What Happened to Club de Futbol Cruz Azul S.A. de C.V.?
Cruz Azul, one of Mexico's most iconic football clubs, has recently experienced a resurgence, culminating in their tenth Liga MX title by winning the Clausura 2026 tournament. This success follows their CONCACAF Champions Cup victory in 2025, solidifying their status as a dominant force in North American football despite coaching changes and stadium relocations in recent years.
Quick Answer
Cruz Azul is currently the reigning Liga MX Clausura 2026 champion, having secured their tenth league title in May 2026. This victory came under interim-turned-permanent head coach Joel Huiqui, who took over in April 2026. The club also won the CONCACAF Champions Cup in 2025 and is preparing for the Apertura 2026 season, having recently unveiled their new jersey.
đKey Facts
đ Complete Timeline14 events
Club Founded
Club Deportivo, Social y Cultural Cruz Azul, A.C. was founded by workers of the Cooperativa La Cruz Azul factory in Jasso, Hidalgo.
First Liga MX Title & Continental Treble
Cruz Azul won its first Primera DivisiĂłn championship, Copa MĂ©xico, and CONCACAF Champions' Cup, achieving a historic continental treble.
Relocation to Mexico City
The club officially relocated from Jasso, Hidalgo, to Mexico City, establishing its headquarters in La Noria.
Copa Libertadores Finalist
Cruz Azul became the first CONCACAF team to reach the final of the Copa Libertadores, losing to Boca Juniors in a penalty shootout.
Name and Logo Change
The club officially changed its name to 'Club de Futbol Cruz Azul S.A. de C.V.' and unveiled a new logo, removing the nine stars.
Record-Setting Apertura Regular Season
Under MartĂn Anselmi, Cruz Azul finished the Liga MX Apertura 2024 regular season in first place with a record-setting 42 points.
MartĂn Anselmi Departs, Vicente SĂĄnchez Interim
Head coach MartĂn Anselmi left Cruz Azul to join FC Porto, with Vicente SĂĄnchez taking over as interim manager.
CONCACAF Champions Cup Victory
Cruz Azul won their seventh CONCACAF Champions Cup title, defeating Vancouver Whitecaps FC 5-0 in the final.
NicolĂĄs LarcamĂłn Appointed Head Coach
NicolĂĄs LarcamĂłn was announced as the new head coach for the 2025-2026 season, replacing Vicente SĂĄnchez.
Relocation to Estadio Cuauhtémoc
Cruz Azul relocated to Estadio CuauhtĂ©moc in Puebla for the Clausura 2026 tournament, following their temporary stay at Estadio OlĂmpico Universitario.
LarcamĂłn Dismissed, Joel Huiqui Interim
NicolĂĄs LarcamĂłn was dismissed after a nine-match winless streak, and Joel Huiqui was appointed as interim manager.
Liga MX Clausura 2026 Champions
Cruz Azul defeated Pumas UNAM 2-1 on aggregate to win their tenth Liga MX title, ending a five-year league drought.
Joel Huiqui Confirmed as Permanent Head Coach
Following the Clausura 2026 triumph, club president VĂctor VelĂĄzquez confirmed Joel Huiqui as the permanent head coach.
New Jersey Unveiled for Apertura 2026
Cruz Azul officially revealed their new home and away jerseys for the Apertura 2026 and Clausura 2027 tournaments, featuring historic crests.
đDeep Dive Analysis
Club de Futbol Cruz Azul S.A. de C.V., commonly known as Cruz Azul, has a storied history in Mexican football, marked by periods of immense success and, at times, significant droughts. Founded in 1927, the club is one of Mexico's 'Big Four' and has consistently been a top contender in Liga MX. The period leading up to 2026 saw a dynamic shift in the club's fortunes, characterized by strategic changes and a return to championship glory.
The 2024-2025 season began with high expectations under head coach MartĂn Anselmi, who guided the team to a first-place finish in the Apertura 2024 regular phase, setting a record with 42 points in 17 games. However, Anselmi's tenure was cut short when he departed for FC Porto in January 2025, leading to a period of coaching instability. Vicente SĂĄnchez stepped in as interim manager and was later ratified, leading the club to a significant international triumph: the CONCACAF Champions Cup title in June 2025, defeating Vancouver Whitecaps FC 5-0 in the final. This marked their seventh CONCACAF title, ending an 11-year drought in the competition.
Despite international success, the club continued to seek stability. NicolĂĄs LarcamĂłn was appointed head coach in June 2025 for the 2025-2026 season. However, his time was brief, as he was dismissed on April 22, 2026, following a nine-match winless streak. In a crucial turning point, Joel Huiqui, a former player and club figure, was appointed as interim manager for the remainder of the Clausura 2026 season.
Huiqui's interim appointment proved to be a masterstroke. He successfully guided Cruz Azul through the playoffs, culminating in a dramatic 2-1 aggregate victory over Pumas UNAM in the Clausura 2026 final on May 24, 2026. This championship secured Cruz Azul's tenth Liga MX title, ending a five-year league title drought and solidifying their position as one of the most successful clubs in Mexico. The day after the final, club president VĂctor VelĂĄzquez confirmed Huiqui's permanent appointment as head coach, citing his success and deep connection to the club.
As of July 5, 2026, Cruz Azul is in a strong position, preparing to defend their Liga MX title in the upcoming Apertura 2026 tournament. Joel Huiqui is actively building his coaching staff, bringing in experienced personnel like Facundo Oreja and Diego Bottaioli, who were part of Anselmi's successful 2024 campaign, to maintain the winning formula. The club also unveiled its new jersey for the Apertura 2026 and Clausura 2027 tournaments, featuring a design that pays tribute to its rich history. The team's relocation to Estadio CuauhtĂ©moc in Puebla for the Clausura 2026 season, after a temporary stay at Estadio OlĂmpico Universitario, also highlights the club's adaptability amidst logistical changes.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Club de Futbol Cruz Azul S.A. de C.V. made different choices?