Pumas push to lock in Efraín Juárez
With the Clausura 2026 title, Joel Huiqui secured his stay at Cruz Azul, while Juárez's future will be decided in the coming days.
Cruz Azul are champions of the Clausura 2026, and with the club’s long‑awaited tenth title finally secured, Joel Huiqui has earned his place on the sideline for good. After the final whistle, Cooperative President Víctor Velázquez confirmed that Huiqui will remain as head coach for next season — a remarkable rise for a man who arrived as an emergency fix and ended up lifting the trophy just seven matches later.
Meanwhile, over in Ciudad Universitaria, Pumas enter a decisive week as they work to extend the contract of Efraín Juárez, the coach who reignited belief across the club.
Huiqui earns the job the hard way — and fast
Huiqui stepped in as a mid‑season firefighter after Nicolás Larcamón was dismissed following Matchday 17. What followed was a stunning run: five wins and two draws, enough to deliver Cruz Azul’s long‑awaited championship.
Velázquez told TUDN that Huiqui’s future was never in doubt: “Joel is staying because he belongs to this institution. He was born at Cruz Azul, he grew up at Cruz Azul. When we spoke, I told him: ‘If you win the title, you stay as head coach.’ Today is a day to celebrate — for our fans, our players, their families, and everyone in the club.”
Pumas prepare to negotiate Efraín Juárez’s future
Across town, Pumas face a crucial stretch. Sources told AS México that negotiations between Juárez’s camp and club vice president Antonio Sancho will begin this week, with both sides eager to extend his deal.
Juárez’s agent, David Baldwin, is already in Mexico City and ready to negotiate. The 38‑year‑old coach has only six months left on his contract, which expires in December 2026.
Two Mexican coaches, one historic final
The Clausura 2026 final between Joel Huiqui and Efraín Juárez was historic in its own right. It had been 13 years since two Mexican managers faced each other in a Liga MX final — a testament to the quality of their work.
Their paths, however, couldn’t have been more different:
- Efraín Juárez has been building a long‑term project at Pumas.In one year, he’s coached 60 matches, earning 22 wins, 21 draws, and 17 losses.
- Joel Huiqui arrived late and shocked the league.In just seven games, he delivered Cruz Azul’s tenth title — a run that instantly secured his future.
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.