The 2026 MLS regular season does not include San Jose vs Inter Miami. Clubs play in various conferences and MLS doesn’t play this cross-conference game every year. Despite all of that, fans are looking for this game to be offered up once again after the historic 3-3 encounter on May 14, 2025 at PayPal Park. Tadeo Allende found the back of the net in dramatic fashion late in the game to give Inter Miami the point. It was that thrilling game that was the last encounter between the two teams.
Why the Match Is Missing
MLS released its full 2026 regular-season schedule before the campaign began. Inter Miami CF plays in the Eastern Conference while San Jose Earthquakes play in the Western Conference. Thus, the league does not always ensure this match-up each year.
But of course it’s possible to watch both clubs all season. The teams might have another competition to face later this MLS season or the following one.
Current Form
Inter Miami are continuing to rely on the likes of Lionel Messi as a centrepiece with their attack. But, the club was ushered into a new era when Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba hung up their boots in the MLS Cup winning season of 2025. During the 2026 campaign Javier Mascherano was replaced by Guillermo Hoyos. This team has a mix of experienced and promising young players.
Head coach/sporting director Bruce Arena remains in charge of San Jose Earthquakes. But the club has overhauled its attack for the next season (2026). Cristian Arango, winner of Atlético Nacional’s Offensive Player of the Year, is on loan with the club. Also, Cristian Espinoza joined Nashville SC and Josef Martinez went to Club Tijuana. San Jose lured Germany striker Timo Werner from RB Leipzig, who will bolster the front line. The club is looking forward to having Werner’s pace, movement and finishing skills, be the key to the attack.
Key Factors for a Future Meeting
Both clubs are played in a different manner. Inter Miami enjoys playing in possession, passing the ball and attacking football in a creative way. While San Jose works on the high pressing, direct attacking and quick counter attacking.
There are a number of factors that can determine an upcoming match-up:
- Control and possession of the ball in the midfield.
- Fighting in the penalty area without getting in trouble.
- Strong defensive organization.
- Fast transitions when in possession.
- Personalized quality of play from top-level players.
San Jose vs Inter Miami would be another good match-up as both teams attack with a lot of confidence and get chances to score.
Future Possibilities
The clubs don’t meet again during the 2026 MLS regular season, but there could still be a meeting on the horizon. They might play in the Leagues Cup, U.S. Open Cup, international friendly or an MLS season in the future. That was the most recent episode of this inter-conference rivalry, as the thrilling 3-3 draw was in May 2025.
Conclusion
This fixture was not part of the official programme for 2026 but remains a keenly-tracked fixture among supporters of both clubs. Inter Miami and San Jose have made changes and embarked on new beginnings. That means that the next meeting may turn out very differently from the historic 2025 draw. So, fans should keep an eye out for future games and MLS calendar for the next clash between these exciting clubs.
FAQs
Will there be a San Jose vs Inter Miami match this MLS regular season?
This fixture is not scheduled as part of No. MLS’s official regular season schedule since the clubs are in separate conferences. But, they may cross paths again in another game or in another MLS season.
What is the last time that the two teams played?
The next time the clubs will play will be at PayPal Park on May 14, 2025. They drew it 3-3, but had an entertaining contest, only to see Tadeo Allende nail a late equalizer for Inter Miami.
