If you're waking up today, Sunday, January 18, 2026, and wondering what time is the mexico game today, you need to know that the national team, El Tri, is currently in a brief lull before their upcoming friendlies. However, the domestic scene is absolutely buzzing. We are right in the thick of the Liga MX Clausura 2026 season.
While the senior national team doesn't take the pitch for another few days, the biggest clubs in Mexico are playing today. If you’re a fan of Mexican soccer, your "Mexico game" fix is coming from three major Liga MX fixtures scheduled throughout the afternoon and evening.
When Does the Action Kick Off?
The first whistle blows at noon local time. Specifically, Pumas UNAM faces León at the Estadio Olímpico Universitario. For fans watching in the United States, that’s 1:00 PM ET. This is a classic Sunday midday tradition in Mexico City, where the high altitude and heat usually play a massive factor in the pace of the game.
Later today, the focus shifts to the north and the center of the country. Santos Laguna takes on FC Juárez at 5:00 PM local time (6:00 PM ET). But the real marquee matchup, the one most people are likely looking for when they ask about the Mexico game tonight, is Pachuca vs. América. That showdown starts at 7:00 PM local time, which is 8:05 PM ET.
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What About the Mexico National Team?
The national team isn't playing today, January 18. I know, it’s a bummer if you were looking for the green jerseys. But head coach Javier Aguirre has already called up the squad for a pair of critical pre-World Cup tests happening later this week.
- Mexico vs. Panama: Thursday, January 22, 2026, at 7:00 PM CST.
- Mexico vs. Bolivia: Sunday, January 25, 2026, at 1:30 PM CST.
These matches are fascinating because Aguirre is exclusively using domestic-based talent. Since it’s not a FIFA window, the European stars like Santiago Giménez won't be there. Instead, we’re seeing a heavy influence from Chivas and Club América players. It’s a trial by fire for the Liga MX standouts trying to secure a spot on the 2026 World Cup roster.
How to Watch Today’s Liga MX Games
If you are in the U.S., catching these games is actually pretty straightforward. Univision and TUDN hold the lion's share of the broadcasting rights for the Sunday slate.
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- Pumas vs. León: You can catch this on Univision or TUDN at 1:00 PM ET.
- Santos vs. Juárez: This one is primarily on TUDN at 6:00 PM ET.
- Pachuca vs. América: This is the big one. It'll be on TUDN and available via DirecTV Stream at 8:05 PM ET.
Streaming is also an option. ViX is the go-to for most TelevisaUnivision-produced games, though you’ll usually need a premium subscription to see the top-tier matches like the América game.
Why Today Matters for the 2026 World Cup
It might seem like "just another Sunday" in the Clausura, but for these players, every minute counts. We are months away from the 2026 World Cup being hosted on home soil. Aguirre is reportedly watching these specific matches today to finalize his tactics for the Panama friendly on Thursday.
When you ask what time is the mexico game today, you're really looking at the proving ground for the future of the national team. Players like Ángel Malagón and Israel Reyes from América will be under the microscope tonight in Pachuca.
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Keep an eye on the injury reports. Since the national team plays in just four days, any minor knock in today's Liga MX games could force Aguirre to scramble for replacements.
Next Steps for Fans:
- Check your local listings for TUDN or Univision to ensure the 1:00 PM ET kickoff for Pumas vs. León hasn't been shifted by local programming.
- Set a reminder for Thursday night if you are specifically waiting for the senior Mexico National Team to return to action against Panama.
- Verify your streaming login for ViX or Fubo if you plan on watching the Pachuca vs. América match, as high-traffic games can sometimes lag on mobile starts.