Cruz Azul announced this Saturday that its next preparation match will be played at the 10 de Diciembre stadium in Ciudad Cooperativa Cruz Azul, Hidalgo, instead of the Azteca Stadium. The friendly against Guatemala's Comunicaciones will mark a return to its roots and serve as a platform for defending the Liga MX title.

What happened?

President Víctor Velázquez used his social media accounts to inform that the friendly will take place on July 11 at 15:30 hrs in the community that gave birth to the club. In the statement, Velázquez recalled the first international match of the team, played in September 1969 against the same Guatemalan opponent. He also noted that the Machine will keep its commitment with Comunicaciones, but at Ciudad Cooperativa, while the Azteca Stadium remains closed after the 2026 World Cup.

Why does it matter for Cruz Azul?

The friendly coincides with the celebration of the club’s tenth league title, earned in the Clausura 2025 by beating Pumas UNAM. With that victory, Cruz Azul is the defending champion and seeks its first back‑to‑back title in short‑tournament format. Currently, Cruz Azul sits third in Liga MX with 33 pts, 9 wins, 6 draws and 2 losses from 17 games, and is on a 3‑win, 2‑draw streak (WWDDW) in its last five matches. The team is just 3 points behind leaders U.N.A.M. – Pumas and aims to improve its +13 goal difference (31 scored, 18 conceded).

What does the venue change imply?

Moving the friendly to Ciudad Cooperativa strengthens the club’s bond with the community that birthed it, giving local fans a chance to see the champion in action. The decision also allows the Azteca Stadium to be reserved for post‑World‑Cup events, ensuring the Machine has a temporary home without disrupting its competitive schedule. Tickets will be sold soon through the club’s official channels.

What’s next for Cruz Azul?

Apertura 2026 kicks off on July 16, and the team’s first official match will be an away game against Atlético San Luis on July 17 at 21:00 hrs in the Libertad Financiera Stadium. The second round will see the champion host Club Puebla at the Azteca Stadium, giving supporters a chance to celebrate the newly won title. After the season, the next challenge is a friendly against Philadelphia Union at home on August 7, which will serve as a test before the Leagues Cup.

With the squad and coaching staff already presented, Cruz Azul enters the decisive phase of the tournament aiming to join Toluca, América, Atlas, León and Pumas as the only teams that have won consecutive championships. The blend of history, local support and ambitious goals promises an exciting campaign for the Machine.