How to Watch the 2025 MLS Cup Final and Everything to Know About Inter Miami vs Vancouver Whitecaps

The 2025 MLS Cup Final is finally here, and it brings a historic matchup to close the season. Inter Miami and Vancouver Whitecaps will meet on Saturday in a championship that guarantees a first time winner. Both soccer clubs are chasing their first league title and the game is expected to draw one of the largest global audiences ever for an MLS final, helped by the presence of international stars, a packed stadium and free worldwide streaming on Apple TV.

The match will kick off at 2:30 p.m. ET on Saturday at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Inter Miami earned hosting rights with a stronger regular season record. Fans in the United States can watch the game live on FOX in English and FOX Deportes in Spanish. The final will also be streamed globally on MLS Season Pass through Apple TV. Many regions will have free access to the broadcast, which MLS and Apple confirmed as part of their goal to expand global reach.

Inter Miami arrives in the final after a commanding 5 to 1 win over New York City FC in the Eastern Conference Final. The team has rallied around Lionel Messi, who continues to draw worldwide attention in every appearance. Messi will lead Miami alongside long time teammates Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba. Saturday will be the final professional match for Busquets and Alba. Miami has described the game as an emotional moment for the club and a defining chapter for its global project.

Vancouver Whitecaps reached their first MLS Cup after defeating San Diego FC 3 to 1 in the Western Conference Final. The win capped a season defined by cohesion and tactical discipline. The midseason arrival of Thomas Müller added experience and creativity to the attack. Vancouver's coaching staff credits the team's collective approach for its postseason run, including strong performances from Andrés Cubas, Pedro Vite and goalkeeper Yohei Takaoka.

The matchup brings contrasting styles that have defined the teams' playoff identity. Miami relies on controlled possession, precise midfield play and Messi's ability to break defensive lines. Vancouver is at its best when it absorbs pressure and transitions quickly. Analysts expect midfield duels to be decisive, especially between Miami's combination of Busquets and Benjamin Cremaschi and Vancouver's dynamic pairing of Cubas and Vite.

MLS has framed this final as a landmark moment in the league's evolution. The presence of Messi continues to push global viewership and sponsorships to new levels. The rise of Vancouver as a Western Conference champion adds balance and competitive credibility to the season. Apple and MLS confirmed that scouts from Europe and Latin America will be in attendance as both teams showcase young players who have gained visibility throughout the year.

For fans attending the match, local officials have issued traffic and parking advisories. Public transportation and rideshare options are encouraged due to expected capacity crowds around the stadium. MLS has opened fan zones with music, food, merchandise and interactive activities that will operate throughout the morning.

Supporters who prefer to watch from home or public gatherings will also have options. MLS and Apple have organized official watch parties in Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Chicago and Dallas. Local bars and community groups in several cities are also hosting events with large screens and team themed programming.

The winner of the match will lift the Philip F. Anschutz Trophy and will qualify for the 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup. The champion will also earn a place in the expanded FIFA Club World Cup. For players like Messi, Busquets and Müller, the match represents another chance to add international hardware to their careers.

Kickoff is set for 2:30 p.m. ET on FOX, FOX Deportes and MLS Season Pass on Apple TV. The league will crown a new champion as Inter Miami and Vancouver Whitecaps meet for the first MLS Cup title in their histories.