Apertura 2026 starts with victories for Necaxa and Tijuana

The Liga MX Femenil is preparing for Apertura 2026 with a restructuring that modifies the traditional format. The new distribution seeks to reduce the load of matches and better adapt to international commitments.

New competition scheme

The 18 clubs will be divided into two groups of nine teams. Each squad will play 14 games: eight against rivals from the same sector and six against clubs from the opposite group. This eliminates double days and optimizes FIFA dates.

“We are making a reform, we are eliminating double days and connecting better with the fans,” declared Mikel Arriola, president commissioner of the FMF and Executive President of Liga MX.

Group distribution

• Group A: Tigres, Rayadas, Toluca, Cruz Azul, FC Juárez, Atlético de San Luis, Querétaro, Atlante and Santos.
• Group B: América, Chivas, Pachuca, Pumas, Tijuana, León, Atlas, Puebla and Necaxa.

The design seeks to balance the competition and facilitate the physical management of the soccer players. The board trusts that this model will benefit both the show and the players’ performance.

Debut with an obligation to win

The Mexican U-20 National Team begins its participation in the Concacaf Championship this Friday. The tournament, which is held between Puebla and Mexico City, not only grants tickets for the World Cup of the category, but also for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.

Under the direction of Alex Diego, the Tricolor faces Antigua and Barbuda at the Cuauhtémoc stadium. The team arrives with the label of favorite, backed by its history and the quality of its squad. The match is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. and will be broadcast on ESPN 3.

Mexico is in Group B along with Guatemala, Costa Rica and Antigua and Barbuda. One of its key figures is Hugo Camberos, a Chivas forward with experience in Liga MX. He is expected to be an offensive leader in the pursuit of international goals.

The national team has the obligation to start with a victory to advance to the next round. The contest represents an opportunity to measure the development of Mexican youth soccer against rivals in the region.

Matchday 2 of the Apertura 2026 of the MX League will have its greatest activity this weekend. In the middle of the week, Toluca vs. Pumas and Cruz Azul vs. Puebla were already played. Now, the remaining 14 teams begin their second round before the All-Star break against the MLS.

Schedules for Friday, July 24

The so-called ‘Botanero Friday’ will open with two meetings, both at night. The highlight is the return of Atlante to the Banorte Stadium to receive América. The Iron Colts return to the Coloso de Santa Úrsula after 19 years since their last game in that building. It is their second duel since they returned to the First Division. In addition, it means Miguel Herrera’s reunion with América, the team with which he was Liga MX champion.

Atlante vs America

• Time: 9:00 p.m.
• Transmission: Azteca 7 and ESPN
• Place: Banorte Stadium

At the same time, on the border, Tijuana receives León at the Caliente Stadium. The Xolos are looking for their second consecutive victory in the tournament, while the Esmeraldas are trying to score their first three points.

Tijuana vs León

• Time: 9:00 p.m.
• Transmission: FOX One
• Place: Caliente Stadium

Both games promise emotions on a day that marks the reunion of Atlantic fans with their historic stadium.