Liga MX

Liga MX sets kickoff date for the Apertura 2026 after Cruz Azul’s historic title run

The league has released the match schedule for the next tournament which kicks off in July - before the World Cup ends.

Felipe Gutiérrez

México Update: Jun 10th, 2026 11:18 EDT

The Apertura 2026 tournament now has an official start date. After that unforgettable night at Estadio Olímpico Universitario — where Cruz Azul secured its long‑awaited tenth championship — Liga MX has confirmed when the next campaign will begin.

A classic rivalry to open the season

Liga MX released the full schedule, and the new tournament will actually kick off before the World Cup has fully wrapped up. The opening whistle is set for Thursday, July 16 at 8:00 PM ET, when Necaxa and Atlante reignite one of Mexican soccer’s oldest rivalries.

This matchup also marks Atlante’s return to the top division after more than a decade in the second tier — a storyline that adds even more weight to the season opener.

Liga MX sets kickoff date for the Apertura 2026 after Cruz Azul’s historic title run — The competition released the match schedule for the tournament that will begin in July, even before the World Cup endsJuan Luis Diaz

Only one midweek double‑header week

Unlike recent tournaments, the Apertura 2026 will feature just one midweek double‑match week, scheduled for October during Matchday 13. This adjustment helps compensate for the break Liga MX will take while Mexican clubs travel to the United States to compete in the 2026 Leagues Cup.

When does the regular season end?

As has been tradition since 1996, the regular season will span 17 matchdays before moving into the Liguilla. The final day of the regular season is set for Sunday, November 22, with Necaxa visiting Querétaro at Estadio La Corregidora.

How will the Liguilla work?

Just like the recently completed tournament, the Play‑In format has been eliminated. Only the top eight teams in the standings will advance to the Liguilla.

Quarterfinals: November 25, 26, 28, and 29
Semifinals: December 2, 3, 5, and 6

The final has two possible date sets, depending on whether Toluca reaches the championship series. As the reigning Concacaf champions, Toluca will also compete in the Intercontinental Cup that same month.

If Toluca reaches the final: December 24 and 27
If Toluca does not: December 10 and 13

Everything is now set for another dramatic Liga MX season — one that starts early, features a classic rivalry, and could end with a scheduling twist depending on Toluca’s international commitments.