In the world of Major League Soccer (MLS), all eyes are on Inter Miami as they chase the coveted MLS Supporters’ Shield this season. Head coach Gerardo Martino is optimistic about his team’s chances, not only in the MLS, but also on the global stage at next summer’s FIFA Club World Cup.
Martino believes that securing the Supporters’ Shield could potentially punch Inter Miami’s ticket to the Club World Cup, a prestigious event that will bring together 32 top club teams from around the world in a groundbreaking tournament format. With a four-point lead over the Los Angeles Galaxy in the race for the shield, Inter Miami are seen as strong contenders to lift the trophy.
When asked about the significance of the Supporters’ Shield compared to an MLS Cup title, Martino offered his thoughts to The Athletic, stating, “The thing is, when you win (MLS Cup), you earn that star above the badge. The day that I’m given a star for winning the Supporters’ Shield, in that case, it’ll be worth it.”
The path to the Club World Cup for MLS teams runs through CONCACF, with four slots allocated to the region. Two of those slots are reserved for MLS teams, while the remaining slots are distributed based on various criteria, including the host country’s bid.
Currently, Liga MX clubs CF Monterrey and CF Pachuca have already booked their places in the Club World Cup, along with the Seattle Sounders from the MLS. The fourth slot, designated for the host country, remains open with FIFA yet to announce further details.
During the MLS All Star Weekend in July, league commissioner Don Garber hinted at the possibility of a showdown between the 2024 MLS Cup winner and the current season’s Supporters’ Shield winner to determine the host slot for the Club World Cup. Garber explained, “Is it the MLS Cup winner? Is it the Supporters’ Shield winner? Do we have a game between the Shield and the Cup winner?”
As the season progresses, the race for the Supporters’ Shield intensifies, with implications reaching beyond the MLS playoffs. Decisions will need to be made regarding the host slot if the Seattle Sounders clinch the MLS Cup, potentially requiring alternative solutions to determine the representative.
As the soccer world eagerly awaits the outcome, one thing remains certain – Inter Miami and their quest for the Supporters’ Shield are at the center of attention, with dreams of making history at the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States.
(Report by [Journalist Name], Image credits: Chris Arjoon/Getty Images)
