Why "Fútbol Mexicano" Is Trending: Apertura 2026 Recap

The short version: "fútbol mexicano" is trending mainly because Jornada 13 of the Apertura 2026 just wrapped (20–21 October) with a lopsided América win, a record-breaking Santos streak, and coaching drama at Chivas.

What's driving the buzz

• América 5-2 Atlas — the Águilas (Guillermo Almada) went top with 27 points; Miguel Borja scored and now has 5 goals in 4 games (AFP/France24, AP, 21–22 Oct).
• Puebla 1-4 Monterrey — Rayados under Matías Almeyda climbed to 20 points (AFP, 22 Oct).
• Toluca 2-2 Tijuana — Diablos held third place with 22 points (AFP, 22 Oct).
• Santos 2-0 Pumas — sixth straight win, the best run in Santos' history; Nathan Silva's red card at 1:10 was the fastest in Liga MX since 2012-13 (ESPN, Marca, 21–22 Oct).
• Gabriel Milito's job at Chivas — his contract expires in six months with no renewal talks advancing (Marca MX, 21 Oct).
• Attendance record — 2,761,046 fans over 11 matchdays, +24.3% vs. the previous tournament; plus 30 debuts under the "Regla de Menores," average age 20.03 (La Jornada, 20 Oct).
• Gilberto Mora storyline — the Xolos teenager didn't travel to Toluca, and Liverpool have broken their silence on him (TUDN, 21–22 Oct).

Table (top 6, after J13): América 27, Chivas 23, Toluca 22, León 21, Atlas 21, Cruz Azul / Rayados 20 — note outlets publish slightly different figures because of pending games (Sporting News, 22 Oct).

Next up: Jornada 14 on 24–25 October (Pumas-Tigres, Xolos-Santos), with the Liguilla four matchdays away (ESPN Deportes).