Liga MX

Liga MX Clausura 2026 playoffs set: quarterfinal matchups, teams, and schedule

Following the end of the Liga MX regular phase, the opening postseason ‘liguilla’ games have been determined, with some high-stakes clashes to come.

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Carlos Zúñiga Roddy Cons

Update: Apr 27th, 2026 01:23 EDT

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The regular season of the Liga MX Clausura 2026 is in the books, and the eight teams that will battle for the championship are now set, just weeks before attention shifts toward the FIFA World Cup.

This tournament has delivered its share of surprises, with several teams showing dramatically different form compared to last season. That volatility sets the stage for a playoff bracket where, more than ever, anything feels possible.

How the Liga MX Clausura 2026 playoffs will unfold

(1) Pumas vs. (8) América

A high-stakes edition of Mexico City’s Clásico Capitalino headlines the quarterfinals. When these two met in Week 12, Pumas came out on top at home thanks to a last-minute penalty.

While América holds the historical edge in knockout-round meetings, Pumas, led by Efraín Juárez, enter this matchup as the team in better form and slight favorites to advance.

Liga MX Clausura 2026 playoffs set: quarterfinal matchups, teams, and schedule — Jonathan Dos Santos of America fights for the ball with Pumas' Rodrigo López in the most recent meeting between the teams. Osvaldo Aguilar

(2) Chivas vs. (7) Tigres

Another marquee rivalry, and a rematch of two unforgettable finals from the past decade. Tigres dominated Chivas 4-1 when they met in Week 14 and arrive as a serious threat.

That said, Chivas, under Gabriel Milito, have been one of the most consistent and impressive teams this season, setting up a clash between momentum and experience.

(3) Cruz Azul vs. (6) Atlas

This is the most unpredictable series of the round. Cruz Azul made the surprising decision to part ways with their head coach late in the season and have yet to fully convince with their performances.

Atlas, despite operating with a smaller budget, have rediscovered the disciplined, hard-to-beat identity that brought them success in recent years. Cruz Azul won their Week 2 meeting, but this matchup feels wide open.

(4) Pachuca vs. (5) Toluca

A matchup with recent history, including a championship clash just a couple of years ago. Pachuca, managed by Esteban Solari, have been one of the breakout teams of the tournament.

They now face a Toluca side chasing a third straight Liga MX title while also balancing a push for the Concacaf Champions Cup. Notably, this was the only quarterfinal pairing that ended in a draw during the regular season.

Adjusted playoff schedule

Due to Toluca and Tigres reaching the semifinals of the Concacaf Champions Cup, the quarterfinals will not follow the usual midweek and weekend format.

Instead, first-leg matches will be played May 2 and 3, with the return legs scheduled for May 9 and 10.