Puebla and Juárez open Apertura 2026 with profound changes

The MX League resumes activities and Apertura 2026 starts with a highly emotional duel: Atlante’s return to the top circuit. The Iron Colts will play their first match in the First Division after 12 years of absence. They will face their historical rival, Necaxa, in yet another edition of the so-called “Father of All Clásicos.”

The way back

Under the direction of Miguel Herrera, Atlante will seek to score points in its presentation and mark the beginning of a new stage. On the other hand, the Rayos are trying to get off to a good start, after being left out of the Liguilla in the previous tournament.

The last match between the two in the First Division was on April 16, 2011, in the Clausura, with a one-goal tie. Fifteen years later, the rivalry returns to the highest stage of Mexican soccer.

Details of the meeting

• Date: Thursday, July 16, 2026
• Time: 7:00 p.m. (central Mexico)
• Place: Victoria Stadium, Aguascalientes
• Transmission: FOX and FOX One

The match represents a symbolic return for Atlante, which will try to consolidate itself again in the elite. Fans expect to see their team compete on equal terms.

La Fiera seeks to be reborn

The ball rolls again this Friday at the León Stadium. La Fiera hosts Atlas on date 1 of Apertura 2026. The emerald team wants to leave behind a disastrous Clausura: they finished second to last in the general table and lost their last game 4-1 against Toluca.

The Colombian duo of defenders Jhohan Romaña and Juan Guevara arrive to reinforce the defense. The Argentine Javier Gandolfi asked them to give solidity to a defense that was vulnerable.

Atlas with interim and reinforcements

On the Guadalajara side, Omar Flores takes over as interim technical director. Diego Cocca was dismissed despite closing the last tournament with a victory against América. Atlas finished in eighth place overall.

The red and black team starts with five reinforcements. The return of World Cup player Jorge Sánchez stands out, who returns to Mexico after his time in Europe. His experience will be key for the team.

León and Atlas seek to be protagonists. The meeting will air this Friday at 7:00 p.m. on Fox One.

The Father of All Classics returns to the scene

This Thursday the Apertura 2026 of Liga MX starts. The one in charge of opening the season is the duel between Necaxa and Atlante, two teams that represent the longest rivalry in Mexican soccer.

The return of the Iron Colts to the First Division could not have a better scenario: against the Rayos, their historic rival. The meeting revives the so-called “Father of All Classics”.

Félix Fernández, former Barça goalkeeper and now a Fox Sports analyst, described the duel as a compliment for the Atlantistas.

“In the return of Atlante – after 12 years – to the First Division, the fact that Necaxa welcomes us – in Aguascalientes – is a compliment. This possibility of returning against a team with which memorable confrontations were resumed in the 90s is good,” commented Fernández.

The former goalkeeper described that time as a very passionate and family rivalry, with full stadiums and enthusiastic fans. Regarding this Thursday’s game, he described it as “very atypical” and difficult to predict, due to the losses that both teams have suffered.

The last time they saw each other in the top circuit was on April 16, 2011. That day they signed a 1-1 draw that sent Necaxa to promotion, then the second category. Therefore, tonight’s meeting has a special flavor.

Both teams arrive with renewed squads. Los Rayos will look to start on the right foot at home, while Atlante will try to show that their return is to stay.