5 things to know this Thursday: América under pressure and Rayados missing two
The top spot is up for grabs, Atlas boast a curious stat and the race for the Liguilla enters the home stretch. Here's what you need to know on October 29.
Liga MX has no games this Thursday, but the next matchday could shake up both the top of the table and the qualification zone. With three rounds left in the Apertura 2026, here are five facts to get you ready for the weekend.
1. A break today; Matchday 15 kicks off tomorrow
Friday, October 30 features three games: Atlético de San Luis vs Atlas and Juárez vs Querétaro at 7:00 p.m., followed by Puebla vs Pumas at 9:00 p.m. All times are Mexico City time. After this matchday, two rounds of the regular season will remain.
2. This time, ninth place is out
The Apertura 2026 is being played without a Play-In. Only the top eight in the table will advance to the quarterfinals; finishing ninth will no longer give access to an extra playoff round to fight for qualification.
3. América lead, but two chasers are close
The Eagles reached 28 points after a 1–1 draw with Tijuana in their rescheduled game. Cruz Azul and Chivas have 26, so both are one win away from overtaking them if América lose next matchday.
4. Atlas sit fourth with a negative goal difference
The Rojinegros have 24 points, even though they have scored 25 goals and conceded 26. Their –1 goal difference contrasts with their place in the top four: seven wins and three draws hold up their position in the table.
5. Rayados host Xolos without Almeyda or Orbelín
Monterrey failed to get the red cards to Matías Almeyda and Orbelín Pineda overturned. Both will serve a one-game suspension and miss Saturday's game on October 31 at 7:05 p.m. at Estadio BBVA.
Eight teams will keep fighting for the title; the rest will be eliminated.
The line is drawn: eight teams will keep fighting for the title and the rest will be eliminated. This finish no longer offers a second route into the Liguilla.
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