Pumas UNAM and Cruz Azul will face each other in the Liga MX final, marking an all-Mexico City championship series this season [1, 2].
The first leg of the final was moved to Estadio Ciudad de los Deportes because Estadio Azteca, Cruz Azul’s usual venue, is being prepared for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which opens on June 11 in Mexico City at the same stadium [1, 2]. The second leg will be held at Pumas’ home ground, Olimpico Universitario [1, 2].
Pumas UNAM, who finished top of the regular season, are aiming for their first league title since 2011 [1, 2]. Cruz Azul seek to win their 10th Liga MX crown, having last won the championship in 2021 [1, 2].
Both teams are led by Mexican coaches who are former players with their clubs. Efrain Juarez took charge of Pumas just over a year ago after winning a domestic double with Colombia's Atletico Nacional. Joel Huiqui became Cruz Azul's coach starting with the final regular season match and led them through the playoffs; he is likely to be confirmed permanently if the team wins the title [1, 2]. This final is the first Liga MX championship since 2013 contested between Mexican managers [1, 2].
Cruz Azul played their first two playoff rounds at Estadio Azteca but shifted the final’s opening leg due to World Cup preparations at the venue [1, 2].
Mexico last hosted the World Cup in 1986, making the 2026 tournament the nation’s first since then [1, 2].
The second leg of the Liga MX final at Olimpico Universitario is scheduled to take place around May 24, completing the title series before the World Cup kickoff on June 11 [1, 2].