Liga MX poised for seismic shift: how the league format could change
According to ESPN, the Court of Arbitration for Sport is to announce the return of promotion and relegation.
Promotion and relegation could be set for a comeback in Mexican men’s soccer. After a six-year suspension, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) is expected to announce the reinstatement of the system, following a formal appeal by ten clubs from the Liga de Expansión MX.
When could promotion and relegation return to Liga MX?
According to sources confirmed by ESPN, the CAS ruling will pave the way for promotion and relegation to return starting in 2026. However, the pathway back to Mexico’s top flight won’t be as straightforward as before. The new format will introduce a series of requirements that clubs must meet to be eligible for promotion.
While the exact criteria are yet to be disclosed, it’s clear that teams from the Liga de Expansión will once again have the opportunity to compete in Liga MX. What remains uncertain is whether the traditional promotion playoff match will be reinstated as part of the process.
The original appeal was filed on May 19, 2025, by ten second-division clubs seeking to restore the competitive merit-based system. The final decision from CAS is due to be announced today, Thursday September 4, and is expected to include the specific conditions under which clubs can earn promotion to the top tier.
Among the anticipated changes are stricter Liga MX certification standards governing aspects such as clubs’ financial stability and stadium capacity.
Another key detail to be clarified is the timeline. The return of promotion and relegation could take effect in either the 2025-26 or 2026-27 season, potentially aligning with the conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup hosted by Mexico, the United States, and Canada.
Liga MX to grow in size?
In parallel, Liga MX officials are actively considering expanding the league from 18 to 20 teams. This move would open additional slots for promotion without requiring immediate relegation, offering a smoother transition for incoming clubs. However, no final decision has been made on whether the expansion will proceed or if the current structure will remain intact.
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