Néstor Lorenzo extends his cycle at the head of Colombia

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.

The French Football Federation (FFF) announced that the new coach of the national team will be presented next Thursday. Everything indicates that Zinedine Zidane will take over, replacing Didier Deschamps.

Zidane, 54, has not managed since 2021 when he left Real Madrid. As a coach, he won three consecutive Champions Leagues (2016, 2017, 2018). As a player, he was the playmaker in the 1998 world title and Euro 2000. He scored two goals in the final against Brazil and received the Ballon d’Or that year.

Deschamps spent 14 years at the head of France. He left after Euro 2024, where Les Bleus lost in the semifinals against Spain. Under his command, the team won the 2018 World Cup and was runner-up in 2022 and at Euro 2016.

“Zidane played 108 games for France and scored 31 goals,” the FFF recalled in its statement. His last act as a player was the headbutt against Marco Materazzi in the 2006 World Cup final.

France’s next commitments will be on September 25 against Türkiye in the Nations League, then visit Belgium on the 28th and host Italy on October 2.

Zidane has not directed since leaving Real Madrid. Now he takes the reins of a generation that seeks to recover the European and world throne.

JFA Decision

The Japan Football Association (JFA) confirmed this Thursday that Hajime Moriyasu will continue to lead the senior team until next year’s Asian Cup. After that tournament, he will give way to Go Oiwa, current coach of the under-23 team.

Moriyasu has been considered a key figure in the development of Japanese football. Its continuity until the continental competition provides stability to the squad and allows for an orderly transition. The JFA met to evaluate his position and opted for this scheduled relief plan.

Go Oiwa will take over as technical director of the main team at the conclusion of the Asian Cup. His experience in charge of the U-23 team makes him the natural successor. This movement marks the beginning of a new stage in Japanese football, with a view to maintaining the sustained growth of the national team.

The decision was announced through an official statement. No additional details about the terms of the deal or the length of Oiwa’s contract were revealed.