Querétaro Surprises Liga MX: The Low-Cost Strategy That Has It Dreaming of the Liguilla
Por Carlos Rodríguez ·
Querétaro FC is becoming one of the most compelling stories of the 2026 Apertura. With a roster that pales in comparison to the financial might of the Liga MX giants, the Gallos Blancos sit in fifth place in the standings and remain in the hunt for a direct berth in the Liguilla.
After eight games, the team coached by Chilean Esteban González has four wins, two ties, and two losses, for a total of 14 points. It has scored 11 goals and allowed only eight. That last statistic helps explain its transformation.
An affordable defense system that competes with the giants
Querétaro currently ties with Chivas and América for the most goals allowed, with eight.
Although the Águilas have also played only eight games, Guadalajara has already played nine.
González’s defensive lineup includes Diego Reyes, Lucas Abascia, Paulo Victor, and Bayron Duarte.
Querétaro’s official website confirms that all four have been regular starters during the 2026 Apertura season.
It is precisely this economic comparison that makes the project so striking.
According to market figures cited by Mediotiempo, based on data from Transfermarkt, the combined value of those four defenders is around 3.35 million euros (just over 3.8 million dollars).
Significantly below the defensive lines of some of Mexico’s wealthiest clubs.
This is where a strategy reminiscent of the “Moneyball” concept comes into play:
Seek out performance and specific attributes without necessarily relying on high-cost signings.
Querétaro President Marc Spiegel had already explained that one of the advantages the club aims to develop is recruiting players from a global perspective.
And rely on models to identify talent (Filed under: Querétaro FC Surprises with the “Moneyball” Approach).
Homenchenko Leads the Offense
The project does not depend solely on its advocates.
Santiago Homenchenko is currently Querétaro’s leading scorer with four goals.
Meanwhile, Alí Ávila has three, and Mateo Coronel has two.
Carlo García is also among the players who have scored during the tournament.
Those figures are recorded in the club’s official roster.
The challenge will be to maintain that level of performance as the pressure to secure a playoff spot intensifies.
Gallos still has its Matchday 7 game against Monterrey to play, scheduled for November.
Therefore, their current standing should be analyzed keeping in mind that several rivals have already played nine games (Filed under: Querétaro FC Surprises with the “Moneyball” Approach).
Esteban González, Another Successful Choice
The choice of coach also fits within the model.
Querétaro opted for Esteban González, a Chilean coach who arrived after building his career in his home country.
The initial response has put the team in an unexpectedly competitive position.
The next challenge will be particularly exciting:
Gallos visits Chivas on Saturday, September 26, at Akron Stadium (Filed under: Querétaro FC Surprises with the Moneyball Formula).
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