Inter Miami CF has successfully advanced to the knockout phase of the FIFA Club World Cup, marking a historic milestone for the MLS franchise. The team clinched second place in Group A after a dramatic 2-2 draw with Brazilian giants Palmeiras, bringing their total points to six—three ahead of FC Porto. This achievement not only boosts the club’s prestige but also unlocks significant financial rewards. By reaching the round of 16, Inter Miami is guaranteed an additional $7.5 million on top of the $9.55 million they earned just for participating in the group stage, plus $4 million from match results. However, how this money will be distributed between the league and players remains a contentious issue under ongoing negotiations.

Inter Miami's journey through the tournament began with high stakes and impressive performances. Their first victory came against European representatives FC Porto in a tightly contested match that ended 2-1, thanks largely to a standout performance by Lionel Messi. That win made them the only non-South American team to defeat a European side at the tournament thus far. Despite squandering a two-goal lead in their final group game against Palmeiras, the Herons held on to secure progression into the knockout rounds. As the sole MLS representative moving forward, they now face Paris Saint-Germain, the reigning Champions League winners, in what promises to be a challenging test in the round of 16.

The financial implications of their success are substantial. In addition to the base earnings from the group stage, each round brings increased prize money, with the final offering up to $40 million for the champions. While Inter Miami is well-funded and not reliant on these earnings, the distribution of player bonuses remains unresolved due to a dispute between Major League Soccer and the MLS Players Association. Under current agreements, there is a cap of $1 million per team for player bonuses in international competitions. Discussions are ongoing, with MLS proposing a 20% share of total earnings for players and the union pushing for 40%, highlighting the growing commercial importance of MLS teams on the global stage.

As Inter Miami prepares for its next challenge against PSG, the team continues to defy expectations and elevate the profile of North American soccer. Their participation in the Club World Cup has already brought unprecedented attention and revenue, signaling a new era for the league and setting the stage for future opportunities on the world stage.