So, it's Friday, January 16, 2026. If you're looking at the calendar and thinking the Clausura 2026 literally just started, you're right. We are only three weeks into this thing, and honestly, the table already looks like a Pollock painting. Between the World Cup 2026 hype building in Mexico and the "bicampeón" Toluca trying to maintain their throne, things are moving fast.
Tonight is all about one specific clash that has "trap game" written all over it.
The main event for Liga MX games for today is Mazatlán taking on Monterrey. It kicks off at 9:30 PM ET (or 7:30 PM local time in Mazatlán). If you've been following the league this week, you know the vibes are a bit weird. Teams are still shaking off that holiday rust, and the transfer window doesn't even shut until February 9. Basically, rosters are still shifting while points are being won.
What’s Happening Tonight: Mazatlán vs. Monterrey
This isn't exactly a meeting of equals on paper. Monterrey is usually the heavy hitter with the massive bank account. Mazatlán? They’re the scrappy underdog that occasionally forgets to defend. But here’s the kicker: Monterrey hasn't exactly been a road warrior lately.
The game is happening at Estadio El Encanto.
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Quick Fact: Monterrey is currently coming off a somewhat inconsistent start, while Mazatlán is desperate to climb out of the bottom third of the table early.
If you're looking to watch, TUDN and ViX have the rights in the US. It's the only men's first-division game on the Friday slate, which means all eyes are on the coast. Expect a lot of humidity and probably a few yellow cards for "tactical" fouls. That’s just the Liga MX way.
Why Today Feels Different
There is a weird pressure on the league right now. Since Mexico is co-hosting the World Cup later this year, the Clausura has been compressed. They actually got rid of the "Play-In" round for this specific tournament. That means if you aren't in the top eight by April 26, you're out. Period.
Every single game matters more than usual.
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Usually, teams spend January "finding themselves." They lose a couple of games, the fans complain, and then they get hot in March. This year? You can't afford that. If Monterrey drops points today against a team like Mazatlán, they are genuinely making their path to the Liguilla harder in a season where there is no safety net.
The Liga MX Femenil Factor
Don't ignore the women's side of the bracket today. Matchday 3 for the Femenil league is actually packed.
- Cruz Azul vs. Pachuca: This one started earlier at 4:25 PM ET. It’s a massive test for La Máquina, who moved their home games to the Estadio Unidad Deportiva Centenario in Morelos.
- Pumas vs. Mazatlán: Kicking off at 6:40 PM ET.
- Juárez vs. Atlético San Luis: 7:00 PM ET.
The Femenil league has been growing like crazy, and honestly, the quality of play in the midfield is sometimes more technical than the men’s slugfests. If you’ve got ViX, you’ve basically got a soccer marathon on your hands.
Looking Ahead to the Weekend
Today is just the appetizer. Tomorrow and Sunday are where the heavyweights come out to play.
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On Saturday, we’ve got the rematch everyone has been waiting for: Tigres vs. Toluca. This is a repeat of the recent final. Toluca took the title (their 12th!), and Tigres is still salty about it. That game is at the "Volcán" (Estadio Universitario), and it's going to be loud.
Then on Sunday, Club América heads to Pachuca. América hasn't looked like their usual "superteam" self in the first two weeks, and playing at the Estadio Hidalgo is never easy. The altitude and the pace of Pachuca’s kids usually cause problems for the older, more expensive squads.
Where to Put Your Attention
If you are trying to prioritize your Friday night, focus on the Monterrey midfield. Watch Sergio Canales if he’s in the starting XI. The guy is a magician, but he needs the strikers to actually finish the chances he creates. Mazatlán will likely park the bus and try to hit on the counter with Facundo Almada being a threat on set pieces.
It won't be the prettiest game of the year.
It will, however, tell us a lot about whether Monterrey is a serious contender or just a collection of expensive names.
Actionable Next Steps
- Check the Lineups: About an hour before the 9:30 PM ET kickoff, check the official Liga MX app. If Monterrey is resting key players, the "Under" on goals becomes a much more attractive thought.
- Verify Your Stream: Since CBS Sports Golazo and TelevisaUnivision have that sublicense deal now, make sure you know which app actually has the game. For tonight, ViX is your safest bet for the Femenil games, and TUDN for the Mazatlán match.
- Track the Table: Keep an eye on the "Points per Game" metric. With the shortened format and no Play-In, a loss today for a mid-table team is effectively worth double what it was last year.
The season is moving fast. Don't blink.