Cruz Azul finds a new home just in time, 70 miles away

Cruz Azul will play its home matches at Estadio Cuauhtémoc in Puebla during the Clausura 2026 tournament. Liga MX officially approved the venue change after the club was unable to continue using Estadio Olímpico Universitario in Mexico City.

Cruz Azul homeless days before Clausura 2026 kickoff

Just days before the Clausura 2026 season kicks off, Cruz Azul suddenly found itself without a home base in the capital. Liga MX confirmed that La Máquina will host its matches in Puebla after an agreement to remain at Ciudad Universitaria was not renewed.

The league authorized the move following a formal request from the club, which met all competition regulations. As a result, Cruz Azul will spend the entire tournament in Puebla, at least through the first half of 2026.

When will Cruz Azul play its first game in Puebla?

In an official statement, Liga BBVA MX announced it had approved Cruz Azul’s request to play its home games at Estadio Cuauhtémoc. The decision was made under Article 40 of the league’s competition regulations, which governs changes of venue.

As a direct consequence, Cruz Azul’s Week 2 match against Atlas will be played Wednesday, Jan. 14, at 5 p.m. local time in Puebla, marking the start of a new logistical chapter for the club.

Why Cruz Azul is leaving Ciudad Universitaria

According to sources cited by AS México, the decision not to extend the loan of Estadio Olímpico Universitario came from the National Autonomous University of Mexico. The club was informed just days in advance, leaving Cruz Azul with very little time to secure a venue for the tournament.

UNAM cited prior commitments at the stadium, including matches tied to Concacaf competitions. That situation effectively ended a verbal agreement that would have allowed Cruz Azul to continue playing at CU for another six months.

Puebla left as the only option

With UNAM’s decision and scheduling conflicts preventing use of Estadio Ciudad de los Deportes, Cruz Azul was forced to look beyond Mexico City. Querétaro surfaced as a possible alternative, but talks never progressed to a formal stage.

Ultimately, Puebla, approximately 70 miles away from the capital, became the only viable solution under the league’s tight deadlines. Negotiations with the owners of Estadio Cuauhtémoc moved quickly, allowing Cruz Azul to finalize the deal in time for its first home match of the Clausura 2026.

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