La Liga 2026-27: Cruz Azul Hidalgo returns, Liga F boosts women's football, and the season kicks off with excitement

2026-07-05 · La Liga

The Spanish La Liga starts its 2026-27 season with significant updates in both its men's and women's structures. Cruz Azul Hidalgo returns to Liga de Expansión MX with a 'new' stadium to leave behind its controversial past. In women's football, Liga F announces a historic alliance with Pau Gasol, investing 55 million euros to create an elite league. Additionally, the boats of the Liga Galega de Traiñeiras deliver thrilling races, promising a competitive season.

The 2026-27 season of Spain’s La Liga is set to unfold its spectacle from mid-August to late May, with a calendar promising passionate clashes. Cruz Azul Hidalgo returns to Liga de Expansión MX after a five-year absence, featuring a "new" stadium, Estadio Refundación, renamed to erase the shadow of the previous management tied to the Álvarez family. Their debut will be on July 24th against Tapatío as visitors, marking the start of a new era for the cementeros.

Cruz Azul Hidalgo and the new chapter in Liga de Expansión MX The return of Cruz Azul Hidalgo is now official, with a clear intention to move past the conflict-ridden and financially strained past that led to its disappearance and replacement by Zacatepec. The current management has committed to renewing the team’s image, including the stadium, now called Estadio Refundación instead of 10 de Diciembre—a date historically linked to Guillermo Álvarez Macías’ arrival at the cooperative. With a season starting on July 24th and matches against rivals like Venados and Atlético La Paz, expectations are high for this rebirth.

Liga F and Pau Gasol: An alliance to create the world’s best women’s league In a groundbreaking event, former basketball star Pau Gasol and Beatriz Álvarez, president of Liga F, unveiled an alliance that includes a €55 million investment to elevate women’s football in Spain. Beatriz Álvarez remarked: "This is one of the most important moments I’ve experienced. This is the first professional league... I was nervous. If we had thought, even a few months ago, that we could reach such an agreement with a sports icon, no one would have believed it. They’d say I was crazy." The plan includes improvements in athletic performance, infrastructure, marketing, and professionalization to establish a world-class league.

Pau Gasol added: "We want to retain and attract top-tier global talent. We want to be a league that draws in the best. On the other hand, we want to leverage our experience in sports and our connections to keep growing and building a team. We’ll work collaboratively and explore synergies through a robust strategy. This is a journey we’re embarking on together."

Thrilling start to the Liga Galega de Traiñeiras In traditional rowing, the Liga Galega de Traiñeiras kicked off strongly in A Pobra, even though the town lacks a women’s team this year. Salgado-Perillo reaffirmed its favoritism by winning the first women’s regatta, finishing less than ten seconds ahead of Chapela-Wofco, solidifying the dominance it aims to repeat. In the men’s Liga B, Rianxo started with determination and eyes the title after winning its opening race and defeating host team Puebla by less than nine seconds.

The combination of these developments across various sports disciplines in Spain underscores a season filled with high expectations and new paths in elite sports. From the rebirth of historic teams to the ambitious professionalization of women’s football and renewed passion in Galician regattas, Spanish sports are gearing up for an unforgettable year.