Get to know Atlante, the historic club returning to Liga MX | OneFootball

After 12 years away, Atlante is back in Liga MX. One of the most historic clubs in Mexican soccer begins a new chapter in the Apertura 2026, bringing an end to a long stay in Liga de Expansión where it collected trophies but never had the chance to earn promotion on the field because of the suspension of promotion and relegation. Instead, the club punched its ticket back to the top flight by acquiring Mazatlán FC’s Liga MX membership certificate.

A giant of Mexican soccer

Founded in 1916, Atlante is one of the oldest clubs in the country. Throughout its history, it has won three Liga MX titles (1946-47, 1992-93 and Apertura 2007), two Concacaf Champions’ Cups and even represented Mexico at the 2009 FIFA Club World Cup, finishing in fourth place.

The club is also remembered for its deep roots in Mexico City before relocating first to Querétaro and later to Cancún.

Twelve years in exile

Atlante’s last tournament in the top division was Clausura 2014, when it was relegated after finishing with one of the league’s worst relegation coefficients.

Since then, the club spent 12 years in what became Liga de Ascenso and later Liga de Expansión MX.

During that stretch, Atlante established itself as one of the division’s dominant forces, winning multiple championships and consistently competing at the top of the table. Unfortunately for the “Potros,” all those trophies came with one catch: there was no elevator back to Liga MX because promotion had been switched off.

Nickname: “The Iron Colts”

Atlante’s most famous nickname is “Los Potros de Hierro” (“The Iron Colts”).

The nickname was coined by a sports columnist in the 1940s, who described the team as one that “charged relentlessly into attack,” much like an untamed young colt. The “Iron” part reflected the club’s strength, resilience and fighting spirit on the field.

However, its original — and perhaps most meaningful — nickname is “El Equipo del Pueblo” (“The People’s Team”).

Why is Atlante called “The People’s Team”?

Along with several other historic clubs in Mexico, Atlante is one of the country’s oldest institutions and has built a loyal fan base across the nation, particularly in Mexico City.

The club’s origins date back to 1916, when it was founded by workers and merchants from the working-class neighborhoods of Mexico City. That identity has remained intact throughout its 109-year history, surviving every relocation and every reinvention.

During its early years, the club was managed by merchants and laborers from the Roma neighborhood, who relied heavily on players from humble backgrounds to keep the team alive. Long before billion-dollar ownership groups became fashionable, Atlante was already representing the people who actually had to work on Monday morning.

Miguel Herrera leads the new era

To lead the club’s return, Atlante turned to a familiar face: Miguel “Piojo” Herrera.

The former Mexico national team manager previously played for Atlante and won the league title with the club during the 1992-93 season.

Now, Herrera’s mission is to establish the Iron Colts as a competitive Liga MX side once again. His coaching staff also features another club legend: Federico Vilar, the iconic goalkeeper from Atlante’s 2007 championship team, who will serve as assistant coach.

A refreshed squad

For Apertura 2026, Atlante retained the core of the roster that found success in Liga de Expansión while strengthening key positions.

Goalkeepers

Defenders

Midfielders

Forwards

Among the confirmed signings are veteran goalkeeper Óscar Jiménez and defender Diogo Bagüí, both expected to help Atlante in its first objective back in Liga MX: avoiding an immediate return to soccer’s waiting room.

Key dates for Apertura 2026

Expectations are high as the club’s supporters finally get to see the Iron Colts return to Mexico’s top division after waiting more than a decade.

Atlante’s Liga MX return begins on Thursday, July 16, when the club visits Necaxa in Aguascalientes. It will be the Iron Colts’ first top-flight match in 12 years.

On Friday, July 24, Atlante hosts Club América on Matchday 2 in what will be its first major test. The match will be played at the Estadio Azteca, which both clubs will share during the season.

On August 1, Miguel Herrera’s squad faces Cruz Azul on Matchday 3 in another high-profile showdown.

On August 4, Atlante returns to international competition by opening its Leagues Cup campaign against the Vancouver Whitecaps at BC Place in Vancouver. The Iron Colts will also face Real Salt Lake and Minnesota United during the tournament.

Back in Liga MX, Atlante hosts Pumas on October 16 in Matchday 12 before traveling to face Chivas on October 31 in Matchday 15.

We also recommend: https://hooligan-soccer.com/manchester-united-summer-transfer-window-strategy/