The Liga MX Apertura 2026 has already confirmed its schedule and presents a completely unusual scenario not seen in modern Mexican soccer: the tournament will start while the 2026 World Cup is still being played.
According to the official schedule, Liga MX will start on July 16, 2026, just three days before the World Cup Final, scheduled for July 19. This crossover represents an atypical event, as the local tournament normally kicks off after the conclusion of the most important international competitions.
World Cup vs Liga MX on the same weekend
For Hispanic fans in the United States, this Liga MX Apertura 2026 schedule will have a direct effect.
During that weekend, they will have to choose between watching the grand final of the 2026 World Cup – to be played on North American soil – or following the start of the Mexican tournament.
This tie-up not only divides the media attention, but also the audience on television and digital platforms, where both events will compete for prominence.
Key dates of the Apertura 2026
The Liga MX Apertura 2026 tournament will follow the usual format, but with important adjustments:
Tournament start date: July 16, 2026
Start of the Liguilla: November 19, 2026
Tournament final (home and away): December 10 and 13, 2026
However, there is a real possibility of changes in the grand final.
In the event that a Mexican team participates in the Intercontinental Cup, Liga MX is considering moving the final of the tournament to unusual dates:
New possible final: December 24 & 27, 2026
This would take the definition of the championship to the middle of the Christmas season.
This is practically unprecedented in Mexican soccer and could have an impact on both players and fans.
Liga MX will begin on July 16, 2026
QuéOnnda.com
Matches during FIFA dates
Another relevant adjustment is that during the FIFA dates in September and October there will be Liga MX Apertura 2026 matches.
This means that several teams could play matches without players called up to national teams, affecting the level of competition on key matchdays.
The schedule also includes the Champion of Champions 2025-2026 match, which will be played on July 25, just days after the start of the tournament.
Due to this, Liga MX is already planning to reschedule Day 2 for the teams involved to avoid scheduling conflicts.
For more information, visit QuéOnnda.com.
