Hooligan Soccer
·9 January 2026
LigaMX Clausura Kickoff: Who Will Rise This Season?

In partnership with
Yahoo sportsHooligan Soccer
·9 January 2026

As the new season of Liga MX kicks off, football fans across Mexico are gearing up for another thrilling chapter of one of the most competitive leagues in the Americas. Every year, surprises emerge, underdogs shine, and perennial powerhouses battle to maintain their grip on glory. This season promises no less.
When it comes to favorites for the championship, four teams immediately come to mind: Tigres, América, Cruz Azul, and Monterrey. These clubs have consistently performed at the top of the table in recent seasons, and each brings its own strengths to the competition. However, if we were to give a slight edge, Tigres and América might stand out.
Tigres were finalists just less than a month ago, demonstrating their ability to perform under pressure, while América has been a dominant force with recent title wins in the past three years. Their experience in high-stakes matches could make all the difference as the season progresses.
Cruz Azul and Monterrey are no strangers to contention either. Both teams possess strong squads capable of challenging for the title week in and week out. Monterrey, in particular, has shown remarkable consistency, and their tactical discipline under pressure makes them formidable opponents. Although they may not carry the same recent title pedigree as Tigres or América, they have the tools to go all the way.
Interestingly, one of the teams often discussed in these conversations, Toluca, is a wildcard this season. While they remain a competitive squad, the idea of a team winning three consecutive titles in Liga MX seems increasingly unlikely in such a tightly contested league. That said, Toluca will be far from an easy opponent, especially at home, where their matches often feel like playoff battles. Expect them to make the postseason but perhaps fall short of claiming another title.
Liga MX is also a league that thrives on surprises, and this season may see teams like Pumas, Chivas, and Tijuana stepping up. Each has the potential to shake up the standings, either by upsetting favorites or going on streaks that put them in the playoff picture. Unpredictability is part of the LigaMX charm, and these teams could provide some of the most exciting storylines of the season.
As for the opening week, the matchup that immediately grabs attention is Saturday’s clash between Monterrey and Toluca (kickoff is at 10pm ET/7pm PT). Right from the start, fans will witness what could be described as a playoff-style clash, a reminder of the intensity Liga MX offers even at the beginning of the season. Matches like this set the tone for the weeks to come and hint at the battles fans can expect down the stretch.
Predicting a champion in Liga MX is never straightforward. While Tigres and América may be favorites, the league’s competitive nature ensures that nothing is guaranteed. With surprises lurking around every corner and every match carrying significant weight, fans are in for a season full of excitement, drama, and unforgettable moments.
This Liga MX season promises to be as unpredictable as it is thrilling. That’s exactly why we love it.









































