Liga MX Showdown: 2025's Undefeated Giants Clash in Epic Championship Battle
The Liga MX Clausura 2026 campaign is gaining momentum as the initial marquee encounters take the spotlight in what promises to be an exciting weekend of football in Mexico's premier division.
Clubs throughout Liga MX utilized the early weeks of 2026 to completely return to optimal competitive form while also strengthening their squads during the winter transfer period—which continues until Feb. 9.
However, following four matches, clubs are beginning to reach maximum capacity and the battle for playoff positions will start to heat up in the upcoming weeks.
This weekend, four of the preseason championship contenders face off in two matches that could easily serve as playoff encounters come May. As the Clausura campaign starts to develop, the time for conjecture and early season preparation has ended.
Here are the two Liga MX fixtures to monitor this weekend, beginning with a showdown between the leading two clubs in Concacaf's organizational rankings.
Toluca vs. Cruz Azul
Toluca vs. Cruz Azul
Coming off capturing a second straight Liga MX championship, Antonio Mohamed's Toluca are strong contenders to secure three consecutive titles in the Clausura 2026. One of their primary rivals? Cruz Azul, a squad that's reached at least the semifinal stage in each of the last four campaigns.
Minimal differences exist between these two clubs regarding talent as both possess two of the most formidable rosters in the entire region. Indeed, they represent the leading two teams in North America based on Concacaf's standings, with both sides positioned above third-ranked Inter Miami.
Toluca currently occupy fifth position after four games following two goalless stalemates. Meanwhile, Cruz Azul sit second, having secured three consecutive victories, and they've gradually begun displaying their finest form.
With numerous Mexico national team 2026 World Cup candidates in action, the encounter guarantees to provide an outstanding showcase—Toluca will seek to conclude a four-match winless run against La Máquina.
How to Watch Toluca vs. Cruz Azul
How to Watch Toluca vs. Cruz Azul
Club América vs. Monterrey
Club América vs. Monterrey
Club América welcome Monterrey to conclude a busy Saturday schedule of Liga MX action with an encounter that's subtly developed into a rivalry over the previous 14 months.
América overcame Monterrey to secure an unprecedented third-consecutive Liga MX championship back in Dec. 2024. Twelve months later, Rayados achieved their payback, ousting Las Águilas in the Apertura 2025 quarterfinal with a dramatic injury-time strike in the away second leg.
Monterrey have constructed an absolute powerhouse through their economic strength, featuring players such as former Man United striker Antony Martial and former Spain international Oliver Torres in their lineup. América, conversely, just finalized the acquisition of Raphael Veiga, and the two-time Copa Libertadores winner with Palmeiras could make his first appearance vs. Rayados.
Both organizations have experienced sluggish beginnings to the Clausura season, and they cannot afford to continue losing points or they'll fall behind the league leaders, making this an encounter where both talented, offense-oriented teams will be compelled to take chances in pursuit of three points.
Put simply, it's straightforward to imagine América vs. Monterrey developing into a high-scoring affair that concludes Gameweek 5.