Columbus Crew is gearing up for a significant match against Inter Miami in the MLS, scheduled for September 28, 2026. Currently, Columbus Crew is at risk of missing the playoffs for the first time in years, trailing the playoff spots by seven points and needing to surpass four other teams to secure a place.

Coach Laurent Courtois is under pressure to turn around the team’s disappointing results. A victory against Inter Miami would mark Columbus's longest winning streak of the season, with just two consecutive wins, and only their third win since August. However, their home performance has been concerning, having lost three of their last four MLS home games without scoring more than one goal in any of those matches.

In 2026, Columbus has notably struggled, losing a total of 19 points after taking the lead in seven matches. This upcoming match presents a chance for Columbus to make history; a win or draw would ensure they finish the season undefeated against Inter Miami in official competitions for the first time.

On the other hand, Inter Miami's position in the standings does not fully reflect their recent struggles. Once in a fierce battle for the top spot in the Eastern Conference, Miami now needs to focus on maintaining their home advantage for the playoffs, holding only a three-point lead over Charlotte FC in fourth place. They are currently on a four-match winless streak in MLS, having led in three of those games but failed to secure the win.

A win against Columbus would not only end Miami's disappointing streak but also extend their unbeaten run in MLS to six matches. Additionally, a victory would set a new record for Miami with nine away wins in the 2026 season, surpassing their previous record of eight away wins in 2025.

Historically, the odds favor Inter Miami, who have won three of their last four visits to Columbus Crew, including a 1-0 victory last season.

In terms of team news, Columbus Crew will be without forward Wessam Abou Ali due to a knee injury, along with Chase Adams, Nicholas Hagen, Steven Moreira, Cole Mrowka, and Gonzalo Tapia, who are away on international duty. Inter Miami also faces personnel challenges, with Tadeo Allende sidelined due to a knee injury, Israel Boatwright out with a ligament injury, and Yannick Bright suspended after accumulating yellow cards. Lionel Messi will also be part of this international break, marking a significant moment as he prepares to bid farewell to the national team.

The expected lineups for the match are as follows:

• Columbus Crew: Schulte, Farsi, Bailly, Zawadzki, Amundsen, Lennon, Gomes, Habroune, Mendez, Rodriguez, Martinez.
• Inter Miami: Rios Novo, Mura, Micael, Falcon, Reguilon, Ayala, Casemiro, Morales, Plambeck, Suarez, Silvetti.

The match between Columbus Crew and Inter Miami kicks off at 6:00 AM on September 28, 2026 (Vietnam time).