Liga MX Femenil Apertura 2026 opens with new format, Toluca debut

The 2026 Apertura of Mexico's top women's football league, now branded Liga Femenil BBVA, began on July 31 with a revamped competition structure. Eighteen clubs are split into two groups of nine, each playing 14 regular‑season matches—eight against group‑mates and six against the opposite group. The top four teams from each group advance directly to the quarter‑finals, eliminating the previous Play‑In round and reducing the overall calendar to ease players' physical load.

Toluca's women's side will make its opening appearance on August 2 against Atlético de San Luis. Midfielder Yamile Franco said the team is prepared to contest the title, highlighting the recent signings of French internationals Amandine Henry, Faustine Robert and Eugénie Le Sommer as factors that raise the squad’s quality. Franco added that the club aims to be among the league’s leading teams in its first season under the new format.