Mexican clubs and MLS teams are set to rejoin the Copa Libertadores

Mexican clubs and MLS teams are set to rejoin the Copa Libertadores in 2027 following a major broadcast rights deal by Televisa.

photo: elhorizonte.mx

The wall between North and South American football is finally coming down. After nearly a decade of absence, Mexican clubs—and for the first time, MLS teams—are poised to return to the Copa Libertadores starting in 2026-2027. The move, long sought after by fans, was recently fast-tracked by a massive financial maneuver: Televisa-Univision secured the US broadcast rights for Conmebol tournaments starting in 2027.

The logic is purely mathematical. To maximize the value of these rights in the lucrative US market, the presence of Mexican and American giants is non-negotiable. This economic reality forced a diplomatic breakthrough with Concacaf, which had previously blocked Mexican participation to protect its own regional tournaments. Reports indicate that an agreement has been reached to provide more benefits and slots to North American clubs, ensuring a peaceful co-existence between the two confederations.

The proposed "Libertadores 2.0" will likely mirror the UEFA Champions League format, featuring a more robust schedule and expanded commercial reach. Initially, four slots would be reserved for invited guests: two for Liga MX and two for the MLS. While the selection criteria (sporting merit vs. direct invitation) is still under review, the return of Mexican icons like Club América or Chivas to iconic venues like the Maracanã or La Bombonera marks a new era for continental football.