After leaving Inter Miami, Mascherano could be Mexico-bound
After Diego Cocca’s Atlas exit, the Liga MX club could bring in former Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano for the Apertura 2026.
Following Diego Cocca’s departure earlier this week, Atlas’ front office is working against the clock to appoint the club’s next head coach.
Mascherano to Mexico?
AS México has learned that Atlas executives have opened talks with Javier Mascherano, the former Inter Miami boss, about taking charge for the Apertura 2026 tournament, which gets underway this Thursday.
Mascherano stepped down from his position in Miami in April. The Argentine coach guided the club to a Major League Soccer title during the 2025 campaign and has remained unattached since leaving the Florida side.
During his time in the U.S., Mascherano oversaw 47 MLS matches with Miami, posting 27 wins, 11 draws and nine losses. Those numbers gave the former Argentina international a strong record in his first stint in the league.
His spell with Inter Miami marked Mascherano’s first experience as a senior club head coach. Prior to that, beginning in 2021, “El Jefecito” worked with Argentina’s youth national teams.
Looking to recreate Cocca’s success
Atlas’ search for a new head coach comes after Cocca, who led Los Rojinegros to the Clausura 2026 quarterfinals, was unable to agree a new contract to remain at the club. The 54-year-old had been in his second spell at Atlas, having famously led the team to back-to-back Liga MX titles in his opening tenure.
Despite the reports linking Mascherano to the vacancy, Atlas’ new leadership group is still evaluating a range of candidates for the position. In the meantime, the club is preparing to begin the Apertura 2026 campaign under an interim manager.
When does Atlas open its Liga MX season?
Atlas will kick off its Apertura 2026 schedule on the road against Club León at Estadio Nou Camp, marking the Guadalajara side’s first match of the new Liga MX campaign. Los Rojinegros will not make their home debut at Estadio Jalisco until Matchday 3, when they host Monterrey’s Rayados before Liga MX pauses for the Leagues Cup.
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