No Match Today: When Does Cruz Azul Play Next? Full Schedule For Clausura 2026
The short answer is no, Cruz Azul is not playing a match today, Friday, December 19, 2025. The team recently concluded its participation in a major international tournament and is currently in a brief recess and pre-season training phase, preparing for the start of the highly anticipated Liga MX Clausura 2026 tournament. This break is a crucial period for the club to rest, regroup, and integrate new strategies under their technical staff before the official competition begins.
For fans of La Máquina Celeste eagerly searching "a que hora juega Cruz Azul hoy," the focus shifts entirely to the upcoming domestic league season. The official calendar for the Clausura 2026 has been released, and the team’s next major competitive fixture is just weeks away. Below is the essential information you need to know about Cruz Azul’s immediate schedule, their recent international performance, and what to expect in the new year.
Cruz Azul's Next Confirmed Match: Date, Time, and Opponent
Following their international commitments, Cruz Azul's next official competitive match will kick off the Liga MX Clausura 2026 season. This fixture marks the start of a new campaign where the team aims to secure a top spot and contend for the championship.
The next confirmed fixture is:
- Matchup: Cruz Azul vs. Puebla
- Date: Saturday, January 17, 2026
- Tournament: Liga MX Clausura 2026 (Jornada 1)
- Kick-Off Time (Central Mexico): 7:00 PM CST (19:00 hrs)
- Kick-Off Time (US East Coast): 8:00 PM EST
- Venue: Estadio Ciudad de los Deportes (formerly Estadio Azul)
This match is a significant return to the Estadio Ciudad de los Deportes, a venue steeped in the club's history, and the opening fixture against Puebla will set the tone for the entire Clausura campaign. Fans are already buzzing about the atmosphere expected for this home opener.
The Current Status of La Máquina: Post-Intercontinental Cup
The reason for the current pause in the schedule is due to the conclusion of the Liga MX Apertura and, more recently, Cruz Azul’s participation in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup 2025. This international exposure was a key moment for the club, even though their journey was short-lived.
Recent International Performance
Cruz Azul's final competitive match was a high-profile friendly against CR Flamengo from Brazil on December 10, 2025, which was part of the FIFA Intercontinental Cup. While the result was not in their favor, the experience of competing on a global stage provides invaluable lessons and motivation for the squad heading into the new year. The team's performance showed flashes of brilliance but also highlighted areas for improvement that the technical director, Martín Anselmi, will be focusing on during the short pre-season.
The team is now in a transition period, balancing player rest with intensive training to build match fitness and tactical cohesion for the rigors of the Liga MX Clausura 2026. The shift from international competition back to the domestic league requires a different strategic approach, focusing on consistency and dominance against familiar rivals.
Key Fixtures and Schedule Highlights for Clausura 2026
The Clausura 2026 calendar is packed with crucial matchups that will define Cruz Azul's season. The team will face several of their biggest rivals, creating must-watch events for football fans. Securing points early in the tournament will be vital for a strong push towards the playoffs (Liguilla).
Major Rivalry Matches (Clásico)
Fans should mark their calendars for these high-stakes encounters, which are often the most defining moments of the season:
- Clásico Joven vs. Club América: This is arguably the biggest rivalry in Mexican football. The date for this highly anticipated match is usually a weekend fixture in the middle of the season, and it's a match that always carries significant weight for both clubs and their supporters.
- Clásico Tapatío vs. Chivas de Guadalajara: The matchup against Chivas is another traditional rivalry that draws massive attention. A potential early-season clash could set the tone for their respective campaigns.
- Pumas UNAM: Matches against Pumas are always intense, often referred to as a "Clásico" due to the historical significance and proximity of the clubs.
Early Clausura 2026 Schedule (Entities & Topical Authority)
Beyond the opening match against Puebla, here are some other key early fixtures (subject to final Liga MX confirmation) that will test the squad's depth and tactical readiness:
- Jornada 2: Away game against Mazatlán FC. This is a chance to prove consistency on the road.
- Jornada 3: Home game against Tigres UANL. A rematch against a perennial powerhouse, often a Liguilla preview.
- Jornada 4: Away to Querétaro FC. An important mid-week fixture to manage player rotation.
- Jornada 5: Home against Atlas FC. A historical opponent where a decisive victory can boost morale.
The entire Clausura 2026 schedule features 17 regular-season matches, with the ultimate goal being a place in the Liguilla playoffs. The team's success will heavily rely on the performance of key players like Uriel Antuna, Carlos Rotondi, and the leadership of captain Ignacio Rivero. The tactical system implemented by Anselmi, which focuses on high-pressing and quick transitions, will be under intense scrutiny as the season progresses.
How to Watch Cruz Azul Matches in 2026
For fans asking where to watch "La Máquina" in the upcoming Clausura 2026, the broadcast landscape remains a mix of traditional and streaming options, depending on the match and your location.
In Mexico, matches are typically broadcast on major networks such as TUDN, Canal 5, and Azteca 7. For viewers in the United States, the rights are often shared between networks like TUDN (Univision) and FOX Deportes, with streaming services like ViX and Peacock also offering live coverage. It is always best to check local listings on the day of the match to confirm the exact channel and streaming platform, as broadcast rights can vary per game.
The return to the Estadio Ciudad de los Deportes for the Clausura 2026 adds another layer of excitement, bringing the team back to a smaller, more intimate venue that promises an electric atmosphere for every home game. This move from the Estadio Azteca is seen by many as a return to the club's roots and a potential catalyst for a championship run.
Looking Ahead: The Road to the Liguilla
While there is no game "hoy," the next few weeks are critical for Cruz Azul. The team is not just preparing for one match; they are preparing for a championship run. The Liga MX Clausura 2026 presents a fresh opportunity to erase the memory of past disappointments and challenge for their tenth league title (La Décima).
Key areas of focus during the pre-season include strengthening the defensive line, integrating any potential new signings, and ensuring the attacking unit, led by players like Ángel Sepúlveda and Gabriel Fernández, is firing on all cylinders. The team’s overall depth will be tested, especially if they qualify for other tournaments like the CONCACAF Champions Cup later in the year, which is a major objective for the club's management and the passionate fan base, known as the "Cementeros."
Stay tuned to the official Liga MX and Cruz Azul channels for any last-minute schedule changes or friendly match announcements before the official Clausura 2026 kickoff on January 17, 2026.
Detail Author:
- Name : Selena Thiel DVM
- Username : fahey.lindsey
- Email : georgette80@howe.com
- Birthdate : 1975-03-30
- Address : 3809 Glover Trail Apt. 103 Satterfieldmouth, CA 71447
- Phone : (862) 309-7227
- Company : Kessler, Beatty and Ernser
- Job : Bartender Helper
- Bio : Debitis ut sit perspiciatis alias. Minus nemo sed similique. Repellat architecto beatae impedit nisi ut. Quos est et qui voluptas.
Socials
linkedin:
- url : https://linkedin.com/in/frederick6373
- username : frederick6373
- bio : Neque dolore vel et dicta soluta impedit.
- followers : 2190
- following : 2974
tiktok:
- url : https://tiktok.com/@frederick_dev
- username : frederick_dev
- bio : Aut architecto quas id aut culpa perspiciatis sit incidunt.
- followers : 4474
- following : 2175
