JUAN SAMUEL SANTANA CHAVEZ
Chepe Zazueta
TOP 5 CANDIDATES FOR THE LIGA MX 2026 TITLE
With only a few matchdays played in the Apertura 2026, five teams stand out as the main candidates for the Liga MX title thanks to a combination of competitive squads, consistency in recent tournaments, and the level they have shown on the field. Cruz Azul leads the list, entering as the reigning champion of the Clausura 2026, while also maintaining a solid core and a project led by Nicolás Larcamón. Following them is América, one of the most valuable squads in Mexican football and a constant contender in the final stages under Guillermo Almada's management.
The third spot belongs to Toluca, champions of the Apertura 2025, and a team that boasts one of the most dangerous offenses in the league, led by Alexis Vega and Helinho. Tigres occupies the fourth position due to the experience of its squad, featuring stars like André-Pierre Gignac and Juan Brunetta, as well as their consistent presence in the playoffs over the last decade. The fifth place goes to Guadalajara, which under the technical direction of Gabriel Milito has shown collective improvement and possesses an important base of Mexican players capable of competing for the championship.
Based on the current moment, the Top 5 favorites are: 1. Cruz Azul, 2. América, 3. Toluca, 4. Tigres, and 5. Guadalajara. These five clubs have sufficient sporting arguments to contend for the championship thanks to the depth of their squads, the investment made in recent tournaments, and their playoff track records. Although the Apertura 2026 has just begun and teams like Pachuca, Pumas, or Monterrey could join the dispute, these five start with a higher probability of lifting the trophy if they maintain the level shown in the opening matchdays.
