FIFA has authorized Mexican football clubs to extend the use of some stadiums that will be venues for the 2026 World Cup, allowing them to remain in use during the final stage of the Clausura tournament. According to a statement from Liga MX, the international body approved the modification in the handover dates for the World Cup venues, following requests from teams seeking to play the playoffs in their home stadiums. With this decision, Akron Stadium and Banorte Stadium can be used until May 13, while BBVA Stadium will have a deadline of May 17. The measure represents an adjustment in logistics leading up to the FIFA World Cup 2026, which Mexico will host alongside the United States and Canada, and involves the adaptation and early delivery of the venues for their intervention and preparation.
In parallel, Liga MX reported that FIFA rejected the request to enable a third transfer window in the season, a proposal that sought to allow clubs to reinforce their squads in the event of players being called up to the national team. "FIFA has determined not to authorize the request (...) it will not be possible to carry out registrations or additional transfers between clubs," the league detailed in its statement. The refusal will directly impact clubs that contribute several players to the squad led by Javier Aguirre, as they could face the playoffs with reduced rosters. Clubs like Club América, Chivas de Guadalajara, and Cruz Azul are among those potentially most affected by the absence of key players in the final stretch of the tournament. The decisions reflect the process of operational and sporting adjustments in Mexico with just over a year to go before the World Cup, where coordination between FIFA, authorities, and clubs will be key to meeting the tournament's international standards.
