miami have won eight away league matches, the highest tally in MLS.
• Inter Miami have scored a league-high 45 goals this MLS season.
• Nashville can record five consecutive home league victories for the first time since 2023.
• Inter Miami won their previous regular-season visit to GEODIS Park 5-2.

Betting tips & odds

• Tip 1: Lionel Messi to score anytime – 1/1 with bet365
• Tip 2: Match to end in a draw – 27/10 with bet365
• Tip 3: Sam Surridge to score anytime – 23/20 with bet365

Injury & team news

Nashville could be without Patrick Yazbek, who is dealing with a hamstring strain. Alex Muyl should be available after recovering from a lower-body issue, while Cristian Espinoza is pushing to return after being an unused substitute against Monterrey.

Inter Miami’s German Berterame is doubtful with a nose injury, while Tadeo Allende remains sidelined with a knee issue. Lionel Messi returned against Club León after missing the previous match, while Luis Suárez is expected to return after serving a Leagues Cup suspension.

Head-to-head stats

• Matches Played: 21
• Inter Miami (Win): 09
• Nashville SC (Win): 05
• Draw: 07

Predicted lineups

Inter Miami

Rios Novo; Fray, Caicedo, Micael, Allen; Bright, Casemiro, De Paul; Messi, Suarez, Silvetti

Nashville SC

Schwake; Najar, Woledzi, Palacios, Lovitz; Acosta, Tagseth, Mohammed; Espinoza, Mukhtar, Surridge

Match Prediction

Nashville’s home record and defensive numbers make them difficult to beat at GEODIS Park, while Inter Miami have the strongest away attack in the league. With both sides coming off 2-2 draws and fatigue potentially affecting them after the Leagues Cup, a closely contested game is expected.

Prediction: Nashville SC 1-1 Inter Miami.

Telecast Details

The match will be available to stream live worldwide on Apple TV as part of the MLS season.

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