FORT LAUDERDALE — Inter Miami CF Academy became the first club ever to win two age-group championships at the same edition of the MICFootball Punta Cana tournament, capturing both the U-16 and U-14 titles at the premier international youth competition in the Dominican Republic.
The U-16 squad went unbeaten through group play with victories over Puerto Rican sides Santa Fe FC (2-1) and Academia Fútbol Total (7-0) before routing Villarreal CF’s academy from Mexico 8-0. Inter Miami then dispatched Fútbol Lab 2-0 in the quarterfinals and battled Brazilian side Grêmio to a 1-1 draw in the semifinals before advancing via penalty shootout.
Goalkeeper Levi Williams, recently named to the 2026 MLS NEXT All-Star Game roster, anchored the U-16 championship run. Williams saved three penalties during the semifinal shootout against Grêmio, then made the decisive save in the final against Spain’s Atlético de Madrid. That championship match also ended 1-1 in regulation before the Herons prevailed on penalties to lift the trophy.
The U-14 side was equally dominant, sweeping through group play with wins over Puerto Rico’s Guayama FC (10-0), GOT FC (3-1) and Elite Football Academy (5-0). The knockout rounds opened with an 8-0 rout of Barça Academy in the Round of 16, followed by a 1-0 quarterfinal win over Venados Yucatán and a 4-1 semifinal victory over Cibao FC.
In the U-14 final, Inter Miami defeated familiar opponent GOT FC 3-0 to complete an unbeaten tournament and claim the division title.
The dual championships mark a milestone for Inter Miami CF Academy’s player development pathway, with both squads tested against top international opposition from Spain, Brazil, Mexico and the Caribbean. The MLS NEXT All-Star Game, where Williams is set to appear, is the next showcase event on the academy calendar.