UNDERSTANDING LIGA MX
Liga MX is Mexico's top football division and one of the strongest leagues in the Americas. With 18 teams, passionate fans, and a unique playoff format, it offers exciting betting opportunities year-round.
For American expats in Mexico, Liga MX is unavoidable—it dominates sports coverage, fills bars every weekend, and creates genuine local excitement. Understanding the league makes betting (and living in Mexico) more enjoyable.
HOW THE LEAGUE WORKS
Two Seasons Per Year
Unlike European leagues with one long season, Liga MX runs two separate tournaments per year:
- Apertura: July-December (Fall tournament)
- Clausura: January-May (Spring tournament)
Each tournament has its own champion. This means twice the playoff excitement and twice the futures betting opportunities.
Regular Season + Playoffs
Each tournament follows this format:
- 17 matchdays of round-robin play
- Top 12 teams qualify for playoffs (Liguilla)
- Seeds 5-12 play "Play-in" round (single elimination)
- Seeds 1-4 wait for quarterfinals
- Quarterfinals, semifinals, final (all two-legged ties)
đź’ˇ Playoff Format Matters
The two-leg format with away goals means road performances are crucial. A team that wins 1-0 away has significant advantage. Factor this into your live and second-leg betting.
TOP TEAMS TO KNOW
- Club América: Mexico City giants, most titles, huge fanbase
- Guadalajara (Chivas): América's biggest rival, only Mexican players allowed
- Cruz Azul: Mexico City, historically strong but famous for choking
- Tigres UANL: Monterrey powerhouse, recent dynasty
- Rayados (Monterrey): Tigres' city rival, wealthy ownership
- Toluca: Consistent contender, good playoff history
- Pumas UNAM: University team, Mexico City
The Clásicos
- América vs Chivas: El Súper Clásico—biggest game in Mexico
- Tigres vs Monterrey: Clásico Regio—Monterrey derby
- América vs Cruz Azul: Clásico Joven—Mexico City derby
LIGA MX BETTING MARKETS
Standard Markets
- 1X2: Home/Draw/Away (draw is common in Liga MX)
- Asian Handicap: Goal handicaps for favorites/underdogs
- Over/Under Goals: Total goals in match
- Both Teams to Score: Yes/No BTTS
- Halftime/Fulltime: Result combinations
Futures
- Tournament winner (Apertura or Clausura)
- Top scorer (Goleo)
- Relegation (when applicable)
BEST SPORTSBOOKS FOR LIGA MX
Caliente
The best for Liga MX. As Mexico's dominant sportsbook, Caliente has the deepest Liga MX markets, best odds, and most comprehensive coverage. They understand Mexican football better than anyone.
bet365 Mexico
Competitive lines, good for comparison shopping. Full Liga MX coverage with English interface option.
Codere
Strong Liga MX presence, sometimes offers enhanced odds for big matches.
âš˝ CALIENTE - LIGA MX EXPERTS
Mexico's #1 sportsbook. Deepest Liga MX markets. SEGOB licensed.
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LIGA MX BETTING STRATEGY
Draws Are Common
Liga MX has a higher draw rate than most leagues. Don't ignore the X—especially in mid-table matchups where neither team has strong motivation.
Altitude Factor
Mexico City clubs (América, Cruz Azul, Pumas) play at 2,240m altitude. Teams from sea level (Tijuana, Mazatlán) often struggle in the capital. Home advantage is real.
Playoff Intensity
Regular season positioning matters less than in European leagues since 12 of 18 teams make playoffs. But playoff form often differs from regular season form—conservative strategies common.
🎯 Expat Edge
Living in Mexico gives you access to local news, injury reports, and atmosphere that international bettors miss. Watch local sports coverage, follow Mexican football journalists on Twitter, and attend games when possible. This information edge is real.
WATCHING LIGA MX
- TV Azteca: Free-to-air games
- Televisa (TUDN): Cable/streaming coverage
- Fox Sports Mexico: Additional matches
- Bars: Every sports bar shows Liga MX
Games are typically Friday night, Saturday evening, and Sunday afternoon—perfect for weekend betting.