América’s Liga MX playoff push starts now: Can they win these must-win games?

At this stage of the 2026 Clausura tournament, Club América sits just outside the playoff spots in ninth place with 11 points. As the team prepares for the 10th matchday, the schedule is shaping up favorably, giving the Coapa squad a solid opportunity to fight for a place in Liga MX’s Liguilla, the league’s championship playoff.

Favorable matchups ahead

América faces Querétaro, 17th in the table, in this weekend’s game. In the next round, Mazatlán, currently in 16th, visits the Estadio de la Ciudad de los Deportes. Then in matchday 13, Santos Laguna, at the bottom of the table in 18th, comes to the Estadio TSM Corona. The toughest challenge in this stretch will be the 12th round, the capital city classic against Pumas UNAM, who are currently fifth in the standings.

Concacaf Champions Cup tests

In addition to domestic play, América is competing in the Concacaf Champions Cup against top clubs from Central and North America. Their first opponent is MLS side Philadelphia Union, who have yet to win a match this season.

The Union sit 10th in the Eastern Conference, though it’s worth noting the MLS campaign is still in its early stages with only two matches played. Eight Eastern Conference teams have not yet picked up any points, making Philadelphia a team América could realistically target.

No room for error

América still has time to climb into the Liguilla, but the team cannot afford to drop points against the lower-ranked sides. They are just two points behind Tigres, currently in eighth place, and any slip by the northern club could give the Águilas a chance to secure a playoff spot.

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