Liga MX officially presented the calendar for the 2026 Apertura Tournament, a season that will be marked by Atlante’s return to the First Division, multiple international competitions and some of the most anticipated matches for Mexican fans in the United States and abroad.
The championship will begin on July 16 with the match between Necaxa and Atlante, while the final could be played between December 10 and 13, or extended to December 24 and 27, depending on Toluca’s participation in international commitments.
A calendar conditioned by the World Cup and international tournaments
Unlike previous seasons, Liga MX decided to take more time to structure the 2026 Apertura calendar.
This is due to various national and international commitments.
The first day will start on a Thursday to avoid coinciding with the final stretch of the 2026 World Cup, whose final is scheduled for July 19.
As a result, there will be no matches scheduled for Sunday corresponding to the first date.
In addition, the calendar had to be adjusted considering events such as:
Campeón de Campeones (July 25)
MLS All-Star Game (July 29)
Leagues Cup (group stage from August 4 to 13)
Campeones Cup (September 8)
Intercontinental Cup, where Toluca will participate starting December 9
Due to this intense schedule, Liga MX confirmed that there will only be one double-header during the tournament, which will be held on Date 13.
El Clasico Nacional will be held again in September
One of the most anticipated matches will once again be América vs Chivas, considered the most important game of the regular phase of Mexican soccer.
The Clasico Nacional will be played on September 19, very close to Mexico’s Independence Day celebrations, a tradition that is often repeated in recent calendars.
For their part, defending champions Cruz Azul will begin the defense of their title against Atlético de San Luis.
Meanwhile, Pumas, runner-up in the previous tournament, will host Pachuca in one of the most important matches of Day 1.
The most attractive matches of the Apertura 2026
Among the most important duels of the Liga MX Apertura 2026 calendar are:
Day 8
Cruz Azul vs América
Chivas vs Pumas
Monterrey vs Tigres
J9
América vs Chivas
Monterrey vs Cruz Azul
Day 11
América vs Monterrey
Atlas vs Chivas
Pumas vs Cruz Azul
J16
Pumas vs America
Tigres vs Cruz Azul
Toluca vs Monterrey
Day 17
Tigres vs América
Chivas vs Cruz Azul
Pumas vs Monterrey
The championship will begin on July 16th.
QuéOnnda.com
When will the Liguilla be played?
The tentative dates for the final phase are:
Quarterfinals
November 25, 26, 28 and 29
Semifinals
December 2, 3, 5 & 6
Final
December 10 and 13
or December 24 and 27
The definition will depend on Toluca’s international performance, whose participation in the Intercontinental Cup could force a change in the traditional dates of the championship series.
For more information, visit QuéOnnda.com.