Liga MX Standings Shake Up As Playoff Race Intensifies
Liga MX Standings Shake Up As Playoff Race Intensifies...
The Liga MX standings are trending in the U.S. today as the playoff race reaches a critical stage with just two matchdays remaining in the Clausura 2026 season. American fans are closely tracking the battle for Liguilla spots, particularly with several U.S. national team players featuring for Mexican clubs.
Tigres UANL currently leads the table with 33 points after their 2-1 victory over Atlas on Friday night. Close behind are América and Monterrey, both with 31 points, setting up a dramatic finish to determine seeding. The top four teams earn direct quarterfinal berths, while positions 5-12 enter a play-in round.
U.S. midfielder Alejandro Zendejas has been instrumental for América, scoring in their 3-0 win against Puebla on Saturday. His performance is drawing attention from American soccer fans ahead of this summer's World Cup. Meanwhile, San Diego-born defender Julián Araujo continues to start regularly for Las Águilas.
The most surprising development comes from Chivas Guadalajara, who jumped to fifth place after their 1-0 win over Cruz Azul. American forward Cade Cowell came off the bench in the victory, adding to the U.S. interest in the playoff push. Chivas hasn't won the league since 2017, making their late-season surge particularly compelling.
At the bottom of the table, Mazatlán FC became the first team mathematically eliminated from playoff contention after their loss to Necaxa. The league's relegation system remains suspended through 2026, sparing teams from the drop but intensifying focus on the championship race.
ESPN will broadcast the final matchday games simultaneously on April 30, with Univision carrying Spanish-language coverage. The scheduling caters to growing U.S. viewership, which has increased 18% this season according to Nielsen ratings.
Key matches to watch this week include América vs. Tigres on Wednesday, which could decide the regular season title, and San Luis vs. Monterrey, with Rayados fighting for automatic quarterfinal qualification. The playoff picture should become much clearer by Thursday night.
Liga MX's popularity in the U.S. continues rising, with 14 of the league's 18 clubs now operating youth academies stateside. The current standings drama coincides with increased American interest in Mexico's top division, particularly among bilingual fans along the border regions.
