Cruz Azul and Pumas starting lineups for the Clausura 2026 final

On Thursday, Cruz Azul and Pumas will play the first chapter of the Clausura 2026 final at Estadio de la Ciudad de los Deportes.

Based on the lineups Efraín Juárez and Joel Huiqui used in the second legs of their respective semifinals, these would be the players chosen for the first game of this tournament’s final.

Cruz Azul’s possible lineup

Cruz Azul coach Joel Huiqui appears to have a couple of doubts after the return of two players, which could change the names from the second leg against Chivas to the first leg against Pumas.

Kevin Mier, Omar Campos, Willer Ditta, Gonzalo Piovi and Jeremy Márquez are expected to keep their places after what the team achieved at Estadio Jalisco. Amaury García, however, could return to the bench following Jesús Orozco Chiquete’s comeback.

In midfield, Agustín Palavecino, José Paradela, Carlos Rodríguez and Carlos Rotondi also look untouchable, although Christian Ebere could also start on the bench if Gabriel Fernández and Nicolás Ibáñez return.

Pumas’ doubts before the first leg

On the other side, Efraín Juárez also has a couple of doubts. Keylor Navas, Uriel Antuna, Rodrigo López, Nathan Silva and Rubén Duarte are almost confirmed for the first leg, while Adalberto Carrasquilla, Jordan Carrillo and Pedro Vite would occupy the midfield.

Robert Morales would be Juárez’s only striker, given the possible injuries to Álvaro Angulo and Juninho, who are doubts to start – at least for the first leg.

It is worth remembering that Cruz Azul will return to Estadio de la Ciudad de los Deportes this Thursday, a year after leaving the venue, which forced the team to play at Estadio Olímpico Universitario and Estadio Cuauhtémoc.

On the other hand, Efraín Juárez also has a couple of doubts, Keylor Navas, Uriel Antuna, Rodrigo López, Nathan Silva and Rubén Duarte are almost confirmed for the first leg, Adalberto Carrasquilla, Jordan Carrillo and Pedro Vite would occupy the midfield.

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