Liga MX has already defined the schedule for the 2026 Apertura tournament and the news has taken millions of fans by surprise: Mexican soccer will officially begin while the 2026 FIFA World Cup is still being played in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
After the Clausura 2026 final, where Cruz Azul defeated Pumas at the Estadio Olímpico Universitario to win its tenth league championship, fans’ attention quickly shifted to the next tournament. And now, Liga MX itself has confirmed the most important dates for the soccer semester that will coincide with one of the biggest sporting events in history.
Apertura 2026 to kick off in the middle of the World Cup
According to the official schedule, the 2026 Apertura tournament will begin on Thursday, July 16.
Just days before the World Cup final scheduled for Sunday, July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
This means that fans in Mexico and the United States will experience World Cup matches and Mexican soccer matches simultaneously.
Something unusual in the international calendar.
The decision responds to a strategic adjustment made by Liga MX to prevent the championship from being extended until the end of December.
And to keep organized the dates of Liguilla, international tournaments and other official competitions (Filed under: Liga MX confirms start of the Apertura).
The most important dates of the Apertura 2026
Liga MX also revealed the key dates that will mark the entire tournament.
Tournament start: Thursday, July 16
Champion of Champions: Friday, July 25
Liguilla Kickoff: Wednesday, November 19
Apertura Final 2026: December 10 and 13
However, the dates of the final could still be modified depending on the participation of Mexican clubs in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup.
In the event that any representative of Liga MX reaches important stages of this tournament, the Apertura final could be moved to the last days of December (Filed under: Liga MX confirms start of Apertura).
Something unusual on the international calendar
QuéOnnda.com
Cruz Azul arrives as defending champion
The new tournament will start with Cruz Azul as defending champion after winning the Clausura 2026 under Joel Huiqui.
Who took control of the team after the unexpected departure of Nicolás Larcamón.
The Cementero title raised expectations for the next championship even higher.
Especially because several teams will be looking to reinforce their ranks in view of the media and sporting impact the World Cup will have in North America.
In addition, many Mexican players will take advantage of the Apertura 2026 as a showcase for future international call-ups after the World Cup (Filed under: Liga MX confirms start of the Apertura).
For more information, visit QuéOnnda.com.
