Liga MX weighs unprecedented player transfer rules for 2026 Clausura playoffs

The 2026 Clausura tournament in Mexico is set to be unlike any in decades. The unusual timing comes as Mexico prepares to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, forcing Liga MX to adapt its schedule almost entirely around the global event.

From the outset, league officials made it clear that the Mexican national team would take top priority. This means major adjustments to the domestic competition, with parts of the league’s spotlight sacrificed to support the El Tri’s World Cup preparation.

No play-in, no Mexican players in the playoffs

One of the most notable changes is that there will be no play-in phase, and Mexican national team players will not participate in the liguilla, the playoff stage of the tournament. Instead, they will be focused entirely on national team duties during the final stretch of the season, a first-of-its-kind move that will completely alter the dynamics of the championship’s decisive moments.

Amid this unprecedented scenario, a proposal from a recent club owners’ meeting has sparked debate. The idea: allow temporary reinforcements for playoff teams to offset the absence of Mexican national team players.

How temporary player loans could work in Liga MX

Under the proposal, which is still under review, clubs eliminated before the playoffs could loan Mexican players to teams that advance to the quarterfinals. These players would reinforce only the top eight teams and only for the final phase of the tournament, according to Claro Sport.

The plan would be strictly temporary and limited to Mexican players, excluding foreign signings. The goal is simple: keep the playoffs competitive despite the absence of key domestic stars.

Some executives see the measure as a practical solution to an unprecedented challenge, while others warn it could undermine fairness and team identity by introducing players who were not part of the original squad.

Liga MX won’t have the final say

Although the idea originated within Mexican soccer, the ultimate decision rests with FIFA. The organization must approve whether this exceptional mechanism can be applied exclusively for the 2026 Clausura.

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