The Vancouver Whitecaps are set for the biggest match in their Major League Soccer history this Saturday, December 2, 2025. They will face Inter Miami CF in the MLS Cup Final at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, with kickoff scheduled for 11:30 a.m. PST. This marks the first championship game appearance for both franchises, setting the stage for a historic showdown.
How and Where to Watch the Championship Match
After a season where many matches were behind paywalls, fans across Canada can watch the final on TSN. The network confirmed its broadcast rights for the championship game back in June. For a communal experience, the Whitecaps are hosting a massive watch party at B.C. Place Stadium. The team had sold nearly 16,000 tickets by Tuesday morning, with doors opening at 10:30 a.m. Tickets are $15, and the first 15,000 attendees will receive a special edition MLS Cup Final t-shirt.
Team Histories and Road to the Final
This final is a clash of relatively new MLS powers. Vancouver joined the league in 2011, while Miami entered in 2018. Miami finished the regular season third in the Eastern Conference with a 19-7-8 record, earning 65 points. Vancouver was second in the West at 18-7-9, just two points behind Miami overall, which is why the final is hosted in Florida.
The teams are familiar foes from the CONCACAF Champions Cup, where the Whitecaps defeated Miami in a two-legged semifinal last April. Vancouver won 2-0 at home and 3-1 in Florida to advance. In the MLS playoffs, Miami beat Nashville FC, FC Cincinnati, and New York City FC. Vancouver's path included victories over FC Dallas, LAFC (in a penalty shootout), and San Diego FC.
Star Power: Messi vs. Müller
The final features a fascinating duel of global soccer icons. Inter Miami is led by Argentine legend Lionel Messi, 38, the all-time leading scorer for his national team. The Whitecaps counter with German superstar Thomas Müller, 36, acquired last August. Müller's Canadian Championship win this year marked his 35th major title, making him the most decorated German player in history.
Game Rules and Stakes
The MLS Cup is a single-game, winner-takes-all final. If the match is tied after 90 minutes of regulation, two full 15-minute periods of extra time will be played. If the deadlock remains, the champion will be decided by a penalty shootout. The host team has a strong recent record, winning seven of the last eight MLS Cup finals.
Unique Connections Between Vancouver and Miami
The cities share a notable sports link through legendary goaltender Roberto Luongo. He starred for both the Vancouver Canucks and the Florida Panthers, becoming the franchise wins leader for both clubs. He now works as a special advisor to the Panthers. Other athletes like Cam Wake (BC Lions, Miami Dolphins) and baseball players Otto Lopez and Griffin Conine (Vancouver Canadians, Miami Marlins) have also bridged the two cities.
As Vancouver seeks its first MLS title, echoing its 1979 NASL Soccer Bowl victory, the stage is set for a memorable clash between two ambitious clubs and their world-renowned talents.
