Mexico’s call for 2026 generates criticism from Martinoli

The dream of Europe

Cruz Azul defeated Toluca this Saturday and was crowned the Champion of Champions. Erik Lira, captain of the team, raised the trophy and then spoke about his future.

The Mexican midfielder, a figure in the 2026 World Cup and a reference for La Maquina, has his sights set on the old continent. Even without a formal signing, the possibilities grow.

At the end of the game, Lira spoke to Televisa and was clear about his aspirations:

“It’s a very long market, our season starts much earlier than theirs. I have a dream that I’m not going to stop until I achieve it and it won’t be in me. I want to leave and we are doing everything we can.”

Mauricio Ymay asked him if there was a specific offer. The player denied having it, but revealed advanced negotiations with a club that he preferred not to name.

“There is still no formal offer, there are quite advanced talks. I think that this week something can move. It is a dream that I am not going to stop until I fulfill it, my goal is that and I am going to achieve it.”

Lira has established himself as a pillar of Cruz Azul since his arrival at La Noria. His performance in Liga MX and with the National Team makes him a candidate to make the leap to Europe. The next few weeks will be key to defining your future.

Solidarity in the midst of fire

The technical director of the Spanish team that won the 2026 World Cup, Luis De la Fuente, traveled to Las Rozas to meet with those evacuees due to the fires that are ravaging the Community of Madrid.

De la Fuente, 65, spoke with nearly 300 people who were displaced from their homes and are now staying in a gym in that town, located west of the capital, very close to the headquarters of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF).

“It is everyone’s duty to offer help and give encouragement in these difficult times,” the coach declared on Spanish public television. “I am proud to be here with them… it makes us more human.”

He added that the victims have “the support of the entire country, just like when we play soccer.”

Emergency figures

Almost 75 thousand people have had to abandon their homes as a result of the fires that affect both the Community of Madrid and its surroundings and the Valencian Community, in the east of the country. The government maintains active care protocols for evacuees.

Table of positions after Matchday 2

Querétaro beat Pachuca 1-2 at the Hidalgo stadium last Sunday, July 26, closing the second date of Apertura 2026. With this result, the classification begins to be defined.

Tijuana, Cruz Azul, Atlas and Necaxa add six points. The Xolos lead thanks to their goal difference (+3). America is also undefeated with four units (one win and one draw).

Pachuca, Monterrey, Puebla, Querétaro, Chivas and Pumas have three points. Atlético San Luis, Atlante and Tigres barely managed one unit. Deep down, Santos, León and FC Juárez have not yet scored points. The Braves are last with a -2 difference and no goals in favor.

Matchday 3: featured matches

For Matchday 3, on Friday, July 31, Puebla will face Chivas at 7:00 p.m. at the Cuauhtémoc stadium, broadcast on Azteca 7. That same day, FC Juárez will host Pumas at 9:00 p.m., also on Azteca 7.