Cruz Azul vs Club América Lineups + Player Stats & Bio 2026

Cruz Azul vs Club América lineups are among the most searched topics whenever the legendary Clásico Joven arrives on the Liga MX calendar. This fierce Mexico City rivalry — known as El Clásico Joven — pits La Máquina against Las Águilas in one of the most emotionally charged matches in all of Mexican football.

In 2026, both clubs arrive at this fixture with huge stakes, passionate fanbases, and star-studded squads ready for battle. This complete guide covers the confirmed and predicted Cruz Azul vs Club América lineups, full player stats, individual player bios, head-to-head history, tactical breakdowns, and everything else you need to know before kick-off.

Quick Facts: Cruz Azul vs Club América 2026

The Clásico Joven: A Rivalry Like No Other

The Cruz Azul vs Club América fixture is widely recognized as one of the greatest derbies in North American football.

Both clubs are based in Mexico City, which adds a local intensity to every encounter. When these two sides meet, the entire country stops to watch.

The rivalry began in earnest in the early 1970s and gained its iconic status through their first major final meeting in the 1971–72 season, which Cruz Azul won 4–1.

Since then, the Clásico Joven has been the backdrop for some of Liga MX’s most dramatic moments — last-minute goals, penalty shootouts, and historic comebacks that have been etched into Mexican football folklore.

As of 2025, the Clásico Joven is the fixture with the most finals contested between two clubs in Mexican football, with a total of seven championship matchups.

Cruz Azul vs Club América Lineups: Confirmed & Predicted

Cruz Azul Starting Lineup 2026

Cruz Azul manager Martín Anselmi has favored a 5-4-1 defensive-minded formation that transitions quickly into attack through the wide midfielders.

The back five provides great defensive solidity, while the midfield four works hard to cover ground and support both defense and attack.

Cruz Azul’s confirmed lineup reads: Andrés Gudiño — Jorge Rodarte, Erik Lira, Jesús Orozco, Jorge Sánchez, Carlos Rodolfo Rotondi — José Paradela, Carlos Rodríguez, Lorenzo Faravelli, Luka Romero — Gabriel Fernández.

Cruz Azul Predicted Lineup Table (5-4-1)

Club América Starting Lineup 2026

Club América boss André Jardine typically deploys a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 formation, built on quick transitions, high pressing, and creative wide play.

The team has been Liga MX’s most dominant force under Jardine, winning three consecutive titles from 2023 to 2024.

América’s confirmed lineup reads: Luis Malagón — Kevin Álvarez, Ramón Juárez, Sebastián Cáceres, Cristian Borja — Israel Reyes, Alexis Gutiérrez, Erick Sánchez — Brian Rodríguez, Víctor Dávila, Rodrigo Aguirre.

Club América Predicted Lineup Table (4-3-3)

Cruz Azul Key Player Bios & Stats

1. Andrés Gudiño — Goalkeeper

Andrés Gudiño is the first-choice goalkeeper for Cruz Azul and one of the most reliable shot-stoppers in Liga MX.

A Mexican international, Gudiño commands his penalty area with authority and is particularly strong in one-on-one situations.

2. Luka Romero — Attacking Midfielder

Luka Romero is perhaps the most exciting player in Cruz Azul’s squad and one of the most talked-about young talents in all of Liga MX.

Born in Mexico to Argentine parents, Romero holds Argentine and Spanish citizenship and initially made his name at RCD Mallorca, where he became Spain’s youngest La Liga debutant.

He moved to Cruz Azul and quickly became a fan favorite for his dribbling ability, creativity, and eye for goal.

3. Gabriel Fernández — Striker

Gabriel Fernández is Cruz Azul’s main goalscoring threat and a target man who combines physicality with technical ability.

The Paraguayan international has been a consistent performer in Liga MX and brings valuable experience at the top level of Mexican football.

4. Lorenzo Faravelli — Central Midfielder

Lorenzo Faravelli is the engine of Cruz Azul’s midfield — a tireless Argentine midfielder who controls tempo and distributes the ball with intelligence.

His ability to win the ball back and quickly switch play makes him one of Anselmi’s most trusted players in the middle of the park.

5. Erik Lira — Centre Back & Captain

Erik Lira is Cruz Azul’s captain and defensive cornerstone — a powerful, commanding central defender who leads by example.

A full Mexican international, Lira brings leadership, aerial dominance, and aggressive defending to Cruz Azul’s backline.

6. Jorge Sánchez — Wing Back / Defender

Jorge Sánchez returned to Cruz Azul after a spell in European football and has slotted comfortably into Anselmi’s system.

His experience at the highest levels of club and international football gives Cruz Azul crucial defensive quality on the right side.

Club América Key Player Bios & Stats

1. Luis Ángel Malagón — Goalkeeper

Luis Ángel Malagón is not just América’s goalkeeper — he is widely considered the best goalkeeper in Liga MX and a cornerstone of the Mexico national team.

His reflexes, sweeper-keeper ability, and commanding presence make him one of the most important players in the entire Clásico Joven match-up.

2. Álvaro Fidalgo — Midfielder

Álvaro Fidalgo is the creative heartbeat of Club América’s midfield and one of the best Spanish footballers playing outside Europe.

The former Celta Vigo and Olympiacos man dictates play with his passing range and vision, and he has been one of the key contributors to América’s recent Liga MX dominance.

3. Víctor Dávila — Winger / Forward

Víctor Dávila is one of the fastest and most dangerous wide forwards in Liga MX — a Chilean international with explosive pace, direct running, and an eye for goal.

He has been one of Club América’s standout performers in 2025/26 and poses a constant threat in the Clásico Joven.

4. Brian Rodríguez — Right Winger

Brian Rodríguez is a direct, powerful Uruguayan winger who adds energy and width to Club América’s attack.

His ability to take on defenders one-on-one and deliver dangerous crosses makes him a key creative outlet for André Jardine’s side.

5. Sebastián Cáceres — Centre Back

Sebastián Cáceres is a top-quality Uruguayan central defender who has been a mainstay in Club América’s backline throughout their era of dominance.

His composure on the ball, reading of the game, and aerial ability make him one of the most technically accomplished defenders in Liga MX.

6. Allan Saint-Maximin — Forward (Impact Player)

Allan Saint-Maximin is one of the most exciting attacking options on Club América’s bench — a former Newcastle United fan favorite who brings flair, unpredictability, and sheer entertainment.

Though not always a starter, Saint-Maximin’s ability to change a match from the bench makes him a potent weapon for Jardine in tight games like the Clásico Joven.

Managerial Profiles: Anselmi vs Jardine

Martín Anselmi — Cruz Azul Head Coach

Martín Anselmi was appointed Cruz Azul manager in December 2023 and immediately made his mark with a dynamic, pressing-oriented style.

He guided Cruz Azul to break the Liga MX record with 42 points in the Apertura 2024 regular season — a performance that signaled the return of La Máquina as a genuine title contender.

André Jardine — Club América Head Coach

André Jardine is a Brazilian manager who arrived at Club América in June 2023 and immediately became one of the most successful coaches in the club’s history.

On 15 December 2024, Club América won its third consecutive league championship under Jardine, becoming the first tricampeón of Mexican football in the short-tournament era.

Head-to-Head Record: Cruz Azul vs Club América

Since 2004, Cruz Azul and Club América have played 70 matches. Cruz Azul won 19, Club América won 30, and 21 ended in a draw.

All-Time H2H Summary (Since 2004)

Club América have held the statistical edge in recent head-to-head meetings, but Cruz Azul’s record-breaking 2024 form showed La Máquina is more than capable of turning the tide.

Memorable Clásico Joven Moments

1971–72 Final: Cruz Azul won 4–1, establishing the rivalry on the national stage.

2013 Clausura Final: América staged a dramatic comeback, equalizing in stoppage time before winning on penalties — one of Liga MX’s greatest finals ever.

Cruz Azul’s biggest win in the Clásico Joven was a 5–2 victory, the first time they scored five goals against América, marking their most significant result in the history of the rivalry.

Clausura 2024 Final: América won 2–1 on aggregate, denying Cruz Azul the title in the sixth-ever Clásico Joven final — the most in Liga MX history.

Finals Record Between the Two Clubs

Tactical Analysis: How Both Teams Set Up

Cruz Azul’s 5-4-1 System

Anselmi’s Cruz Azul is built on defensive compactness and rapid transitions.

The three-centre-back setup provides extra security at the back, while the wing backs provide width in both phases of play.

In the midfield, Luka Romero and Faravelli are given freedom to create, while the two more central midfielders (Lira and Rodríguez) provide defensive cover.

Gabriel Fernández leads the line alone but is supported by runners from midfield, making Cruz Azul dangerous on the counter-attack.

Club América’s 4-3-3 / 4-2-3-1 System

Jardine’s América is built on high pressing, quick ball circulation, and dynamic wing play.

The back four is solid and well-organized, with Cáceres and Juárez forming a reliable central partnership in front of Malagón.

In midfield, Fidalgo acts as the orchestra conductor while Erick Sánchez and Israel Reyes provide cover and energy.

Up front, the combination of Dávila’s pace, Rodríguez’s directness, and Aguirre’s movement creates constant problems for opposition defenses.

Liga MX Clausura 2026 Standings Context

In the Liga MX Clausura, Club América currently hold 4th position while Cruz Azul hold 3rd position, separated by just a few points in a tightly contested table.

This proximity in the standings makes the Cruz Azul vs Club América fixture even more significant in 2026 — a win for either side could prove crucial in the race for the Liguilla.

Clausura 2026 Form Guide

Where to Watch Cruz Azul vs Club América 2026

Every Cruz Azul vs Club América lineups announcement is followed by huge demand for broadcast details.

In Mexico, the match is broadcast on Canal 5, TUDN, VIX Premium, and Layvtime on Twitch and YouTube. In the United States, it is on TUDN and CBS Sports.

Full Broadcast Details

Injury & Suspension News (2026)

Squad fitness is always a talking point ahead of the Cruz Azul vs Club América lineups announcement.

Cruz Azul has had concerns over the availability of some key attacking players, with Luka Romero’s fitness being closely monitored ahead of recent fixtures.

On the América side, captain Henry Martín has been unavailable through injury, creating opportunities for other attackers in Jardine’s preferred XI.

Both managers will keep their complete injury lists private until lineups are officially confirmed, typically around 60–75 minutes before kick-off.

Cruz Azul Club History & Background

Cruz Azul has one of the most unique origin stories in world football.

Founded in 1927 in Jasso, Hidalgo, as Club Deportivo, Social y Cultural Cruz Azul, the club relocated to Mexico City in 1971 and is historically linked to the working class, stemming from its roots as a team founded by cement company Cooperativa La Cruz Azul.

The club’s nickname Los Albañiles (The Bricklayers) reflects this proud working-class heritage that sets them apart culturally from their rivals.

Cruz Azul won nine Liga MX titles, with their most recent championship coming in the Guardianes 2021, ending a painful 23-year title drought.

Cruz Azul Honours

Club América History & Background

Club América is the most decorated club in Mexican football history and one of the most valuable football clubs in North America.

According to Sportico, Club América is valued at US$770 million as of May 2025, making it one of the most valuable clubs in North America.

The club has won 16 league titles, 6 Copa México championships, 7 Campeón de Campeones cups, and holds the record for most league and cup titles in Mexico.

Under André Jardine, América became the first team to win three consecutive Liga MX titles in the short-tournament era, cementing their status as the dominant force in Mexican football.

Club América Honours

All-Time Top Scorers in the Clásico Joven

The Cruz Azul vs Club América fixture has produced some legendary goalscorers over the decades.

Carlos Hermosillo remains the top scorer in Clásico Joven history, scoring 15 goals in total — seven with América and eight with Cruz Azul.

That record — goals for both clubs in the same rivalry — is a testament to Hermosillo’s extraordinary goal-scoring ability and his unique place in this fixture’s history.

Top Scorers in Clásico Joven History

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Cruz Azul vs Club América lineup for 2026?

Cruz Azul plays a 5-4-1 with Gudiño in goal, Luka Romero and Faravelli in midfield, and Gabriel Fernández up front. América deploys a 4-3-3 with Malagón, Cáceres, and Dávila as key players.

What formation does Cruz Azul use in 2026?

Cruz Azul manager Martín Anselmi typically deploys a 5-4-1 formation that offers defensive solidity and rapid counter-attacking through wide midfielders and wing backs.

What formation does Club América use in 2026?

André Jardine favors a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 system for América, centered on high pressing, quick transitions, and dynamic attacking play from the wide forwards.

Who is Cruz Azul’s best player in 2026?

Luka Romero is widely considered Cruz Azul’s most exciting talent, combining elite dribbling, vision, and creativity — but Andrés Gudiño in goal and Gabriel Fernández up front are equally crucial.

Who is Club América’s best player in 2026?

Luis Ángel Malagón is arguably Liga MX’s best goalkeeper, while Álvaro Fidalgo and Víctor Dávila are the creative and attacking stars who make América’s offense tick in 2026.

What is the Cruz Azul vs Club América head-to-head record?

Since 2004, Club América leads the head-to-head record with 30 wins to Cruz Azul’s 19, with 21 draws across 70 matches in all competitions.

What is the Clásico Joven?

The Clásico Joven is the name for the Cruz Azul vs Club América rivalry — both Mexico City clubs have been competing since 1963, with the fixture growing into one of the biggest derbies in all of North America.

Where is the Cruz Azul vs Club América match played in 2026?

Home games at Club América are played at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. Cruz Azul is currently using Estadio Cuauhtémoc in Puebla due to Azteca renovations ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Where can I watch Cruz Azul vs Club América in the USA?

In the United States, Cruz Azul vs Club América is broadcast on TUDN and CBS Sports, with streaming options available on Paramount+ and VIX platforms.

Who has won the most Cruz Azul vs Club América finals?

Club América leads with four finals wins compared to Cruz Azul’s one (the 1971–72 title). The pair have met in seven championship finals — the most between any two clubs in Liga MX history.

Conclusion

Cruz Azul vs Club América lineups represent far more than just two sets of names on a teamsheet — they represent the beating heart of Mexican football, a rivalry built over six decades of passion, drama, and unforgettable moments.

In 2026, with Luka Romero electrifying for La Máquina and Jardine’s América hunting yet another Liga MX title, the Clásico Joven remains as compelling as ever.

Whether Cruz Azul can finally end América’s recent period of domestic dominance, or whether Las Águilas extend their superiority further, only the 90 minutes will tell.

Both squads are packed with elite talent — from Malagón’s world-class goalkeeping to Romero’s dazzling creativity — ensuring that every Cruz Azul vs Club América match delivers the drama, quality, and intensity that fans around the world have come to love. Bookmark this page for all lineup updates, stats, and match coverage in 2026.