Pumas vs. Cruz Azul broke records, swept ratings and attendance
Liga MX confirmed record numbers on television, stadiums and social networks after the final between Auriazules and Cementeros
The Clausura 2026 Final between Pumas and Cruz Azul became a total phenomenon for Liga MX. The duel for the title played on May 24 broke an audience record and is already considered the most watched final in the last 30 years in Mexican soccer.
According to official figures from the Liga MX, the second leg brought together 10.24 million viewers, also consolidating itself as the sixth most watched second leg final since the creation of the short tournaments.
The Final between Pumas and Cruz Azul dominated television and digital platforms
The impact of the confrontation between Pumas and Cruz Azul was not only reflected on television. The tournament also accumulated 42.46 million views on YouTube and Liga MX reached 18.02 million followers on social networks.
In addition, the Liga BBVA reported a cumulative audience of 81.71 million people between Mexico and the United States throughout Clausura 2026.
The average rating per day in Mexico was 11.40 million viewers, while in the United States it reached 2.61 million.
"In terms of ratings, this season we doubled the number compared to the previous one. In Mexico and the United States it increased by 50 percent. We had never seen these peaks and I think this is because we have been able to return broadcasts to open TV," mentions a statement published by the league.
Cruz Azul vs Chivas recorded the best entry of the tournament
Attendance in the stadiums also left outstanding numbers for Mexican soccer. Liga MX closed Clausura 2026 with 3.91 million fans in the stands and an average of 23,417 attendees per game.
The match with the highest attendance was the First Leg Semifinal between Cruz Azul and Chivas, which brought together 63,375 people in the stands.
For its part, the Final Phase accumulated more than 569 thousand fans, reflecting the growth of interest in the tournament.
Liga MX surpassed European leagues in goal average
Another of the data that Liga MX boasted was the scoring average recorded during the 2025-26 season.
The championship counted 458 goals, with an average of 2.9 scores per game, a figure that surpassed several of the main European leagues.
In addition, the effective playing time reached 56 minutes and 31 seconds per match, nine minutes more than the start of the project implemented since Apertura 2021.
Joel Huiqui will continue to lead Cruz Azul after winning the title
After getting the tenth star for Cruz Azul, Joel Huiqui's continuity as coach was confirmed by the cement board.
The Mexican coach took the team in the final stretch of the tournament and remained undefeated until winning the championship.
La Maquina's path included wins against Necaxa in the regular phase, Atlas in the Quarterfinals, Chivas in the Semifinals and finally Pumas in the Grand Final.
What will happen to Pumas and Efraín Juárez?
In the case of Pumas, the outlook for next season still remains undefined.
The university board has not reported on possible changes to the squad or the future of Efraín Juárez, who has a current contract with the institution.
Despite this, the work of the Auriazul strategist was highly valued after leading the team to the final in only his second tournament in charge, in addition to consolidating a clear football identity.
The continuity of the project could open the door to new reinforcements to strengthen the squad for the next championship.

