Messi and Mbappé tie for the top scorer of the 2026 World Cup

Atlas FC begins a new stage without Diego Cocca

A few days before the start of Apertura 2026, Atlas FC underwent a change in its sports project. Diego Cocca stopped being technical director of the red and black team after negotiations for his continuity did not prosper. The board accelerates the search for a new coach before the debut against León.

The reasons behind the departure

The differences between the Argentine strategist and the leadership would have been related to the formation of the squad and the reinforcements hired for the new tournament. The lack of agreement prevented both parties from reaching a definitive agreement.

Cocca led the preseason and participated in the work leading up to the championship, in addition to appearing at public events with the new administration. However, the contractual relationship was never formalized.

Official statement from the club

“Atlas FC informs that, as part of the institutional and sporting re-engineering process promoted by the new administration of the Club, it was not possible to reach an agreement for the continuity of Diego Cocca as Technical Director of the First Team.”

“The institution thanks Diego Cocca for the professionalism, work and dedication he showed during his time at the head of the First Team, a period in which he contributed significantly to the recent history of the Club. Likewise, it wishes him the greatest success in his future projects.”

What’s next for Atlas?

The club is holding advanced conversations with different candidates and will announce the decision in the coming days. “We reiterate to our fans that each decision responds to the firm commitment to strengthening Atlas FC and consolidating a solid, stable and competitive sports project, with a long-term vision,” the institution detailed.

The Liga MX starts the Apertura 2026 tournament this week. The inaugural date offers attractive matches, but only three will be available on open television. The rest will be distributed between pay TV and digital platforms.

Scheduling the first date

On Thursday, July 16, the championship opens with Necaxa vs Atlante at 7:00 p.m. on FOX One. Later, Xolos receives Tigres at 9:00 p.m. on the same signal.

On Friday the 17th, Atlético de San Luis vs Cruz Azul (7:00 p.m., ESPN) and León vs. Atlas (7:00 p.m., FOX One) will be played.

On Saturday the 18th, Chivas debuts against Toluca at 7:07 p.m. on Prime Video, while Querétaro hosts América at 9:00 p.m. on FOX One.

Transmission on open TV

The first free duel will be FC Juárez vs Puebla on Friday the 17th at 9:00 p.m. on Azteca 7 and FOX One.

On Saturday the 18th, Channel 5 has two games: Pumas vs Pachuca (5:00 p.m.) and Rayados de Monterrey vs. Santos Laguna (7:00 p.m.). Both are also broadcast on TUDN.

It should be noted that schedules and channels are awaiting official confirmation from Liga MX.

End of the road for the Mexican referee

The World Cup lost the Mexican National Team in the round of 16 against England. Now, the Mexican referee César Arturo Ramos Palazuelos also says goodbye early.

According to information from David Medrano, the FIFA Referees Commission will no longer assign him any more matches in the final phase of the tournament. Thus, he leaves after having directed only two games.

Considered the best referee in Mexican soccer today, Ramos Palazuelos leaves the tournament with only two group stage games. The expectation was greater, since he has experience in other FIFA tournaments, including a previous World Cup, to direct matches in decisive stages.

Medrano reported that the whistler would already be back in Mexico, after being notified by FIFA that they would no longer have his services.

The Mexican was present in the Iran vs. matches. New Zealand and Brazil vs. Scotland. His performance was correct, without controversy, but he will not continue in the tournament.