Chivas Schedule for 2026 Clausura Playoffs and Upcoming Leagues Cup Matches

The regular season of the Liga MX Clausura 2026 concluded on April 26, 2026, and Club Deportivo Guadalajara, widely known as Chivas, has secured its place in the post-season phase. As the "Rebaño Sagrado" moves into the high-stakes Liguilla, fans are looking for the exact dates of the playoffs and the upcoming international fixtures in the Leagues Cup.

Current Post-Season Schedule for May 2026

Following a grueling 17-round regular season, Chivas is now competing in the Clausura 2026 playoffs. The league has established a structured timeline for the knockout stages, ensuring that the champion of Mexican football is crowned by late May.

Clausura 2026 Liguilla Dates

Quarterfinals: The first and second legs are scheduled to take place between May 3 and May 10, 2026.
Semifinals: Should Chivas advance, they will compete in the semifinals from May 13 to May 17, 2026.
Finals: The battle for the trophy is set for a two-legged series.
- First Leg: Thursday, May 21, 2026.
- Second Leg: Sunday, May 24, 2026.

Based on our observations of the team's performance leading into May, the defensive solidity shown in the final three weeks of the regular season will be the deciding factor. The atmosphere at Estadio Akron during these playoff nights is expected to reach a fever pitch, with ticket demand already surging among the "ChivaHermanos."

Upcoming 2026 Leagues Cup Fixtures

After the conclusion of the domestic tournament and a brief summer recess, Chivas will shift its focus to the international stage. The 2026 Leagues Cup will see Liga MX clubs face off against MLS opponents in a month-long tournament held in the United States.

Chivas has been drawn into a challenging group, featuring high-profile matchups in the Pacific Northwest and Southern California.

Leagues Cup Group Stage Schedule

August 5, 2026: Chivas vs. Los Angeles FC (LAFC)
- Venue: BMO Stadium, Los Angeles, California.
- Context: This match is one of the most anticipated of the opening round, given the massive fan base Guadalajara maintains in Southern California. In previous editions, we noted that "away" games for Chivas in LA often feel like home matches due to the overwhelming support of the Mexican-American community.
August 12, 2026: Chivas vs. Seattle Sounders FC
- Venue: Lumen Field, Seattle, Washington.
- Context: Facing the Sounders at Lumen Field presents a unique tactical challenge due to the artificial turf and the loud, concentrated atmosphere. Chivas will need to adapt their possession-based style to the faster pace of the Seattle pitch.

Retrospective of the Clausura 2026 Regular Season

To understand Chivas' current standing in the playoffs, it is essential to look back at the path they took during the first four months of 2026. The schedule was characterized by several "double matchdays" and intense rivalry games.

January: A Strong Opening

The tournament began at home, providing the squad with early momentum.

Matchday 1 (Jan 10): Guadalajara vs. Pachuca at Estadio Akron. A 5:00 PM kickoff that set the tone for the season.
Matchday 2 (Jan 13): FC Juárez vs. Guadalajara. The first road trip to the border was a physical encounter.
Matchday 3 (Jan 17): Guadalajara vs. Querétaro.

February: The Month of Classics

February was undoubtedly the most difficult stretch of the schedule, featuring the "Clásico de México."

Matchday 4 (Feb 1): Atlético San Luis vs. Guadalajara.
Matchday 5 (Feb 6): Mazatlán FC vs. Guadalajara.
Matchday 6 (Feb 14): Guadalajara vs. América. The Clásico Nacional took place on Valentine's Day at Estadio Akron. Our analysis of this match highlighted a conservative tactical approach from both sides, resulting in a tense tactical stalemate that preserved their positions in the top four.
Matchday 7 (Feb 21): Cruz Azul vs. Guadalajara at Estadio Olímpico Universitario.
Matchday 8 (Feb 28): Toluca vs. Guadalajara at the high-altitude Estadio Nemesio Diez.

March: Navigating the Mid-Season Slump

The schedule in March was congested with double-header weeks and the regional derby.

Matchday 9 (March 18): Guadalajara vs. León (Rescheduled match).
Matchday 10 (March 7): Atlas vs. Guadalajara. The "Clásico Tapatío" at the historic Estadio Jalisco. In our live coverage, the intensity of the Guadalajara derby proved once again that league standings matter little when city pride is at stake.
Matchday 11 (March 14): Guadalajara vs. Santos Laguna.
Matchday 12 (March 21): Monterrey vs. Guadalajara. A tough trip to the BBVA Stadium against one of the league's most expensive rosters.

April: The Final Push for Liguilla

Matchday 13 (April 5): Guadalajara vs. Pumas UNAM.
Matchday 14 (April 11): Tigres UANL vs. Guadalajara.
Matchday 15 (April 18): Guadalajara vs. Puebla.
Matchday 16 (April 22): Necaxa vs. Guadalajara.
Matchday 17 (April 25): Guadalajara vs. Tijuana. The regular-season finale at home, which ultimately confirmed their seed for the May playoffs.

Essential Fan Guide for Chivas Matches

Following Chivas requires navigating various broadcasting rights and ticketing platforms, especially when the team travels between Mexico and the United States.

Where to Watch Chivas Live

For the 2026 season, the broadcasting landscape remains split between traditional television and streaming services.

In Mexico: Home matches at Estadio Akron are typically broadcast via Chivas TV, Amazon Prime Video, and sometimes through Televisa/TUDN for high-profile games like the Clásico Nacional.
In the United States: Telemundo and NBC Universo hold the Spanish-language rights for home games, while Peacock offers streaming coverage. For away games, fans often need access to TUDN and the ViX streaming platform.
Leagues Cup: Every match of the 2026 Leagues Cup will be available globally through the MLS Season Pass on the Apple TV app.

Attending Matches at Estadio Akron

Estadio Akron is widely considered one of the most modern and beautiful stadiums in Latin America. If you are planning to attend a playoff match or a future home game, keep these logistical details in mind:

Location: The stadium is located in Zapopan, within the greater Guadalajara area. Traffic on the Periférico can be heavy on matchdays, so arriving at least two hours before kickoff is recommended.
Tickets: Official tickets are sold through the BoletoMóvil platform. For playoffs, season ticket holders (Chivabonados) have a priority window before seats are released to the general public.
Experience: The "Fan Zone" outside the stadium offers a variety of traditional local food, including "Tortas Ahogadas," which are a staple of the matchday experience in Jalisco.

Tactical Analysis and Squad Outlook

Entering the 2026 post-season, Chivas has leaned heavily on its homegrown talent, maintaining the club's historic tradition of playing exclusively with Mexican players. Under the current coaching staff, the team has shifted toward a high-pressing 4-3-3 formation.

Key Performance Indicators

During our review of the 2026 Clausura statistics, several trends emerged:

Home Dominance: Chivas secured over 70% of their total points at Estadio Akron this season. The narrow pitch dimensions and the local support have made it a fortress.
Set-Piece Vulnerability: Despite their offensive flair, the team struggled against tall opponents during corner kicks, a weakness that rivals like Monterrey and Tigres may look to exploit in the quarterfinals.
Youth Integration: The 2026 season saw three academy players (Canteranos) become regular starters, injecting much-needed energy into the midfield during the final minutes of matches.

Summary of the 2025 Apertura Foundation

The success of the 2026 Clausura is built on the foundation laid during the Apertura 2025 season. In late 2025, Chivas demonstrated significant resilience, particularly during a difficult September that included a victory over Club América at the Ciudad de los Deportes stadium.

By finishing the 2025 calendar year on a high note, the squad gained the tactical confidence necessary to compete at the top of the table in 2026. The consistency in the coaching staff from late 2025 into early 2026 has provided a level of stability that was often lacking in previous years.

Conclusion

The Chivas soccer schedule for 2026 is currently centered on the pursuit of the Liga MX title in May. With the Clausura regular season finished, all eyes are on the Liguilla brackets. Following the domestic climax, the focus will shift to the United States for the Leagues Cup in August, featuring marquee matchups against LAFC and the Seattle Sounders. Whether you are watching from Guadalajara or the United States, the next few months represent a defining period for the most popular club in Mexico.

FAQ

When is the next Chivas game?

As of late April 2026, the regular season is over. The next games are the Clausura 2026 Quarterfinals, scheduled to take place between May 3 and May 10, 2026. Exact times and opponents are determined by the final league standings.

Who will Chivas play in the 2026 Leagues Cup?

Chivas will face Los Angeles FC (LAFC) on August 5, 2026, at BMO Stadium, and the Seattle Sounders on August 12, 2026, at Lumen Field.

Where can I buy tickets for the Chivas playoffs?

Tickets for home games at Estadio Akron are primarily sold through the BoletoMóvil app and the official Chivas website. It is advisable to purchase early, as playoff tickets often sell out during the pre-sale for season ticket holders.

Is the Clásico Nacional schedule already set for late 2026?

The schedule for the Apertura 2026 (the second half of the year) is typically released by Liga MX in June or July. Fans should monitor official league channels for the announcement of the next match against Club América.

What time do Chivas home games usually start?

During the 2026 Clausura season, the most common kickoff time for Saturday home games at Estadio Akron was 5:00 PM or 7:00 PM Central Mexico Time.