Cruz Azul have secured their place in the Liga MX Clausura 2026 final. They are now one step closer to claiming their tenth title. First, they must overcome their opponent, to be decided between Pumas and Pachuca.
Cruz Azul’s Semifinal Success
Joel Huiqui and his team managed to defeat Chivas in the semi-finals with an aggregate score of 3-4. This result came despite many specialists and journalists suggesting that cutting ties with Argentinian manager Nicolás Larcamón before the Liguilla was a mistake.
Potential Home Advantage
Cruz Azul could potentially finish the season with the home support of their fans, depending on who their opponent is. If Universidad Nacional overturn the series, the final would conclude at the Estadio Olímpico Universitario, a ground that served as Cruz Azul’s home for a significant period. Alternatively, should Tuzos prevail, the first leg would be at the Estadio Hidalgo, with the return leg at Cruz Azul’s home.
Venue Challenges for La Máquina
The nine-time Mexican football champions do not have a permanent home. Throughout the season, they have used the Estadio Cuauhtémoc for their home matches, achieving decent results even though attendance figures were not ideal.
La Máquina had recently returned to the Estadio Banorte Azteca, planning to play their home games there from next season, as they had done in the past. However, the Coloso de Santa Úrsula has been handed over to FIFA for renovations in preparation for the 2026 World Cup. As a result, the team are returning to the Estadio Cuauhtémoc, which will now host a Liga MX final, albeit without the true home side, La Franja, who underperformed this season and finished near the bottom of the league.
Final Scenarios and Dates
If the final is Pumas against Cruz Azul, the first leg would take place on Thursday 21 May at the Cuauhtémoc, with the second leg on Sunday 24 May in Ciudad Universitaria.
If La Máquina face Pachuca, the first leg would commence on Thursday 21 May at El Huracán, culminating on Sunday 24 May at the Coloso de Maravillas.