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Liga MX Sets Jan. 9 Kickoff for Clausura 2026 as Play-In Is Paused

The league is compressing the tournament to finish before the 2026 World Cup, with a temporary roster tweak for the playoffs to offset Mexico call-ups.

Overview

  • Matchday 1 opens on Jan. 9 with Tijuana vs América, Atlas vs Puebla, and Mazatlán vs Juárez, followed by Chivas vs Pachuca on Jan. 10 and Pumas vs Querétaro on Jan. 11.
  • Key dates are locked: regular season ends Apr. 26, the Liguilla starts May 2, and the final legs are set for May 21 and May 24.
  • The Play-In is suspended for this edition, sending the top eight directly to the Liguilla, with its future to be reviewed at the May owners’ assembly.
  • To address national team absences, the FMF authorized up to nine non–Mexico-developed players in the Liguilla, and Mexico call-ups will report on Apr. 30.
  • Preseason tune-ups include the Copa Pacífica in Guadalajara on Jan. 3–4, featuring Atlas vs Chivas at 20:45 on ESPN and Disney+, and Liga MX Femenil begins with champions Tigres visiting Necaxa on Jan. 4.