The Inter Miami Draft of 2026 saw the club select five promising players during the MLS SuperDraft 2026, held on December 18, 2025. These selections are crucial for adding depth to the Inter Miami roster and securing future talent for the MLS Cup champions. This Inter Miami Draft is a key component of the club’s long-term vision.
Inter Miami Draft: Building for the Future
As defending MLS Cup champions heading into the 2026 season, Inter Miami CF is strategically building its roster. This involves acquiring young soccer talent alongside established stars, aiming to maintain competitiveness and defend their title. The SuperDraft is a vital part of this strategy, offering opportunities to find emerging talent. Many draftees may initially hone their skills with Inter Miami II, the club’s MLS Next Pro team, before potentially making the jump to the senior squad after this significant Inter Miami Draft.
Five New Prospects Join the Ranks in the Inter Miami Draft
The club’s selections from the Inter Miami Draft cover several key positions, bringing in players with diverse collegiate backgrounds and proven track records from top programs. These MLS Draft Picks represent a significant investment in the future. Here is a closer look at each selection.
Abdel Talabi: Defensive Anchor from the Inter Miami Draft
Defender Abdel Talabi was Inter Miami’s first pick in the Inter Miami Draft, going 30th overall. Talabi comes from Bryant University and is 24 years old, having made 80 college appearances from 2020 to 2025. Despite missing the 2022 season due to injury, he started all 22 matches in 2025, contributing three goals and two assists. Talabi earned First Team All-ECAC honors, Second Team All-Northeast Region, and First Team All-America East recognition in his graduate season. He anchored Bryant’s defense effectively, showcasing his defensive prowess, and was also named to the Hermann Trophy Midseason Watch List, making him a notable inclusion from the Inter Miami Draft.
Kenan Hot: Dynamic Midfielder in the Inter Miami Draft
Midfielder Kenan Hot was selected next, at 32nd overall, joining Inter Miami from Duke University. This young soccer talent is 21 years old. Hot led Duke in goal contributions in 2025 with eight goals and four assists, helping Duke reach the NCAA Tournament’s third round. He scored a crucial game-tying goal against Princeton. Before college, Hot gained professional experience playing for Hartford Athletic and New York Red Bulls II, adding another dimension to the Inter Miami Draft haul.
Mamadi Jiana: Potent Forward from the Inter Miami Draft
Forward Mamadi Jiana was Inter Miami’s 54th overall selection in the Inter Miami Draft. Jiana joins from Bryant University, where he transferred before the 2025 season. He started 20 of 21 matches, scoring seven goals in 2025, which ranked third in the America East Conference. He earned Second Team All-Northeast Region honors and was named America East Offensive Player of the Week, leading the conference in shots attempted. His inclusion signifies the strategic depth sought in the Inter Miami Draft.
Alex Barger: Big Ten Champion Joins Inter Miami Through the Draft
Defender Alex Barger was picked 60th overall in the Inter Miami Draft, coming from Indiana University. Barger started 54 of 61 games over three seasons, recording five goals and five assists. He played a key role in Indiana’s success, contributing to Big Ten regular season titles in 2023 and 2024, and the 2023 Big Ten Tournament championship. Barger was a highly-rated freshman prospect, ranked No. 26 in Top Drawer Soccer’s top 100, highlighting the quality targeted in this Inter Miami Draft.
Maximilian Kissel: Championship Hero Secured in the Inter Miami Draft
Forward Maximilian Kissel was Inter Miami’s final pick in the Inter Miami Draft, selected 90th overall. Kissel brings a championship pedigree from the University of Vermont. The 23-year-old scored the game-winning goal in overtime to secure Vermont’s first NCAA College Cup title in 2024. He then scored a stoppage-time winner to clinch the 2025 USL League 2 national championship for Vermont Green FC. In 2025, he scored five goals and had four assists in 15 appearances. His 2024 season saw 11 goals, earning him NCAA Tournament Offensive Most Outstanding Player honors, making him a significant addition from the Inter Miami Draft.
Inter Miami Draft Strategy and Future Outlook
Inter Miami’s strategy, heavily influenced by the Inter Miami Draft, focuses on developing talent and blending seasoned professionals with promising young players. While many SuperDraft picks face a challenging path, few establish themselves quickly on the first team. Yannick Bright is a notable recent success story, having played over 70 matches for Inter Miami, showcasing the potential of players acquired through the draft. This consistent pipeline of talent is a hallmark of the Inter Miami Draft process.
The club has also been active in the transfer market, signing Sergio Reguilon and extending Luis Suarez’s contract through 2026. Inter Miami also pursued goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair. These moves aim for depth and experience, ensuring the team remains a top contender in MLS. The integration of these five new players from the Inter Miami Draft will be closely watched, and their journey will contribute to Inter Miami’s continued pursuit of success. This new wave of young soccer talent injects fresh energy and supports the club’s ambitious goals, making the future of Miami soccer look bright, especially with the contributions from the Inter Miami Draft.
This draft class adds young soccer talent to a team with championship aspirations. The integration of these players from the Inter Miami Draft is key and will shape the team’s performance. This news is important for Miami soccer fans, highlighting the club’s commitment to growth and continuing to build its legacy. These selections are a vital part of that ongoing story, underscoring the importance of the Inter Miami Draft.
