Clásico Joven and Clásico Regio Set to Shape the Contenders in Liga MX's Apertura 2026 Matchday 8

It's a loaded weekend in Liga MX. Matchday 8 of the Apertura 2026 brings two headline attractions that any fan circles on the calendar: the Clásico Joven and the Clásico Regio, with America's spot atop the table also in play even though the Eagles arrive with a game still in hand.

The spiciest matchup comes Saturday, September 12: Cruz Azul host America at Estadio Banorte, in what's known as the Clásico Joven. For Andre Jardine's side, this is no ordinary game. They come in as tournament leaders, though still owing that pending match they have yet to play. A win at La Noria would help them pad that cushion atop the standings while the rest of the league tries to keep pace. Kickoff is set for 9:15 pm Mexico City time (10:15 pm in Ecuador, Colombia and Peru; 11:15 pm Eastern; 12:15 am in Argentina, Uruguay and Chile), airing on Vix and TUDN in both Mexico and the United States.

The other clásico on the docket, the Regio between Monterrey and Tigres, kicks off that same Saturday but a bit earlier, at 7:10 pm Mexico City time, at Estadio BBVA. It's a fixture that always promises plenty of friction, and it will be broadcast in Mexico on Vix, TUDN and Ligatime.

Sunday, September 13 brings its own big draw with Chivas facing Pumas at Estadio Akron, set for 7:07 pm Mexico City time, airing on Amazon in Mexico and Telemundo in the United States. Earlier that same Sunday, starting at 6:00 pm Mexico City time, Santos host FC Juarez at Estadio TSM.

The rest of the schedule

Friday, September 11 opens the matchday with a tripleheader: Necaxa against Puebla at 7:00 pm Mexico City time at Estadio Victoria, followed by Atlante versus Pachuca and Tijuana against Queretaro, both kicking off at 9:00 pm Mexico City time at Estadio Banorte and Estadio Caliente, respectively.

On Saturday, ahead of the Clasico Regio and the Clasico Joven, Toluca takes on Atlas starting at 5:00 pm Mexico City time at the Nemesio Diez, with coverage on TUDN.

The matchday wraps up Monday, September 14 with Leon hosting Atletico San Luis at Estadio Nou Camp, starting at 7:00 pm Mexico City time, airing on Fox One in Mexico and Vix Premium in the United States.

With America looking to extend their lead atop the table and the two clasicos adding extra spice, this Matchday 8 has all the makings of a weekend that shifts both the overall standings and the race for the tournament's scoring title.