Pumas part ways with Efraín Juárez as club prepares to announce new head coach

Pumas confirmed Monday on their social‑media channels that Efraín Juárez will not continue as head coach of the Club Universidad Nacional first team.

As reported earlier by Alejandro Gómez on AS en W, the Mexican manager will not return to Mexico after his vacation, as he’s looking for a new project outside Liga MX.

Juárez arrived at Pumas in March 2025, and a little over a year later he led the club to a Liga MX final, where they ultimately fell to Cruz Azul. During his time in charge, he coached 60 matches, earning 24 wins, 19 draws, and only 17 losses. Under Juárez, Pumas finished top of the table in the Clausura 2026.

Pumas’ next coach

With news that Esteban Solari will not continue with Pachuca, the Argentine former player has emerged as the leading candidate to take over at Pumas.

In their statement, the club said they will announce their new head coach in the coming days, along with the team’s plans for the Apertura 2026.

Juárez’s future in Europe

Juárez reportedly has multiple offers that would keep him from returning to Liga MX. One of the strongest options is said to be in Belgium, where he previously worked twice as an assistant coach.

His strong work with Atlético Nacional and Pumas has put him firmly on the radar of clubs in the Belgian Pro League, and he could be appointed to a European bench in the coming weeks.

Get closer to the game! Whether you like your soccer of the European variety or that on this side of the pond, our AS USA app has it all. Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more. Plus, stay updated on NFL, NBA and all other big sports stories as well as the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.

And there’s more: check out our TikTok and Instagram reels for bite-sized visual takes on all the biggest soccer news and insights.