Mexico's Liga MX Eliminates Play-In Format Ahead of 2026 World Cup

Major Structural Changes to Impact Competition Format

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup on the horizon, Liga MX, Mexico’s top-tier football league, has announced the elimination of its current play-in format. This structural overhaul is set to reshape the way clubs qualify for the Liguilla, the league’s prestigious playoff stage, as the Mexican Football Federation aligns its domestic competition in preparation for the upcoming World Cup.

What Is the Liga MX Play-In and Why Was It Removed?

The play-in system, similar to the NBA’s recent format, allowed teams finishing from seventh to tenth place in the regular season to battle for the final slots in the Liguilla. Introduced to heighten competition, the format has now been dropped as officials look to boost performance and consistency across the league.

Primary reasons for removal include:

• Return to a more traditional, performance-based playoff structure
• Raising the competitive level ahead of 2026
• Better alignment with FIFA standards and long-term development goals

How Will Qualification Change Moving Forward?

Going forward, only the top eight teams in the regular season table will qualify directly for the Liguilla, eliminating the play-in round entirely. This decision encourages clubs to perform consistently across the season and rewards regular-season excellence rather than last-minute qualification battles.

New Qualification Breakdown:

• Top 8 teams in the standings will automatically qualify for playoffs
• No additional matches for 9th to 12th place teams
• Greater emphasis on regular season performance

Preparing Mexico for the 2026 World Cup

As one of the co-hosts for the 2026 FIFA World Cup alongside the United States and Canada, Mexico is taking active steps to improve its football development both at club and national levels. Liga MX’s format change is a strategic move designed to raise the standards and competitiveness of the domestic league, directly impacting the national team’s talent pool.

FMF President Juan Carlos Rodríguez emphasized the importance of building a stronger foundation through more rigorous domestic competition as a way to convert league success into international performance.

Looking Ahead

The dissolution of the Liga MX play-in system marks a significant milestone in Mexico’s football evolution. Fans and analysts will now turn their attention to how clubs adapt to the new format—and whether the increased focus on consistent excellence will translate into better international results in 2026 and beyond.

As Mexican football heads into a new era, the league’s transformation is more than a structural change—it's a bold statement of intent on the global stage.