América are set to return to Estadio Banorte to face Cruz Azul. Cruz Azul have mathematically secured a place in the Liguilla. Following its temporary closure, both América and Cruz Azul will return to their home ground with new players.
New Faces at América
Of the América players who have been active this Clausura 2026 season, four have never played at Estadio Banorte. These four players all joined the team in the last year. The Brazilian players Raphael Veiga and Vinicius Lima, and Uruguay’s Thiago Espinosa, did not know Estadio Banorte when they signed with the club.
Isaías Violante has been to Estadio Banorte as a rival of América. However, the player never played during Toluca’s visits to América’s home. Violante only ever participated against América at Estadio Nemesio Diez. However, it seems Violante will finally play a Liga MX game on the pitch at Estadio Banorte.
Cruz Azul’s Debutants
Nicolás Larcamón has used 22 players so far this Clausura 2026 season, eight of whom have never played at Estadio Banorte. A large portion of these players arrived in Liga MX or debuted in the Primera División after the Coloso de Santa Úrsula closed for renovations.
Agustín Palavecino joined Necaxa in the Apertura 2024, the first tournament without Estadio Banorte. He then joined Cruz Azul in Clausura 2026, along with Christian Ebere. Luka Romero signed for the club in Clausura 2025. These players have not played at the Coloso de Santa Úrsula.
Three Cruz Azul players who have played minutes in Clausura 2026 debuted during the two years that Estadio Banorte was closed for renovations. These players have not played at the Coloso de Santa Úrsula. They are Jaziel Mendoza (August 2025), Jorge Rodarte (September 2025) and Rogelio González (January 2026).
José Paradela and Amaury García both played in Liga MX before the closure of Estadio Banorte. However, they never played on the pitch at the Coloso de Santa Úrsula.
There will be 12 players who have never been to Estadio Banorte because they recently arrived in Mexican football, or their professional debuts occurred during its closure. América are currently 7th in the table and still competing for a place in the Liguilla.