Introduction
The Mexican football scene is back in the spotlight this weekend with the commencement of the Torneo Clausura 2026 by Liga MX. The opening round, scheduled from Friday, January 9 to Sunday, January 11, features intense historical rivalries and high expectations as all 18 teams enter action.
Friday, January 9
The action begins at Estadio El Encanto, where Mazatlán FC hosts FC Juárez. The Bravos arrive with a clear recent advantage, having won seven consecutive matches without defeat against the Cañoneros, with no draws ending in a goalless stalemate.
Later, Estadio Jalisco hosts the clash between Atlas and Puebla, a match with extensive history in Liga MX. Although La Franja holds a slight historical advantage, the Rojinegros have been performing well against their rivals, boasting three consecutive victories and high-scoring games.
The Friday schedule concludes on the border with the match between Tijuana and América. The Águilas start as visitors once again, although they hold a strong overall history against Xolos, who have proven challenging in Estadio Caliente.
Saturday, January 10
Action resumes at Estadio Akron, where Chivas faces Pachuca. The Rebaño Sagrado arrives with recent dominance, while the Tuzos boast strong tournament starts, hinting at a balanced encounter.
In the Bajio, León welcomes Cruz Azul, a match where La Máquina has a lengthy unbeaten streak against the Esmeraldas, looking to confirm their strong start.
Simultaneously, Santos Laguna takes on Necaxa at TSM Corona. The Rayos come with favorable recent records, but the Laguneros aim to fortify their home advantage as they have in previous starts.
The Saturday slate concludes with one of the most anticipated matches: Monterrey versus Toluca at Estadio BBVA. Rayados dominate at home against the Diablos, while Toluca maintains a solid streak of unbeaten debuts.
Sunday, January 11
At noon, Pumas hosts Querétaro in Ciudad Universitaria. The University side boasts a long home unbeaten streak in the opening round, while Gallos face historical struggles starting tournaments with victories.
The round concludes at Estadio Alfonso Lastras, where Atlético de San Luis faces Tigres UANL. The Felinos arrive with dominance in the history and a solid streak of unbeaten debuts, though San Luis has shown the ability to compete in tournament openings.
Match Schedule and Broadcast Information
- Friday:
- Mazatlán vs. Juárez at 19:00 h on Canal 7 and FOX One
- Atlas vs. Puebla at 21:00 h on ViX
- Tijuana vs. América at 21:00 h on FOX and FOX One
- Saturday:
- Chivas vs. Pachuca at 17:07 h on Amazon Prime
- León vs. Cruz Azul at 19:00 h on FOX and FOX One
- Santos vs. Necaxa at 19:00 h on ViX
- Monterrey vs. Toluca at 21:00 h on Las Estrellas, TUDN, and ViX
- Sunday:
- Pumas vs. Querétaro at 12:00 h on Las Estrellas, TUDN, and ViX
- Atlético de San Luis vs. Tigres at 19:00 h on ESPN and Disney+
