Mexican Soccer Title Decider: Pumas vs. Cruz Azul - Clausura 2026 Final Second Leg Preview
The countdown is on for the Mexican soccer title decider, with the Clausura 2026 final set to reach its climax this Sunday. Both Pumas and Cruz Azul are gearing up for an intense showdown after a scoreless first leg. Pumas coach Efraín Juárez made a surprising lineup change in the first leg, but it didn't pay off as expected. Cruz Azul's Joel Huiqui, on the other hand, is likely to stick with a similar lineup for the decisive second leg, focusing on improving their finishing in front of goal.
Pumas' probable lineup for the second leg could see Adalberto Carrasquilla returning to the starting XI after being benched in the first leg. Cruz Azul, on the other hand, is expected to maintain continuity in their lineup, with the possibility of Gabriel "Toro" Fernández starting up top to add a cutting edge in attack.
The likely lineup for Pumas in the second leg includes goalkeeper Keylor Navas, defenders Nathan Silva, Rubén Duarte, and Álvaro Angulo, midfielders Rodrigo López, Adalberto Carrasquilla, and Pedro Vite, and forwards Uriel Antuna, Jordan Carrillo, Robert Morales, and Juninho. Cruz Azul's expected lineup features goalkeeper Kevin Mier, defenders Willer Ditta, Gonzalo Piovi, Omar Campos, and Jeremy Márquez, midfielders Amaury García, José Paradela, Agustín Palavecino, Carlos Rodríguez, and Carlos Rotondi, and forwards Christian Ebere or Gabriel Fernández.
Don't miss the action as Pumas takes on Cruz Azul in the second leg of the Clausura 2026 final today, Sunday, May 24, at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT at the Estadio Olímpico Universitario. U.S. viewers can catch the game on CBS Sports Network, TUDN USA, Univision, Univision NOW, ViX, and fubo. Stay connected to all the latest soccer news and more with the AS USA app, offering live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more. Download the app for comprehensive coverage anytime, anywhere. Also, follow us on TikTok and Instagram for quick visual updates on the biggest soccer stories.