Match Preview – D.C. United vs. Inter Miami CF on Saturday, March 7, 2026

D.C. United hosts Inter Miami CF this Saturday, March 7 at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland with kickoff set for 4:30 p.m. ET. The Black-and-Red look to bounce back after Sunday’s 1-0 loss to Austin FC and pick up a result against the defending MLS Cup champions who are coming off their first win of the season this past weekend. 

D.C. United’s loss in Austin slowed down the momentum they built after a strong opening night against Philadelphia. Christian Ramírez scored the game’s lone goal in the 82nd minute on a set piece off a deflection from Matti Peltola. Goalkeeper Sean Johnson was the standout performer for the Black-and-Red, recording eight saves on the afternoon to keep D.C. United in the match despite Austin’s 55-45 possession advantage. The club generated eight shots but managed just two on target and will need to be more clinical in front of goal against Miami’s defense, who has allowed five goals in two matches this season. 

Despite the loss, there were encouraging signs from the midfield. Gabriel Pirani, who entered at halftime, completed 91% of his passes and added energy to the attack with four shots across 45 minutes. Jackson Hopkins also came on at the half and provided a spark with a 100% dribble success rate and five ground duels won. Head Coach René Weiler will have a full week of preparation to fine-tune the squad’s approach heading into the biggest match of the early season. 

Inter Miami CF enters Saturday’s match at 1-1-0 (3 pts.), level with D.C. United in the early standings. The defending MLS Cup champions opened the season with a 3-0 loss at LAFC before rallying for a dramatic 4-2 comeback win at Orlando City SC on Sunday night. Lionel Messi scored twice in the second half against Orlando, including a free kick in the 90th minute, giving him 52 goals in his first 55 regular-season MLS appearances. Telasco Segovia added a goal and two assists in the win. 

Miami underwent significant roster changes this offseason. Midfielder Sergio Busquets and defender Jordi Alba both retired following the MLS Cup 2025 triumph, while the club brought in 2025 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year Dayne St. Clair from Minnesota United and Designated Player forward Germán Berterame from CF Monterrey. Defender Sergio Reguilón arrived from the Premier League and Facundo Mura joined from Racing Club in Argentina. Manager Javier Mascherano enters his second season in charge with ambitions to defend the title and compete in the CONCACAF Champions Cup. St. Clair has allowed five goals across two starts with a 2.50 GAA so far in 2026. Messi has taken a team-high 12 shots, putting four on target. 

D.C. United will look to stay disciplined defensively and take advantage of a Miami backline that has allowed . With Baribo, Pirani, Peglow, and Munteanu providing attacking options, and Johnson coming off an eight-save performance, the Black-and-Red have the chance to pick up a statement result. 

By the Numbers

D.C. United’s home record against Inter Miami CF is 2-2-2, with nine goals scored and 10 conceded across six matches. 

Forward Tai Baribo has two goals in four career games against Inter Miami CF, recording 13 shots across 264 minutes. 

Inter Miami’s last away match against D.C. United was a 1-1 draw on Aug. 23, 2025 with goals from Jackson Hopkins and Baltasar Rodriguez 

Captain Lionel Messi has two goals and one assist in two career appearances against D.C. United, recording 13 shots across 180 minutes.

Last Match Against Inter Miami CF | September 20, 2025 @ Inter Miami

In their last meeting on September 20, 2025, Inter Miami came away with a 3-2 win at home.  Miami opened the scoring in the 36th minute with a goal from Tadeo Allende, assisted by Lionel Messi.  The Herons went into half up 1-0, outshooting D.C. United 3-2.  The Black-and-Red tied the match eight minutes into the second half with a goal by Christian Benteke, assisted by Brandon Servania. Miami followed up with two goals by Lionel Messi before Baltimore-native Jacob Murrell scored in stoppage time of the second to make it 3-2.  Saturday’s match will be the first meeting between the two clubs this season as the Black-and-Red look to earn their second win of the season at M&T Bank Stadium. 

How to Watch

D.C. United fans can catch all the action of their favorite team on Apple TV. With this, you can watch every D.C. United match live, whether it’s home or away, along with exclusive pre- and post-match coverage. Simply open the Apple TV app, navigate to MLS Season Pass, and enjoy the entire 2026 season. Whether you’re at home or on the go, you’ll have access to every match, ensuring you never miss a moment of D.C. United’s season. Enjoy seamless streaming on your Apple TV, iPhone, iPad, and more!  

Radio broadcasts will be available live on 104.7FM/98.7HD2, Freedom1047.com, and the iHeart App. Legendary broadcaster Dave Johnson, who has called matches for D.C. United since the club’s inception in 1996 will return to the booth alongside Bruce Murray, former United States National Team player (1985-1993, 85 caps and 21 goals) and Class of 2011 National Soccer Hall of Fame inductee. The pair have partnered on radio calls since 2023 to deliver high-quality and passionate radio calls for fans. Supporters watching D.C. United MLS Regular Season matches on MLS Season Pass can opt to listen to Dave Johnson and Bruce Murray calling the match on the MLS Local Radio Broadcast channel.