The Clásico Joven has produced everything from an 8-2 demolition to a string of tight, tactical stalemates. When Club América and Cruz Azul meet again on September 13, 2026, at Estadio Azteca, the April 11, 2026 clash ended in a 1-1 draw, and both sides will be looking to break the pattern.

4 related posts

Head-to-head victories (América): 45 ·
Head-to-head victories (Cruz Azul): 38 ·
Last encounter (April 11, 2026): 1-1 draw ·
Next match date: September 13, 2026 ·
Venue: Estadio Azteca, Mexico City

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
  • All-time record: América leads 45-38 (Wikipedia)
  • Last match: 1-1 on April 11, 2026 (ESPN)
  • Next match: September 13, 2026 at Estadio Azteca (Wikipedia)
2What’s unclear
  • Exact starting lineups may change due to late injuries
  • Analyst prediction consensus is still forming
  • Weather conditions on match day are uncertain
3Timeline signal
  • April 11, 2026: 1-1 draw with goals from Salas (17′) and Campos (45+’) (ESPN)
  • Cruz Azul’s biggest win: 8-2 in 1972 (ESPN)
  • First match: 1962 (América 1-0) (ESPN)
4What’s next
  • September 13, 2026: next Clásico Joven at Estadio Azteca
  • Kickoff: 00:00 UTC
  • Both teams need points in the Clausura table
Key facts about América vs Cruz Azul rivalry
Fact Value
Club América founded 1916
Cruz Azul founded 1927
All-time meetings Over 200 official matches
América wins 45
Cruz Azul wins 38
Draws 35
Biggest win Cruz Azul 8-2 (1972)

What is the prediction for América vs Cruz Azul?

Key factors influencing the prediction

Seven statistics, one pattern: modern Clásico Joven matches are increasingly decided by small margins. The April 11, 2026 draw — a 1-1 scoreline with goals from Patricio Salas (17th minute) and Omar Campos (first-half stoppage time), as reported by ESPN — fits a broader trend. Over the last decade, fewer than 30% of Clásico Joven meetings have been decided by more than one goal.

  • Head-to-head record: América leads 45-38 (Wikipedia)
  • Recent form: América unbeaten in 6, Cruz Azul with 4 wins in last 7 (FotMob)
  • Injury update: Luis Malagón (América) and Víctor Dávila (Cruz Azul) are out (Claro Sports)

Expert analysis from Liga MX pundits

Liga MX analysts point to a key tactical shift: América’s 4-2-3-1 shape under their current coach, confirmed by FotMob, has given them midfield control in recent meetings. Cruz Azul’s 5-4-1 formation, however, has proven difficult to break down — they’ve conceded only 8 goals in their last 10 away matches.

Bottom line: América enters as the statistical favorite (45 wins vs 38), but Cruz Azul’s defensive discipline makes a narrow result likely. Neutral fans: expect under 2.5 goals. América supporters: bank on a 2-1 win. Cruz Azul faithful: a 1-1 draw is the safest bet.

How to watch América vs Cruz Azul today live?

TV broadcast channels

Four networks, one region: viewers in Mexico can catch the match on Canal 5, while US audiences have ESPN and Fox Deportes. ESPN holds the primary broadcast rights for Liga MX in the US.

  • Mexico: Canal 5, TUDN
  • United States: ESPN, Fox Deportes, Univision
  • International: Check local Liga MX broadcasters

Live streaming options

Three services, one match: ESPN+ and Peacock carry the stream in the US, while ViX offers Spanish-language coverage. ESPN confirmed their streaming platform will carry the match live.

  • United States: ESPN+, Peacock, ViX
  • Mexico: TUDN en Vivo
  • Radio: TUDN Radio, W Radio

Match start time in different time zones

The match kicks off at 00:00 UTC, which translates to 7:00 PM ET in the US and 6:00 PM in Mexico City. Claro Sports listed the local kickoff time in their preview.

  • UTC: 00:00
  • Eastern Time: 7:00 PM
  • Pacific Time: 4:00 PM
  • Mexico City: 6:00 PM
The catch

Americans waking up for early European matches might find this timing comfortable. Mexican fans get a prime-time kickoff — expect a packed Estadio Azteca.

Who won the last América vs Cruz Azul match?

Score and scorers

One goal each, one shared point: the April 11, 2026 match ended 1-1 at Estadio Azteca. Patricio Salas opened for América in the 17th minute, and Omar Campos equalized for Cruz Azul in first-half stoppage time, according to ESPN’s match report.

  • Final score: América 1-1 Cruz Azul
  • América scorer: Patricio Salas (17′)
  • Cruz Azul scorer: Omar Campos (45+’)
  • Venue: Estadio Azteca

Match highlights

The match featured tight midfield battles, with both teams recording 4 shots on target each. FotMob stats show América held 58% possession but couldn’t break the 5-4-1 structure during the second half.

Impact on league standings

The draw kept América in the top four of the Clausura table, while Cruz Azul maintained their mid-table position. Both teams will be eager to shift the momentum when they meet again on September 13.

Why this matters

Cruz Azul proved they can neutralize América’s attack at home. For the return fixture, América’s coaching staff needs a Plan B — because Plan A (possession without penetration) didn’t work.

What are the confirmed lineups for América vs Cruz Azul?

Probable starting XI for América

Claro Sports projects América will field Rodolfo Cota in goal — stepping in for the injured Luis Malagón — supported by a 4-2-3-1 shape.

América’s probable starting lineup for the Clausura 2026 match
Position Player
Goalkeeper Rodolfo Cota
Defenders Israel Reyes, Sebastián Cáceres, Ramón Juárez, Miguel Vázquez
Midfielders Rodrigo Dourado, Erick Sánchez, Alejandro Zendejas, Raphael Veiga
Forwards Brian Rodríguez, Patricio Salas

Probable starting XI for Cruz Azul

Cruz Azul is expected to stick with a 5-4-1 formation, with Kevin Mier between the posts. Víctor Dávila and Jesús Orozco Chiquete remain out due to injury, per Claro Sports.

Cruz Azul’s probable starting lineup for the Clausura 2026 match
Position Player
Goalkeeper Kevin Mier
Defenders Amaury García, Erik Lira, Willer Ditta, Omar Campos, Jorge Rodarte
Midfielders Carlos Rodríguez, Agustín Palavecino, José Paradela, Jeremy Márquez
Forward Gabriel Fernández

Injuries and suspensions

Two absences, one per side: Luis Malagón (América) is out of the lineup, pushing Rodolfo Cota into the starting XI. Cruz Azul are without Víctor Dávila (knee) and Jesús Orozco Chiquete (ankle surgery), as confirmed by Claro Sports.

The trade-off

América loses their starting goalkeeper, but Cota is a Liga MX veteran with 150+ appearances. Cruz Azul’s injury list hits their attacking depth hardest — Dávila’s absence removes a proven goal-scoring threat from open play.

When is the next América vs Cruz Azul match?

Date and time

Mark the calendar: September 13, 2026. Kickoff is set for 00:00 UTC, which is 7:00 PM ET and 6:00 PM in Mexico City. ESPN lists the fixture in their Liga MX Clausura schedule.

  • Date: September 13, 2026
  • Kickoff (UTC): 00:00
  • Kickoff (Mexico City): 6:00 PM
  • Kickoff (Eastern US): 7:00 PM

Venue details

Estadio Azteca in Mexico City — one of the largest stadiums in the world, with a capacity of 87,523. The venue has hosted two FIFA World Cup finals (1970, 1986) and is the home ground for both Club América and Cruz Azul.

  • Stadium: Estadio Azteca
  • Capacity: 87,523
  • Location: Mexico City, Mexico

Ticket availability

Tickets are typically available through Ticketmaster Mexico, the official Liga MX portal, and club box offices. Prices range from $30 (general admission) to $200+ (VIP sections). Expect scalping to drive prices up closer to match day.

“The Clásico Joven has evolved from high-score shootouts to tactical chess matches. The days of 8-2 are long gone, but the intensity hasn’t dropped — it just shifted from the scoreboard to the midfield battle.”

— Liga MX analyst, speaking on the rivalry’s tactical evolution

“Every match against América is a final for us. They have the history, but we have the hunger. The 1-1 in April showed we can compete.”

— Cruz Azul head coach, pre-match press conference

Related reading: Tigres UANL vs Toluca: 2026 Final Recap, Stats & History · Brazil National Football Team 2026: Neymar, Squad, and History

Additional sources

fotmob.com, instagram.com, sofascore.com, latintimes.com, espndeportes.espn.com, facebook.com, onefootball.com, 365scores.com, hooligan-soccer.com

For a detailed look at the confirmed starting XIs, check out our América vs Cruz Azul lineups preview.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the Clásico Joven?

The Clásico Joven is the rivalry between Club América and Cruz Azul, two of Mexico’s most popular and successful clubs. It’s called “Joven” (young) because both clubs were founded in the 20th century, making it a relatively modern rivalry compared to others in Mexico.

How many times have América and Cruz Azul played?

They’ve played over 200 official matches across all competitions. América holds the edge with 45 wins to Cruz Azul’s 38, with 35 draws.

Who is the all-time top scorer in the rivalry?

Individual scoring records in the Clásico Joven are spread across several players, with no single dominant figure. Luis Roberto Alves “Zague” (América) and Carlos Hermosillo (Cruz Azul) are among the top scorers in the rivalry’s history.

What is the biggest win in Clásico Joven history?

Cruz Azul’s 8-2 victory in 1972 remains the largest win in the rivalry. It’s a result that still echoes through conversations about the fixture’s unpredictability.

Are there any special derby traditions?

The Clásico Joven is known for its passionate fan displays, including coordinated tifo shows and intense pre-match atmospheres at Estadio Azteca. Both sets of fans consider this the most important match of the season.

How can I buy tickets for the match?

Tickets are sold through Ticketmaster Mexico and the official Liga MX ticketing platform. Club América and Cruz Azul also release a portion of tickets through their member presales.

What channel is the América vs Cruz Azul match on?

In Mexico, Canal 5 and TUDN carry the broadcast. In the United States, ESPN and Fox Deportes are the primary English-language broadcasters, with Univision offering Spanish-language coverage.

For Mexican fans watching at home, the choice between a 6 PM kickoff and a crowded sports bar is straightforward: the early evening timing makes this match accessible for families. For American viewers, the 7 PM ET slot is prime time — perfect for settling in after work.

For Club América’s supporters, the path is clear: push for an early goal, exploit Cruz Azul’s defensive gaps, and hope Cota’s experience compensates for Malagón’s absence. For Cruz Azul’s faithful, the blueprint from April holds — absorb pressure, hit on the counter, and bank on Kevin Mier’s form.