Promotion and Relegation Return to Liga MX in 2026–27 Season

Promotion and relegation in Liga MX are officially set to make a comeback for the 2026–27 season, following a pivotal decision confirmed by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). This long-anticipated move ends years of uncertainty and debate within Mexican football and marks a significant shift in the league’s competitive structure.

Promotion and Relegation in Liga MX: The Journey to Reinstatement

Promotion and relegation in Liga MX were first put on hold in 2020 in an effort to stabilize the football environment in Mexico and allow second-tier clubs time to strengthen financially and structurally. However, the suspension sparked controversy among fans, clubs, and football authorities, leading to calls for reinstatement from across the sport. Six teams from the Expansion League (Mexico’s second division) even took their appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, seeking an earlier return of the system for the 2025–26 season. CAS, however, rejected the appeal, confirming that the full re-implementation will only begin with the 2026–27 campaign.

Details of the CAS Decision

The CAS ruling follows extensive hearings and reflects the complex legal and sporting arguments behind Liga MX’s current structure. According to the court, the decision to wait until the 2026–27 season ensures all participating clubs have adequate time to meet the necessary sporting and financial requirements for promotion and relegation to function effectively. The ruling brings clarity for both Liga MX and Expansion League clubs, who will now have a clear timeline to prepare for the big transition.

Implications for Clubs, Players, and Fans

With promotion and relegation returning, clubs in both Mexico’s top flight and the Expansion League face renewed motivation and fresh challenges. For Expansion League teams, the pathway to the prestigious Liga MX is once again open, offering the possibility of new rivalries and greater visibility for emerging talent. On the other hand, Liga MX clubs will need to be vigilant, as the threat of relegation will once again become a real concern, promising heightened drama in the league’s lower standings.

Financial and Sporting Impact

The return of promotion and relegation is expected to increase competitiveness and drive improved performances across all levels of Mexican professional football. Clubs will be incentivized to invest more in their squads, infrastructure, and youth academies, contributing to the overall growth of the sport within the country. Experts also suggest that fans, who have long been vocal about the need for a more dynamic league structure, will see more exciting matches and storylines as the battle for survival and advancement intensifies.

Timeline and Next Steps

According to the Mexican Football Federation, the 2026–27 season will see the full restoration of the promotion and relegation system, with the lower-placed Liga MX team relegated and the Expansion League champion promoted, provided they meet all licensing and financial criteria. This process will be closely monitored to ensure fair play and sustainability for all involved.

Promotion and Relegation in Liga MX: What’s Next?

As the countdown to the 2026–27 season begins, clubs, players, and fans alike are preparing for a new era in Mexican football. The reintroduction of promotion and relegation brings fresh hope for Expansion League clubs and raises the stakes for those at the bottom of Liga MX. For more news and ongoing updates on Mexican football’s evolving landscape, visit for more news.

Opinion: A Vital Step Forward for Mexican Football

In my view, the return of promotion and relegation to Liga MX is a critical and overdue development for the league’s integrity and excitement. It restores a sense of meritocracy and ensures that all clubs remain ambitious and driven, knowing their place in the top division is never guaranteed. While the wait until 2026–27 may disappoint some fans eager for immediate change, the extra preparation time should help ensure a smoother, more sustainable transition for everyone involved. Ultimately, this move promises to revitalize the competitive spirit of Mexican football and engage supporters with the drama and unpredictability that promotion and relegation always deliver.