Club América hires Guillermo Almada: Contract details, résumé and what comes next

As attention across North America shifts toward the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Club América has moved quickly to begin a new chapter.

On Sunday, June 7, the Liga MX powerhouse officially announced Guillermo Almada as its new head coach ahead of the 2026 Apertura season. The Uruguayan manager will also lead Las Águilas in this year’s Leagues Cup.

América confirms Almada appointment

In a statement announcing the hire, Club América praised Almada’s track record and credentials.

“For América, it is a source of great satisfaction to welcome a coach of Guillermo Almada’s proven ability and reputation,” the club said. “We are convinced that under his leadership, this new era for Las Águilas will meet the high standards of the club and our passionate supporters.”

The appointment marks one of the most significant coaching moves in Liga MX ahead of the new season.

A proven winner in Liga MX

Almada arrives with one of the strongest résumés in Mexican soccer.

The 56-year-old previously coached Santos Laguna, leading the club to the final of the 2021 Guardianes tournament. His greatest success, however, came with Pachuca.

While in charge of Los Tuzos, Almada guided the club to the Liga MX Apertura title in 2022 and the 2024 Concacaf Champions Cup. During that continental run, Pachuca eliminated André Jardine’s América in the semifinals.

That Concacaf triumph also secured Pachuca a place in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup, where Almada’s side won both the Derby of the Americas and the FIFA Challenger Cup before falling to Real Madrid in the final.

He also led Pachuca at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, where they lost all three games in the group stage.

Contract details and start date

According to additional reporting from TUDN, Almada has agreed to a two-year contract with an option for a third season.

He is expected to report to América’s training facilities in Coapa on either Tuesday or Wednesday, with players scheduled to begin preseason preparations on Monday.

Recent stint in Spain

Before accepting the América job, Almada managed Spanish club Real Oviedo.

His tenure ended with the team unable to maintain its place in Spain’s top division. He compiled a record of four wins, seven draws and 11 losses.

Even so, Almada’s broader body of work remains impressive. Across 17 years as a head coach, he has captured six official titles and built a reputation as one of the most respected managers in Latin American soccer.

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