Background on Cruz Azul and the Stadium Change
Cruz Azul, one of Mexico’s most successful football clubs, has announced that they will play their home games at Puebla’s Cuauhtémoc Stadium for the Clausura 2026 tournament, as confirmed by Liga MX. The University National Autonomous of Mexico (UNAM) has not extended its contract with Cruz Azul to continue using the Estadio Olímpico Universitario.
Cruz Azul’s History at the Estadio Olímpico Universitario
Throughout 2025, Cruz Azul played their home games at the Estadio Olímpico Universitario, hosted by UNAM. They participated in the Liga MX Clausura and Apertura tournaments, as well as the CONCACAF Champions League, where they ultimately won the title. The team played a total of 24 matches at this venue, maintaining an impressive record with 18 wins, 6 draws, 52 goals for, and 19 against.
Strained Relationship Between Cruz Azul and UNAM
The relationship between the two clubs’ management began to deteriorate in November due to an incident involving Cruz Azul goalkeeper Kevin Mier and Pumas midfielder Adalberto Carrasquilla. Mier was injured during a match in Puebla, which led to Cruz Azul’s demand for a change of venue while they remained residents of CU. Cruz Azul had previously agreed that their local matches against Pumas would be played elsewhere while residing in CU.
Requisites for Changing Stadiums
According to Article 40 of the Liga MX Competition Regulations for the 2025-26 season, five requirements must be met for a team to change stadiums. These include obtaining written authorization from the resident club and ensuring that their matches do not clash in terms of day and time. Cruz Azul has now joined the list of teams that have utilized four different stadiums as their home grounds within a four-year span.
Impact on Cruz Azul and Future Matches
Cruz Azul will play their first home match of the Clausura 2026 tournament on January 13, hosting Atlas at the Cuauhtémoc Stadium. The new venue has a capacity of 47,704 spectators, compared to the 58,445 capacity at the Estadio Olímpico Universitario.
Key Questions and Answers
- What led to Cruz Azul’s move to Puebla’s Cuauhtémoc Stadium? The strained relationship between Cruz Azul and UNAM began in November due to an incident involving goalkeeper Kevin Mier and Pumas midfielder Adalberto Carrasquilla. Cruz Azul demanded a change of venue while remaining residents of CU.
- What are the requirements for a team to change stadiums in Liga MX? According to Article 40 of the Competition Regulations, teams must obtain written authorization from the resident club and ensure their matches do not clash in terms of day and time.
- How many stadiums has Cruz Azul used as their home ground in recent years? Cruz Azul has utilized four different stadiums as their home ground within a four-year span: Azteca (2023), Ciudad de los Deportes (2024), Estadio Olímpico Universitario (2025), and now Cuauhtémoc (2026).
- What are the capacities of Cuauhtémoc Stadium and Estadio Olímpico Universitario? Cuauhtémoc Stadium has a capacity of 47,704 spectators, while Estadio Olímpico Universitario can accommodate 58,445.
