After a string of tournament eliminations, Mexico’s most accomplished club, Club América, parted ways with Brazilian manager Andre Jardine and they already have a replacement lined up.
Club América Sacks Andre Jardine
Andre Jardine arrived at Club América in 2023 after time managing Brazil’s youth teams and Atletico San Luis in Liga MX. He immediately made an impact for Las Aguilas, helping them lift a trophy in his first campaign, a win over Tigres. That was followed by a consecutive title, with America defeating Cruz Azul in the summer of 2024. At that point, supporters began to dream of a historic third title, and they pulled it off, defeating Monterrey Rayados.
Despite some turnover in the squad, results remained strong, with America reaching a 4th consecutive Liga MX final, but falling to the new dynasty that is Turco Mohamed’s Toluca, the recent CONCACAF Champions Cup winners.
Club America’s record on the international and regional stage wasn’t nearly as strong, they were eliminated by Pachuca in the 2024 Champions Cup, Cruz Azul in 2025, and Nashville SC this year. Given a surprise opportunity to qualify for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, they were draw into a single elimination game with MLS side LAFC and lost that in California, a massive financial blow and a shock for the club. Similarly, they have been unable to win any edition of the Leagues Cup.
Injuries were a significant factor in the poor results of the most recent season, Key players like veteran striker Henry Martin were injured or outright regressed, Mexico’s starting goalkeeper Luis Angel Malagon was also injured and the replacement options weren’t up to the level to compete in Liga MX. The club limped into the playoffs due to a lack of goalscoring, and after an 8th place table finish, they were defeated by eventual champions Cruz Azul in the playoffs.
Regardless of recent results, Jardine’s overall body of work will make him a manager that is highly sought after by clubs around the world and he will have options for his next project.
Guillermo Almada Set To Take Over at Club America
Uruguayan Guillermo Almada, who built a strong team at a relatively underfunded Pachuca is set to be the replacement for Jardine at Club America. Almada recently had stints in Spain that were less successful at Valladolid and Oviedo but he has a proven Liga MX resume and will now have more resources at his disposal to rebuild Las Aguilas into a champion.
Copa Libertadores Round of 16 Set
The draw was held for the 2026 Copa Libertadores knockout stage. The matchups are as folows. Fluminense matches up with Argentine side Independiente Rivadavia, Estudiantes from Argentina plays Chile’s Universidad Catolica. Colombia and Ecuador will square off when Deportes Tolima takes on Independiente Del Valle. Chilean champions Coquimbo Unido take on Argentina’s Platense.
There will be an all-Brazil matchup when Cruzeiro takes on the wealthy Flamengo, Palmeiras drew Paraguay’s Cerro Porteno. Mirassol takes on LDU Quito with the second leg at altitude in Quito. Angel Di Maria and Rosario Central take on Memphis Depay and Corinthians with the return leg in Sao Paulo.
Copa Sudamericana Knockout Rounds Set
In the junior competition, the Copa Sudamericana, Uruguay’s Nacional takes on Argentina’s Tigre. Vasco Da Gama’s Colombian armada will take on a Colombian side, Independiente Medellin. Universidad Central from Venezuela takes on Neymar and Santos. Lanus from Argentina plays Peru’s Cienciano.
Peru has a second team in the competition, with Sporting Cristal set to face Red Bull Bragantino. Brazil’s Gremio takes on Bolivar, Santa Fe from Colombia will take on Caracas FC from neighboring Venezuela. The legendary Boca Juniors are headed to Chile to play O’Higgins.
Main Photo Credit: Smartframe Images
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