Liga MX

Why the World Cup could push a Liga MX final to the United States

FIFA stadium requirements could force Monterrey to move a potential championship match to Texas, challenging long-held Liga MX traditions.

FIFA stadium requirements could force Monterrey to move a potential championship match to Texas, challenging long-held Liga MX traditions.
JONATHAN DUENAS
Sebastián Gómez
Ciudad de México Update:

According to multiple reports, and with the World Cup just months away, Monterrey is in talks about moving a potential Liga MX final to the United States if the club reaches the championship round and cannot use its home stadium.

Monterrey is bracing for an unusual stretch, shaped less by what happens on the field and more by logistical decisions that could disrupt long-standing traditions in Mexican soccer. International scheduling conflicts and previously signed commitments have placed the club in an awkward position at a delicate moment. Within the Rayados organization, the issue is already being discussed quietly, though there is still no official confirmation.

The World Cup’s growing impact on Liga MX

The upcoming World Cup is already having a direct effect on Liga MX, and Monterrey appears to be one of the teams most affected. Estadio BBVA, known as the “Steel Giant,” is part of FIFA’s operational plan, which would require significant adjustments if Rayados advance deep into the playoffs. The idea of playing crucial matches away from home has opened an unprecedented debate in Mexican soccer.

Monterrey could head to Texas if it reaches the final

According to journalist Willie González, Rayados executives are considering a drastic alternative if the team reaches next season’s final. The match would not be played in Nuevo León. Instead, the championship could cross the border into the United States. The reason is directly tied to the handover of the stadium and FIFA’s requirements.

“Next term, Monterrey has to turn the stadium over to FIFA, no matter what, on May 14,” González said. “The club is considering taking the final to San Antonio, Texas. The Alamodome would host Rayados in the final against whoever it may be. I’ve been told they are already making calls to the Alamodome to see how much the rental would cost, because they would have to play the final there. It’s impossible to stage a final here with VIP areas set up in the parking lot. Imagine hosting the final while FIFA is running all of its hospitality operations. It just doesn’t make sense.”

A historic break with Liga MX tradition

The implications are significant. Playing a Liga MX final outside Mexico would break with decades of tradition and spark a deeper debate about the balance between domestic competitions and global commitments. For Rayados, the move appears driven by operational necessity rather than sporting ambition.

For now, fans are watching with a mix of anticipation and disbelief. The idea of a final in San Antonio has excited some supporters and frustrated others, but everything hinges on Monterrey reaching the last match of the tournament. The ball has yet to roll, but the controversy is already surrounding Rayados.

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