By Wilson Florez
Closing 2026 is close to being defined. Four clubs are still in dispute for the Mexican national soccer trophy. With the elimination of Toluca and Antonio Mohamed, there is no defending champion on the road to the final. Find out the details of the four coaches who will seek their first Liga MX.
Without a doubt, the coach with the most experience is Efrain Juarez. The former footballer directs the UNAM Pumas. The Mexican strategist was champion in Colombia, but in Mexico it had not been able to transcend beyond a Play-In. So far this is Juárez’s best participation on the benches of Mexican soccer.
Professor Efraín Juárez on the last minute penalty missed by Henry Martín:
“It’s beautiful, it’s a movie, gentlemen, and you already know that WHEN EFRAÍN JUÁREZ IS HERE, IT’S A MOVIE.” #Pumas pic.twitter.com/Ws278LjWT4
— Fabrizio Domínguez Castilla (@FabrizioDC_) Would perchance presumably 11, 2026
The next in contention is the Argentine Gabriel Milito. The Chivas de Guadalajara coach is in his fourth tournament with the Rebaño Sagrado. This has been his best participation so far. The South American coach is also looking for his first Liga MX.
One of the unexpected participants is Esteban Solari’s Pachuca. This is his first season with the Tuzos team and so far he has been able to mesh very well with his pieces. Solari knows what it means to be champion, because He achieved it in Malaysia with Johor Darul Ta’zim. The Argentine is seeking his first title in Liga MX in his debut campaign.
🇦🇷 Esteban Solari gives the keys for Pachuca to regain prominence in Liga MX 🤍💙
◾️ Quality of your players and group management
◾️ Support from the board pic.twitter.com/w0ns6E8vei— AS México (@ASMexico) Would perchance presumably 12, 2026
Last coach on the table is Joel Huiqui. In a complex season for Cruz Azul, Huiqui had to assume command of “La Maquina” for the dismissal of Nicolás Larcamón after having completed the long-established phase of Clausura 2026. Huiqui has just eliminated Club Atlas and is looking for his first title in his first foray as a top coach in Liguilla.
In general terms, all coaches who are part of a semi-final for the first time in their career. Clausura 2026 will be the first Liga MX trophy for any of these four strategists.
Liga MX Semifinals
Blue Cross vs. Chivas
First leg: Wednesday, May 13, Banorte Stadium.
Return: Saturday, May 16, Jalisco Stadium.
Pumas UNAM vs. Pachuca
First leg: Thursday, May 14, Hidalgo Stadium.
Return: Sunday, May 17, University Olympic Stadium.
Keep reading:
– Javier Mascherano winks at Liga MX
– In America they analyze the return of Guillermo Almada to the Liga MX
– The Chivas allow themselves to be pampered in CDMX with everything and serenade
– Chicharito envisions Armando González as the next idol of Mexico
