The thrills, spills, and golazos of Mexican football return on Friday as the 2026 Liga MX Clausura gets underway. With just eight teams qualifying for the liguilla this time around—and the 2026 World Cup looming large later in the year—getting off to a strong start is more important than ever. National team call-ups are expected to create disruption as the season progresses, placing a premium on early consistency.
Adding to the challenge, several top clubs will juggle domestic competition with the CONCACAF Champions Cup, a tournament that offers not only continental glory but also a coveted spot in the FIFA Club World Cup. With Liga MX and MLS once again likely to dominate that competition, the stakes could not be higher.
Chivas Open the Clausura With New Firepower
Hormiga González was inspirational for Chivas last season, carrying the rojiblancos into the Liga MX playoffs with his energy and goals. This Clausura, he should have more support around him. Veteran striker Ángel Sepúlveda was brought in from Cruz Azul after a productive spell, adding experience and finishing ability to the attack. While the 35-year-old may be approaching the twilight of his career, he remains a potentially decisive presence in front of goal.
Ricardo Marín returns from Puebla, while Mexican-American midfielder Brian Gutiérrez joins from the Chicago Fire. Gutiérrez is expected to slot into midfield immediately, where his creativity could unlock defenses and create more chances for González.
Departures and Familiar Faces on the Opposing Side
Chivas also experienced significant turnover, with 11 players departing the squad. Among them is U.S. men’s national team winger Cade Cowell, who has returned to MLS. Defender Alan Mozo has joined Pachuca and could line up directly against his former club in the opener at Estadio Akron in Guadalajara.
For Pachuca, the club renowned for developing young talent, the headline addition is the return of veteran Venezuelan international striker Salomón Rondón. After an unremarkable loan spell at Real Oviedo in La Liga, Rondón returns to familiar surroundings where he has previously proven capable of scoring consistently. Pachuca will be eager to return to the playoffs after a difficult recent stretch.
The Final Liga MX Season of Mazatlán?
Representing the coastal city of Mazatlán, Sinaloa, a popular vacation destination, Mazatlán FC has competed in Liga MX since 2020 after taking over the license of historic club Monarcas Morelia. Despite efforts to build a fanbase and establish themselves, the club has yet to qualify for the playoffs and has struggled to attract marquee signings or develop elite youth academy talent on a limited budget.
That reality has now caught up with the club. Their standout player, Colombian midfielder Nicolás Benedetti, was recently sold to Las Palmas in Spain. Ownership of their Liga MX license has shifted to Atlante FC, a historic club that plays its home matches in Morelos state. Atlante, Liga MX champions in 2007, are set to return to the top flight via a licensing purchase.
A Farewell Season on the Pacific Coast
While Liga MX plans to reintroduce promotion and relegation in 2026–27, Atlante’s acquisition effectively guarantees their return to the top division. As a result, this Clausura is expected to mark Mazatlán’s final season in Liga MX. With average crowds of around 10,000, the club’s supporters will bid farewell during a campaign that begins at home against FC Juárez on Friday. Club Puebla, another team that is consistently towards the bottom of the Liga MX payroll lists is also potentially up for sale and the license could go to a second division club looking to reach the top level.
Rayados Look to Protect the Regio Norteno Fortress
Monterrey Rayados have struggled away from home under head coach Domènec Torrent, but Estadio BBVA remains one of the most imposing venues in Mexican football. Year after year, it draws the league’s largest crowds and provides Rayados with a genuine home-field advantage. Despite the departure of Spanish legend Sergio Ramos, Monterrey enter the Clausura with championship ambitions intact. Their opener pits them against reigning champions Toluca in a marquee clash.
Key Additions and Lingering Questions for Monterrey and Toluca
Monterrey’s biggest signing is still pending: 25-year-old Argentine winger Luca Orellano from FC Cincinnati. With experience in Argentina and Brazil, Orellano is expected to add pace and creativity once paperwork is finalized. The club has otherwise been relatively quiet, bringing in Pachuca defender Daniel Aceves to bolster the back line.
Toluca know Estadio BBVA well. After losing there 1–0 in last season’s playoff series, they rebounded emphatically at home and went on to win the title. In fact, Toluca have eliminated Monterrey in consecutive playoff series and subsequently lifted the trophy both times. Their transfer window has been modest, highlighted by the arrival of Sebastián Córdova from Tigres as he looks to revitalize his career, while veteran midfielder Héctor Herrera is expected to depart for MLS or possibly Pachuca.
Rayados impressed in the Copa Pacífico preseason tournament, but injuries remain a concern. Lucas Ocampos is sidelined with facial paralysis, and defensive uncertainty could be costly if Toluca hit the ground running.
The Transfer Market Remains Wide Open
The Clausura begins amid an active and unpredictable transfer market, with moves still possible across the league. It is not just Mexico’s traditional giants making noise. Tijuana Xolos added veteran Venezuelan striker Josef Martínez from MLS.
Xolos host Club America in the first game of the season, playing well at home, they will take on America side that has some major absences, but America enjoys a home field advantage in terms of fan support when they play at Estadio Caliente in Tijuana.
Necaxa made the biggest splash of the window with a “bombazo” signing of Argentine forward Julián Carranza from Europe (on loan at Leicester City from Feyenoord). Carranza was previously a standout in MLS. Kevin Gutiérrez and Agustín Almendra also arrived from Argentina.
Rebuilding Projects Across the League
Club América strengthened their midfield with Brazilian Rodrigo Dourado, while struggling sides Santos Laguna and León have been active in search of a turnaround. Santos brought in Ezequiel Bullaude on loan from Tijuana, Ecuador international Carlos Gruezo, and Lucas Di Yorio from Brazil. León responded to the departure of Colombian international James Rodríguez by signing striker Díber Cambindo from Necaxa, Nicolás Vallejo, and defender Sebastián Vegas on loan. Necaxa takes on Santos Laguna in week 1, meaning Cambindo faces his old squad, while Leon have a tough test against Cruz Azul.
Pumas made waves by signing forward Juninho from Flamengo, continuing the trend of South American talent heading north. Tigres, by contrast, have been relatively quiet, while Club América and Cruz Azul are expected to remain active thanks to their financial muscle. Tigres opens their season against Atletico San Luis, and their talented squad is expected to compete for the Liga MX title.
Sports Illustrated also highlighted another compelling subplot this season: players battling for a place in Mexico’s 2026 World Cup squad, including the potential inclusion of naturalized midfielder Álvaro Fidalgo of Club América.
The stage is set for another dramatic Clausura, with storylines unfolding across every corner of Liga MX.
Main Photo Credit: Imago Images Copyright: xFABIANxMEZAx
