FIFA has rejected Liga MX's request for an extraordinary transfer window before the Clausura 2026 Liguilla, requiring teams to use their current squads despite national team call-ups. Chivas faces the biggest impact as the top contributor of players. However, FIFA approved extensions for World Cup stadium deliveries.
Liga MX requested a special FIFA transfer window limited to Mexican players to replace those called up by Javier Aguirre for a 40-day training camp ahead of the 2026 World Cup. FMF commissioner Mikel Arriola noted the denial.
"FIFA has determined not to authorize the request to enable a third transfer period during the football year. Consequently, it will not be possible to make additional registrations or transfers between Liga BBVA MX clubs to reinforce squads of teams lending selected players in the Final Phase of the Clausura 2026 Tournament," Liga MX reported.
Chivas, potentially missing Raúl Rangel, Richard Ledezma, Brian Gutiérrez, Roberto Alvarado, and Armando González, will suffer most. Toluca could lose Everardo López, Jesús Gallardo, or Alexis Vega; América, Cruz Azul, FC Juárez, Pumas, Santos Laguna, and Tigres UANL may also see absences.
On a positive note, FIFA extended stadium delivery dates: Banorte and Akron to May 13, BBVA to May 17. This allows América, Chivas, or Monterrey's Rayados to host potential semifinals, though not finals on May 21 and 24.
