What is Liga de Expansión MX? Structure, Goals, and the Future of Mexican Football’s Development League

Meet the Teams of Liga de Expansión MX: A Look at Mexico’s Rising Football Clubs

The Liga de Expansión MX, launched as a developmental league in 2020, serves as a stepping stone for both players and clubs aiming to establish themselves in the competitive world of Mexican football. This league offers a platform for young talent while focusing on financial stability and club development. Here’s a brief introduction to each team currently competing in the Liga de Expansión MX:

1. Atlante FC

One of Mexico’s oldest and most prestigious football clubs, Atlante was founded in 1916. Based in Cancun, Atlante has a rich history in Mexican football, including multiple Liga MX titles. Now competing in Liga de Expansión MX, Atlante continues to attract a passionate fanbase and aims to return to the top-tier.

2. Celaya FC

Celaya FC, based in Guanajuato, is a club with a storied history dating back to the 1950s. Known for its strong regional support, the team has experienced both successes and challenges over the years. They’re known for nurturing young talent and are continually striving to return to prominence.

3. Correcaminos UAT

Hailing from Ciudad Victoria, Tamaulipas, Correcaminos is a team closely tied to the Universidad Autónoma de Tamaulipas. The club has a vibrant fanbase and is committed to player development, having produced several key players for Liga MX and beyond.

4. Dorados de Sinaloa

Dorados, based in Culiacán, Sinaloa, has made waves in Mexican football since its foundation in 2003. The club gained international attention when Diego Maradona briefly coached the team in 2018. Despite being a young club, Dorados has aspirations of climbing back to Liga MX, where they have played before.

5. Cimarrones de Sonora

Based in Hermosillo, Sonora, Cimarrones is one of the newer clubs in the league, established in 2013. They have quickly gained a reputation for disciplined play and a strong focus on youth development, aiming to make a mark in Mexican football.

6. Leones Negros UdeG

Leones Negros, representing the University of Guadalajara, has a long tradition in Mexican football. Founded in 1970, the team is known for its rich history and strong youth programs, making them a staple in Mexican football development.

7. Venados FC

Located in Mérida, Yucatán, Venados FC has a passionate local following. The club has a deep connection with its community and is focused on fostering young football talent from the region, striving to be a gateway for players into the national spotlight.

8. Alebrijes de Oaxaca

Alebrijes de Oaxaca, founded in 2012, represents the state of Oaxaca. The club has already made its mark in the league, winning the Ascenso MX title in 2017. Known for their creative style of play, they are a strong contender in the league.

9. Atlético Morelia

Atlético Morelia is one of the most recognizable names in Mexican football, originally known as Monarcas Morelia in Liga MX. Based in the city of Morelia, Michoacán, the club was rebranded and continues to maintain its loyal fanbase, with hopes of returning to the top division soon.

10. Cancún FC

One of the newer teams in the league, Cancún FC was founded in 2020. Based in the popular tourist destination of Cancún, Quintana Roo, the club is still finding its identity but has the ambition to build a competitive squad that can grow within Mexican football.

11. Pumas Tabasco

Pumas Tabasco is the reserve team for the popular Liga MX club Pumas UNAM. Based in Villahermosa, Tabasco, the club focuses on developing young players who can eventually graduate to the senior team. They are an essential part of Pumas’ overall strategy for nurturing talent.

12. Tapatío

Tapatío serves as the reserve team for Chivas de Guadalajara, one of the biggest clubs in Mexico. The team plays an important role in developing future stars for Chivas and gives young players valuable competitive experience at the professional level.

13. Tepatitlán FC

Tepatitlán FC, also known as the “Alteños,” hails from Tepatitlán de Morelos, Jalisco. The club has rapidly gained recognition since joining Liga de Expansión MX and clinched the league title in the 2020-2021 season, showcasing their potential to achieve greater success.

14. Tlalnepantla de Baz (La Paz FC)

La Paz FC, based in Tlalnepantla de Baz, Estado de México, is a newer addition to the league. Although they are still finding their footing, the club is known for giving local talent the opportunity to showcase their skills at a professional level.

15. Mineros de Zacatecas

Mineros de Zacatecas, founded in 2014, is based in the historic mining city of Zacatecas. The club has quickly become a competitive force in the league, with ambitions to develop into one of the top teams in the division and to possibly ascend to Liga MX in the future.

16. Raya2 Expansión

Raya2 Expansión is the reserve team for Monterrey’s famed Liga MX club, Rayados. Based in Monterrey, Nuevo León, Raya2 serves as a platform for developing young talent with the hopes of preparing them for Liga MX competition with their parent club.


Each of these teams plays a crucial role in developing the next generation of Mexican football talent. With a mix of historical clubs and new projects, the Liga de Expansión MX offers a competitive environment that helps players and clubs grow, setting the stage for future success in Mexico’s football hierarchy.

What is Liga de Expansión MX? Structure, Goals, and the Future of Mexican Football’s Development League

What is Liga de Expansión MX? Structure, Goals, and the Future of Mexican Football’s Development League

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