Pumas and Pachuca kick off Apertura with new coaches; Antuna suspended

On Sunday, the Apertura 2026‑27 season opened with Pumas UNAM hosting Pachuca at the Estadio Olímpico Universitario in Mexico City. Both clubs entered the match with new head coaches – Esteban Solari for Pumas after the departure of Efraín Juárez, and Benjamin Mora for Pachuca following his own recent appointment.

Pumas were also missing midfielder Uriel Antuna, who serves a suspension after receiving a red card in the Clausura 2026 final against Cruz Azul. The club named youth player Stanley García in the starting lineup in his place.

The encounter follows Pumas’ recent defeat in the Clausura final and Pachuca’s semi‑final exit, adding extra stakes beyond the three points.