The Liga MX semifinals are set: Clausura 2026 matchups, teams and schedule
After the quarterfinals came to a dramatic climax this weekend, just four teams remain in the hunt for the Clausura 2026 title.
The Clausura 2026 playoff quarterfinals are in the books, and the Liga MX semifinal matchups are now set as the race for Mexico’s latest league title heats up.
Who’s playing who in the Liga MX semifinals?
After knocking out defending champion Toluca, Pachuca will take on Pumas in the last four - opening the series at Estadio Hidalgo before heading to Estadio Olímpico Universitario in Mexico City for the return leg.
Pumas stamped their ticket to the semis in a dramatic tie with Club América. After a 3-3 opening-leg draw, the teams repeated the scoreline in the return, as América fought back from three down to level the series at 6-6. However, the tiebreaker went Pumas’ way, as Efraín Juárez’s men progressed by virtue of their higher regular-season finish.
Meanwhile, Chivas Guadalajara pulled off the improbable in the last eight, eliminating Tigres with a late second-leg comeback. Now, they’ll face Cruz Azul in what promises to be one of the marquee matchups in Mexican soccer at this stage of the tournament.
Chivas flipped the tie against Tigres in a stunning three-minute burst. Santiago Sandoval struck in the 74th and again in the 77th minute - enough to send Chivas through and knock out a Tigres side that is also gearing up for the CONCACAF Champions Cup final.
Cruz Azul, meanwhile, had little trouble dispatching Atlas. While they were tested at Estadio Jalisco, La Máquina took control back in Mexico City, closing out the series and punching their ticket to the semifinals.
First-leg matches will be played on Wednesday and Thursday this week, with the second legs scheduled for Saturday and Sunday. Liga MX is due to confirm the exact dates and kickoff times on Monday.
Clausura 2026 semifinals - the matchups:
First legs:
- Pachuca vs Pumas, 13-14 May
- Cruz Azul vs Chivas, 13-14 May
Second legs:
- Pumas vs Pachuca, 16-17 May
- Chivas vs Cruz Azul, 16-17 May
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