Liga MX Competition Format and Regulations
Liga MX, the top flight of Mexican football, operates under a unique structure designed to maximize excitement and financial viability. Unlike traditional European leagues that use a single long season, Liga MX employs a split-season format that aligns with the FIFA world football calendar.
The Regular Phase
The league consists of 18 clubs that compete in two short tournaments per season: the Apertura (opening), which runs from July to December, and the Clausura (closing), which takes place from January to May. This system results in two separate champions every year.
During the regular phase, clubs compete in a single table. The top eight clubs from this table advance to the final knockout stage. Historically, the league has experimented with different structures; between 2002 and 2011, clubs were divided into three groups of six, with qualification based on group standing and overall performance.
The Final Phase: Liguilla
The final knockout phase is known as the Liguilla. This stage features the eight qualifying clubs paired by their seeding—the highest seed faces the lowest seed, and so on. Each tie is contested over two legs, with the winner determined by the aggregate score.
The winner of the Liguilla is awarded the Liga MX trophy, while the runner-up receives a smaller version of the trophy. Introduced in 1970, the Liguilla modernized the league by allowing clubs facing financial difficulties to generate more profit and remain competitive.
Tie-Breaking Criteria
When two or more clubs finish the regular season with equal points, Liga MX applies a specific hierarchy of tie-breakers to determine the final standings:
- Goal difference
- Total goals scored
- Number of away goals scored
- Head-to-head matchup results
- Position in the general quotient table
- Fair play points (deductions based on cards):
- Yellow card: −1 point
- Indirect red card (second yellow): −3 points
- Direct red card: −3 points
- Yellow and direct red card: −5 points
- Drawing of lots
Promotion and Relegation
Traditionally, Liga MX used a points-per-game-played ratio calculated over the previous three seasons (six tournaments) to determine relegation to Ascenso MX. However, the system became complex after the 2017–18 season, introducing strict infrastructure and youth team requirements for promoted clubs. If a promoted club failed these requirements, the relegated Liga MX club could remain in the top flight by paying a MXN$ 120 million prize to the Ascenso MX club.
In April 2020, Ascenso MX was folded due to financial constraints and the COVID-19 pandemic, replaced by Liga de Expansión MX. Promotion and relegation were suspended for six years. Following a legal dispute brought by ten clubs to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), a verdict was issued on September 4, 2025. The ruling mandates the return of relegation starting with the 2026–27 season, though the Mexican Football Federation retains the right to set promotion requirements.
CONCACAF Champions Cup Qualification
Liga MX clubs compete for spots in the CONCACAF Champions Cup, the premier club competition in North America. The league is guaranteed six spots, with the possibility of earning up to nine via the Leagues Cup.
Generally, the Apertura and Clausura champions and runners-up, along with the next two best clubs in the aggregate table, qualify. To handle scenarios where the same clubs dominate both tournaments, specific formulas are used to ensure fair distribution of berths, often passing spots to non-finalists with the best records.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Number of Clubs | 18 |
| Tournaments per Year | 2 (Apertura & Clausura) |
| Playoff Format | Liguilla (Top 8 clubs) |
| Relegation Status | Returning in 2026–27 season |
| International Qualification | 6 to 9 spots for CONCACAF Champions Cup |
Key Facts
- Liga MX uses a split-season format with two champions per year.
- The Liguilla is the eight-team knockout phase that determines the champion.
- Tie-breakers include goal difference, head-to-head results, and a fair play point system.
- Promotion and relegation were suspended in 2020 but will return in the 2026–27 season per a CAS ruling.
- The league can send between 6 and 9 teams to the CONCACAF Champions Cup.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the Apertura and Clausura?
The Apertura is the opening tournament held from July to December, while the Clausura is the closing tournament held from January to May.
How does the Liguilla work?
The Liguilla is a knockout tournament featuring the top eight clubs from the regular phase. They are paired by seed and play two-legged ties; the team with the higher aggregate score advances.
When will promotion and relegation return to Liga MX?
Following a ruling by the Court of Arbitration for Sport, relegation is scheduled to return starting with the 2026–27 season.
How are ties broken in the regular season standings?
Ties are broken using a sequence of criteria starting with goal difference, followed by goals scored, away goals, head-to-head results, the general quotient table, and finally fair play points.
How many teams from Liga MX qualify for the CONCACAF Champions Cup?
Liga MX is guaranteed six spots, but can qualify up to nine teams if they perform well in the Leagues Cup.