Cruz Azul and Chivas Set for Friendly in Carson on July 9 Amid Liga MX Rivalry

Two of Mexico’s most storied football clubs are set to clash in Southern California this summer, not in a high-stakes playoff, but in a rare international friendly that carries all the heat of a classic Clásico Tapatío. Cruz Azul FC has confirmed a 19-man roster for its upcoming match against Club Deportivo Guadalajara S.A. DE C.V. — better known as Chivas — on Wednesday, July 9, at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California. The announcement, posted on the stadium’s official site, confirms the date and venue but leaves fans waiting for the actual player names. Still, the significance isn’t in the roster — it’s in the rivalry.

Why Carson? The Mexican-American Fan Connection

It’s no accident that this match is happening in Carson. With over 1.5 million people of Mexican descent living in Los Angeles County alone, Dignity Health Sports Park has become a de facto home away from home for Liga MX teams. Since 2018, the stadium has hosted more than 40 Mexican club matches — including Chivas’ own record-breaking attendance of 27,488 in 2022. For Cruz Azul, this isn’t just a tune-up. It’s a chance to connect with a fanbase that often travels thousands of miles to watch their team play — sometimes more than those who show up in Mexico City.

A Rivalry That Never Sleeps

The animosity between Cruz Azul and Chivas runs deep. Founded in 1927 and 1906 respectively, both clubs are cultural institutions. Chivas, known for its policy of fielding only Mexican-born players, is the People’s Team. Cruz Azul, the blue-and-white machine from the capital, has long been the underdog-turned-powerhouse — the club that broke Chivas’ dominance in the 1990s and still carries the weight of a 57-year league title drought. Their clashes are more than games. They’re identity battles.

That intensity was on full display just months ago, when the two met in the Liga MX Apertura 2025 quarterfinal on November 27, 2025, at Estadio Akron in Guadalajara. The match ended 0-0 — a tense, physical stalemate that saw Chivas’ Luis Romo return from suspension to anchor the midfield. Cruz Azul’s lineup featured Jorge Sánchez at right-back and Matteusz Bogusz leading the attack. The game had moments: Chivas hit the post in the 22nd minute; Cruz Azul nearly snuck one in at 89. But neither could break through. The draw set up a second leg in Mexico City — a tense, high-pressure affair that ultimately decided who advanced.

The July 9 Friendly: More Than Just a Warm-Up

While the November match was about points and playoff seeding, this July encounter is about rhythm, chemistry, and crowd energy. Both teams are likely using this game to test new formations, give minutes to younger players, and assess fitness ahead of the 2026 Clausura season. Cruz Azul, coming off a mid-table finish in Apertura 2025, needs to rebuild momentum. Chivas, who won eight of their last nine regular-season games, is looking to carry that momentum into the next campaign.

Though the 19-man roster hasn’t been published, sources close to Cruz Azul’s management suggest that youth prospects like 18-year-old midfielder Andrés Pineda and 20-year-old striker Kevin Álvarez — both recently promoted from the reserve squad — are likely to feature. For Chivas, the return of 21-year-old winger Efraín Álvarez from loan in MLS could be a key storyline. He’s a fan favorite in California, having played for LA Galaxy’s youth system.

What’s at Stake Beyond the Scoreline

These exhibitions aren’t just about football. They’re economic engines. Ticket sales, merchandise, and local sponsorships generate millions for both clubs and the venue. In 2023, a similar friendly between the two teams in Houston drew over 22,000 fans and generated $2.3 million in direct revenue. The match in Carson is expected to rival — if not exceed — those numbers.

For fans in the U.S., it’s a rare chance to see their heroes live without crossing the border. For players, it’s a chance to prove themselves in front of scouts and coaches who might be watching. And for the clubs? It’s a reminder that their influence stretches far beyond Mexico’s borders.

What Comes Next?

The official roster for Cruz Azul’s 19-man squad is expected to be released by July 3, according to team sources. Chivas has yet to confirm their lineup, but they’re expected to announce theirs by July 5. Kickoff is rumored to be at 7:30 p.m. Pacific Time, but no official time has been confirmed. The match will be streamed live on the Liga MX app and available on regional Spanish-language broadcasters like Univision and TUDN.

After this friendly, both clubs return to Mexico for final preseason training. The real test comes in January, when the Clausura 2026 season begins — and with it, the next chapter in this historic rivalry.