If you’re waking up on this Saturday, January 17, 2026, wondering who plays Mexico today, you’ve likely got El Tri on the brain. We are officially in a World Cup year. The vibe is different. Every time the national team steps onto grass, it feels like a final exam, but here is the quick reality check: The Mexican National Team (Selection) is not playing a match today.
Instead, the spotlight today belongs entirely to Liga MX.
The Clausura 2026 season is in full swing, and if you need your Mexican soccer fix, you’ve got a massive triple-header of domestic action. While Javier Aguirre and his coaching staff are busy scouting for the upcoming friendlies against Panama and Bolivia later this month, the players are fighting for their lives in the league to secure one of those final roster spots for the summer.
Who Plays Mexico Today? The Liga MX Slate
Since the national team is idle until their January 22 clash in Panama City, today is all about the clubs. Saturday in Mexico is sacred for football fans, and the schedule for January 17, 2026, doesn’t disappoint.
Necaxa vs. Atlas kicks things off early (6:00 PM ET). It’s a scrappy match-up, but honestly, most eyes are going to be on the later slots.
Chivas de Guadalajara vs. Querétaro follows almost immediately at 6:05 PM ET. Chivas is always under the microscope. Because they only field Mexican players, this is basically a "Selection" audition every single week. If you want to know who might be playing for Mexico in the World Cup opener against South Africa this June, you watch Chivas.
The "heavy hitters" take the stage at 8:00 PM ET when Tigres UANL faces Toluca. This is arguably the game of the day. You’ve got the perennial power of Tigres against a Toluca side that has been consistently dangerous. Then, to cap off the night, Cruz Azul plays Puebla at 10:00 PM ET, while Tijuana hosts Atlético San Luis at the same time.
Where to Watch Mexican Soccer Today
Streaming is a bit of a mess right now, isn't it? You used to just turn on Univision and call it a day, but in 2026, you need a map to find these games.
- ViX is handling the Necaxa and Tijuana games.
- Peacock, Telemundo, and Universo are your go-to for the Chivas match.
- Fox Deportes and Fubo have the Tigres vs. Toluca clash.
- TUDN and Amazon Prime Video (via the CBS sublicense) are where you'll find Cruz Azul.
Basically, if you have a combination of Fubo or DirecTV Stream and a Peacock sub, you’re covered for about 90% of the action.
When Does the National Team Actually Play?
If you don't care about the clubs and just want to see the green jerseys, you don’t have to wait long. Javier Aguirre has been vocal about wanting "hostile" environments to toughen up the squad before the World Cup. He got his wish.
The next time Mexico plays is Thursday, January 22, 2026. They are traveling to the Estadio Rommel Fernández to take on Panama.
This isn't a "FIFA Date" match, meaning the European-based stars like Santiago Giménez or Edson Álvarez won't be there. Their clubs aren't required to release them. This is a "Liga MX only" camp. It's a massive opportunity for domestic guys like Diego Lainez or Jesús Gallardo to prove they belong in the final 26-man squad.
After Panama, Mexico flies straight to the altitude of Bolivia for a friendly on January 25. These "molero" games (as fans often call them) are usually criticized, but this year they feel vital. With no qualifiers to play since Mexico is a co-host, these are the only chances Aguirre has to see who can handle pressure.
The Road to June 11, 2026
The question of who plays Mexico today will become much more intense as we hit March. That’s when the "real" Mexico team—the one with the European stars—will face Portugal (March 28) and Belgium (March 31).
But the date everyone has circled is June 11, 2026. That is the World Cup opener at the Estadio Azteca. Mexico vs. South Africa. The atmosphere in Mexico City that day will be unlike anything we've seen since '86.
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What You Should Do Now
Since there’s no national team game today, use this Saturday to scout the Liga MX talent. Keep a close eye on the Chivas vs. Querétaro match. Chivas’ young core is expected to make up a significant portion of the roster for the Panama and Bolivia friendlies next week.
If you're planning to watch the games, check your ViX or Peacock subscriptions now so you aren't scrambling at kickoff. If you're looking for tickets for the March friendlies in the U.S. (like the Belgium game in Chicago), those are already hitting the secondary market—grab them before the "World Cup fever" makes the prices even more insane than they already are.
Actionable Next Step: Set a calendar alert for Thursday, January 22, at 8:00 PM ET. That is when the Mexico National Team officially returns to the pitch against Panama. Until then, enjoy the Liga MX madness tonight.