You’re probably waking up, grabbing a cafecito, and wondering exactly when El Tri takes the pitch. It's that classic ritual. Whether it’s a high-stakes friendly or a crucial tournament match, knowing the kickoff time is basically a survival skill for any Mexico fan.
But here’s the thing: today, Sunday, January 18, 2026, the senior Mexico National Team isn't actually playing a match.
If you were hoping to see Javier Aguirre’s squad tonight, you’ve got to wait just a few more days. El Tri is currently in the middle of a focused "domestic-only" training camp. They are gearing up for a two-game road trip through Central and South America that starts later this week.
While the national team is quiet today, Mexican soccer is anything but. The domestic league is in full swing, and if you need your "fútbol" fix right now, there’s plenty on the menu.
When Does Mexico Play Next?
If you came here looking for the national team, mark your calendar for Thursday, January 22, 2026. That is the official return of Mexico.
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They are heading to Panama City to face Panama at the Estadio Rommel Fernández. Kickoff is scheduled for 8:00 PM EST (7:00 PM CST). It’s going to be a "hostile" environment—exactly what Javier "Vasco" Aguirre asked for to test his Liga MX-based players.
After that, they fly to the altitude of Bolivia on January 25. Basically, this whole week is about seeing who can handle the pressure before the European-based stars like Santiago Giménez join the fold for the big March friendlies against Portugal and Belgium.
What Time is the Liga MX Action Today?
Since the national team is resting, all eyes are on the Liga MX Clausura 2026 today. We’ve got some massive matchups that essentially serve as an audition for the national team anyway.
Here is the breakdown for the games happening today, January 18:
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- Pumas vs. León: This one kicks off early at 1:00 PM EST (12:00 PM local) at the historic Estadio Olímpico Universitario. It's always a grind in the Mexico City sun at that hour.
- Santos Laguna vs. FC Juárez: Moving to the evening, this match starts at 6:00 PM EST at the TSM Corona.
- Pachuca vs. Club América: The big one. The "Águilas" are visiting the Estadio Hidalgo with a kickoff at 8:00 PM EST.
If you're a fan of the women's game, Chivas Femenil also faced Santos Laguna earlier today in a match that usually draws a huge following.
Why Today’s Break is Actually a Big Deal
It’s easy to feel let down when there’s no national team game on a Sunday. Honestly, though, this break is tactical.
Javier Aguirre has been very vocal about "micro-cycles." Because today is a Sunday, the players who are on the national team radar are currently playing for their respective clubs (like the guys in the Pachuca vs. América game). Aguirre is literally watching these games today to decide who gets on the plane to Panama tomorrow.
We are only about five months away from the 2026 World Cup opener at the Estadio Azteca. Every Sunday without an El Tri match is a Sunday where the coaching staff is sweating over Liga MX stats.
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The Road to June 11, 2026
Remember, the goal for this squad isn't just winning friendlies in January. It’s being ready for June 11, 2026, when Mexico faces South Africa to kick off the World Cup on home soil.
The schedule for the summer is already locked in:
- June 11: Mexico vs. South Africa (Mexico City)
- June 18: Mexico vs. Korea Republic (Guadalajara)
- June 24: Mexico vs. European Playoff Winner (Mexico City)
Where to Watch the Upcoming Matches
When Thursday finally rolls around, you’ll want to be ready. For those of us in the States, the usual suspects are carrying the games. TUDN and Univision are the homes for El Tri. If you’ve cut the cord, ViX usually streams the Spanish-language broadcast, and you can often find English coverage on FS1 or FS2 depending on the specific TV rights for that window.
For today’s Liga MX games:
- Fox Sports and ViX are your best bets for the Pachuca and Santos games.
- Telemundo or Peacock often handle Pumas home games.
Actionable Next Steps
Don't let the lack of a national team game today ruin your Sunday. Here is how you can stay ahead of the curve:
- Watch Pachuca vs. América tonight at 8:00 PM EST. Keep a close eye on Jorge Sánchez and Israel Reyes. These are the guys likely to start for the national team on Thursday.
- Set an alert for January 22. The Panama game is a "Mextour" style clash but with a much more competitive edge because it's played in Central America.
- Check the roster. Look up the 26-man squad Aguirre just released. It’s heavy on Chivas and América players, including names like Richard Ledezma and Obed Vargas, who are still trying to cement their place in the Mexican heart.
Enjoy the club matches today. The national team hype starts back up in less than 96 hours.