Cruz Azul vs Atlas: Live Stream, TV Channel & Kickoff Time (Aug 22)
Cruz Azul vs Atlas: Your Complete Guide to Watching the Liga MX Showdown
Match at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Match | Cruz Azul vs Atlas |
| Tournament | Liga MX Apertura 2026 |
| Date | Saturday, August 22, 2026 |
| Kickoff Time | 11:00 PM ET / 8:00 PM PT |
| TV Channels | TUDN USA, Univision |
| Live Stream | TUDN.com, Univision NOW, TUDN App, ViX |
Important Note: This is Matchday 5 of the Apertura 2026 season. Both teams are looking to make an early statement in the domestic campaign!
How to Watch in the USA
You have several official options to catch all the action:
Traditional TV
- TUDN USA (Spanish-language sports network)
- Univision (Major Spanish-language broadcast network)
Streaming Platforms
- TUDN.com (Website)
- Univision NOW (Streaming service)
- TUDN App (Mobile application)
- ViX (Streaming platform)
Callout: No Free Legal Stream Available
There is currently no confirmed free way to watch this match live in the USA. The safest and most reliable option is to use one of the official services listed above.
What Time Does the Match Start in Your Time Zone?
The match kicks off at 11:00 PM Eastern Time on Saturday, August 22. Here’s the breakdown for all US time zones:
| Time Zone | Kickoff Time |
|---|---|
| Eastern (ET) | 11:00 PM (Aug 22) |
| Central (CT) | 10:00 PM (Aug 22) |
| Mountain (MT) | 9:00 PM (Aug 22) |
| Pacific (PT) | 8:00 PM (Aug 22) |
Pro Tip: Although some schedules show August 23 (because it’s 3:00 AM UTC), US viewers will watch it late Saturday night.
Match Preview: What’s at Stake?
Current Form
- Atlas : 9 points from 4 games (3 wins, 1 loss) — sitting near the top of the standings
- Cruz Azul : 6 points from 4 games (2 wins, 2 losses) — back-to-back defeats vs Atlante and Tijuana
Why This Match Matters
- Early playoff race implications — Every point counts in the Apertura format
- Cruz Azul’s title defense — They won Clausura 2026 but have struggled to maintain momentum
- Revenge factor — Cruz Azul eliminated Atlas in the Clausura 2026 quarterfinals (4-2 aggregate)
Injury Report & Team News
Cruz Azul — Missing Key Players
- Gonzalo Piovi (Defender)
- Willer Ditta (Defender)
- Carlos Rotondi (Midfielder/Forward)
These absences put extra pressure on manager Joel Huiqui to find solutions at home.
Atlas — Riding High
- Coming off a 2-1 win vs Tigres (August 15)
- 3 wins in 4 Apertura matches
- Momentum building for a tough away test at the reigning champions
Predicted Lineups
Cruz Azul (4-2-3-1 Formation)
Goalkeeper: Kevin Mier
Defenders: Omar Campos, Jesus Orozco, Alan Montes, Angel Marquez
Defensive Midfielders: Carlos Rodriguez, Erik Lira
Attacking Midfielders: Luka Romero, Christian Ebere, Jose Paradela
Striker: Nicolas Ibanez
Atlas (4-3-1-2 Formation)
Goalkeeper: Camilo Vargas
Defenders: Jorge Rodriguez, Rodrigo Schlegel, Manuel Capasso, Gustavo Ferrareis
Midfielders: Alfonso Gonzalez, Edgar Zaldivar, Duk
Attacking Midfielder: Victor Rios
Strikers: Florian Monzon, Jose Martin
The Backstory: Recent Playoff History
These teams met in the Clausura 2026 quarterfinals with Cruz Azul advancing:
| Leg | Result | Key Moment |
|---|---|---|
| First Leg | Cruz Azul 3–2 Atlas | High-scoring affair |
| Second Leg | Cruz Azul 1–0 Atlas | Jose Paradela scored the decisive goal |
| Aggregate | Cruz Azul 4–2 Atlas | La Máquina advances |
Atlas will surely have this on their minds as they travel to face the reigning champs.
Summary
- Match: Cruz Azul vs Atlas | Liga MX Apertura 2026, Matchday 5
- When: Saturday, August 22, 2026 at 11:00 PM ET / 8:00 PM PT
- Where to Watch: TUDN USA, Univision, TUDN.com, Univision NOW, TUDN App, ViX
- No free legal stream available — use official platforms
- Atlas in better form (9 pts vs 6 pts) but Cruz Azul at home
- Key injuries for Cruz Azul: Piovi, Ditta, Rotondi
- Playoff history: Cruz Azul won last meeting 4-2 on aggregate
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I watch this match for free legally in the US?
No. There is currently no confirmed free legal stream for this match. You’ll need access to TUDN USA, Univision, or one of their streaming platforms.
2. What if I don’t have cable? Can I still watch?
Yes! You can stream via TUDN.com, Univision NOW, the TUDN App, or ViX. Some may require a subscription or TV provider login.
3. Why does the schedule say August 23 sometimes?
The match kicks off at 3:00 AM UTC on August 23, but in US time zones, it’s Saturday night, August 22. Don’t worry — you’re not missing it by a day!
4. Who are the key players to watch?
- Cruz Azul: Kevin Mier (GK), Jose Paradela (scored winner in last playoff vs Atlas), Nicolas Ibanez (striker)
- Atlas: Camilo Vargas (GK), Florian Monzon & Jose Martin (striker duo), Alfonso Gonzalez (midfield engine)
5. What formation will each team likely play?
- Cruz Azul: 4-2-3-1 (two defensive mids, three attacking mids behind one striker)
- Atlas: 4-3-1-2 (three central mids, one attacking mid behind two strikers)
Enjoy the match! Whether you’re cheering for La Máquina or Los Rojinegros, it should be a great Liga MX showdown.