Katia Itzel García Mendoza will be the central referee for Cruz Azul's match against Toluca this weekend. The clash in the tenth round of the Apertura 2026, to be played at Estadio Banorte on Saturday, September 26, will feature the official who already has a history with both clubs.
The Sky Blues sit fourth in the table with 15 points from nine games. A win against leaders Toluca, who hold a four-point advantage, would be a massive boost in the title race. Cruz Azul arrives on the back of two consecutive defeats, against Inter Miami and Monterrey, and needs to get back to winning ways at home.
The referee's record
Katia Itzel García has officiated two matches involving Cruz Azul, and on both occasions the Machine emerged victorious. Her most recent game in charge of the team was earlier this season, when they secured a 1-0 win over Atlas. On Toluca's side, the referee served as fourth official in the match the Red Devils played against Atlas in Round 8, a game where manager Antonio 'Turco' Mohamed had a verbal exchange with her.
García made history last season by becoming the first woman to referee a Liguilla match in Liga MX, specifically the second leg of the quarter-finals between Toluca and Juárez. For Saturday's clash, Jonathan Maximiliano Gómez and Óscar Yahir Barriga Castro will be the assistant referees, while Aldo Ballesteros Barba will be the fourth official. The VAR will be overseen by Óscar Macías Romo, with Michel Caballero Galicia as the assistant.
The derby context
Cruz Azul is on a positive run against Toluca, having not lost since the Apertura 2023. In that span, they have recorded three wins and three draws. The last meeting, on July 26, ended in a 1-3 victory for the Machine at Toluca's ground. Martín Anselmi's side will look to repeat that result to close in on the top.
Averaging over one and a half goals per game this season, but also having conceded 15, defensive solidity will be key against a top opponent. Forward J. Márquez, with three goals in nine appearances, will be one of the offensive hopes. The match is shaping up as one of the most attractive of the round and could have a direct influence on the battle for first place.
Further reading: Record MX
Referee Katia Itzel García came under scrutiny after a challenge by Gonzalo Piovi on Paulinho in Saturday's Cruz Azul 3-3 Toluca. Former referee and analyst Fernando 'El Cantante' Guerrero criticized the decision on social media. Guerrero stated: "Piovi gets away with a red... With his studs on Paulinho's leg." The draw leaves Cruz Azul, fifth in Liga MX, four points behind leaders Toluca.
