Pumas vs Querétaro: Predicted Starting XIs Revealed
Pumas vs Querétaro FC: Match Preview – Liga MX Apertura 2026
Quick Info
Match: Pumas vs Querétaro FC
Competition: Liga MX – Apertura 2026 (Round 2)
Date: August 16, 2026
Venue: Estadio Olímpico Universitario
Referee: Karen Hernández Andrade
What’s This Match All About?
Imagine two soccer teams getting ready for a big game. Pumas (the home team) and Querétaro FC (the visitors) are both off to a strong start in the Liga MX Apertura 2026 tournament. Each team has played three matches, won two, lost one, and sits on 6 points. Pumas are currently 4th in the table, while Querétaro sits 7th. This Round 2 clash at the famous Estadio Olímpico Universitario could help either side climb higher.
Possible Starting Lineups (The "XI")
Before every game, coaches pick 11 players to start. These are predicted lineups based on recent training and news — the final teams might change at the last minute.
Pumas (Home) – Formation: 4-2-3-1
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| Goalkeeper | Keylor Navas |
| Right Back | Rodrigo López |
| Center Backs | Rubén Duarte, Nathan Silva |
| Left Back | Álvaro Angulo |
| Defensive Midfielders | Víctor Arteaga, Pedro Vite |
| Attacking Midfielders | Adalberto Carrasquilla, Alan Medina, Uriel Antuna |
| Striker | Robert Morales |
Formation Explained (ELI5):
- 4-2-3-1 means: 4 defenders, 2 defensive midfielders, 3 attacking midfielders, 1 striker.
- Think of it like a shield (defenders), two anchors (defensive mids), three creators (attacking mids), and one finisher (striker).
Querétaro FC (Away) – Formation: 4-4-2
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| Goalkeeper | Guillermo Allison |
| Right Back | Bayron Duarte |
| Center Backs | Diego Reyes, Lucas Abascia |
| Left Back | Daniel Parra |
| Right Midfielder | Enzo Giménez |
| Central Midfielders | Santiago Homenchenko, Carlo García |
| Left Midfielder | Paulo Victor |
| Strikers | Pérez Reyes, Ali Avila |
Formation Explained (ELI5):
- 4-4-2 means: 4 defenders, 4 midfielders (two wide, two central), 2 strikers.
- It’s a classic shape — balanced, with two forwards working together up front.
How the Teams Might Look on the Field
Pumas (Home)
- Back line: Navas in goal; Duarte & Silva central, Angulo left, López right.
- Middle: Arteaga & Vite protect the defense; Carrasquilla, Medina & Antuna create chances.
- Front: Morales leads the attack alone but gets support from the three behind him.
Querétaro FC (Away)
- Back line: Allison in goal; Reyes & Abascia central, Duarte right, Parra left.
- Middle: Homenchenko sits deep; Giménez (right), García (center), Victor (left) link play.
- Front: Two strikers — Reyes & Avila — press high and finish chances.
Important: Injuries & Doubts (Players Who Might Miss Out)
Callout: Key Absences Could Change Everything
These players are either ruled out or doubtful — their absence may force coaches to adjust tactics.
Pumas
- José Juan Macías (Striker) – Out (injury)
- Sebastián Córdova (Midfielder) – Out (injury)
Querétaro FC
- Carlos Villanueva (Defender) – Out (injury)
- Mateo Coronel (Striker) – Doubtful (fitness concern)
Key Players to Watch
| Player | Team | Role | Why They Matter |
|---|---|---|---|
| Robert Morales | Pumas | Striker | 1 goal, 3 assists, 7.5 rating — main goal threat |
| Ali Avila | Querétaro FC | Striker | 3 goals, 7.4 rating — in hot form |
ELI5: These are the guys most likely to score or create magic. Keep an eye on them!
Substitutes (Bench Options)
Coaches can make up to 5 subs. Here’s who’s ready to come on:
Pumas Bench
Pablo Lara, Tony Leone, Angel Azuaje, Kléber Carranza, Pablo Bennevendo, Cristian Calderón, Santiago Trigos, Luciano Herrera, Guillermo Martínez, Juninho
Querétaro FC Bench
Jose Hernández, Bernardo Parra, Erik Duenas, Sergio Garcia Brothers, Alex Alcala, Juan Martínez, Jean Unjanque, Waldo Madrid, Juan Robles, Juan Cázares
Match Context: How They Got Here
| Team | Position | Points | Record (W-D-L) | Recent Results |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pumas | 4th | 6 | 2-0-1 | 5-1 vs Juárez, 2-1 vs Toluca |
| Querétaro FC | 7th | 6 | 2-0-1 | 3-2 vs Tigres UANL, 2-1 vs Pachuca |
Both teams are winning and scoring goals — expect an open, attacking game!
Match Details at a Glance
- Kickoff: August 16, 2026 (exact time TBA)
- Stadium: Estadio Olímpico Universitario (Mexico City)
- Referee: Karen Hernández Andrade
- Round: 2 of Liga MX Apertura 2026
- TV/Stream: Check local listings or 365Scores app
How to Get Confirmed Lineups & Live Updates
The official starting XIs are announced ~1 hour before kickoff. You can track them in real time via:
- 365Scores Match Center – Live lineups, stats, commentary
- 365Scores App – Instant push notifications for team news, goals, cards
- Official Liga MX / Club Social Media – Last-minute changes
Pro Tip: Lineups often change due to late fitness tests — always check 30–60 mins before kickoff!
Summary
- Pumas vs Querétaro is a Round 2 Liga MX Apertura 2026 clash on Aug 16, 2026 at Estadio Olímpico Universitario.
- Both teams have 6 points (2W-1L) — Pumas 4th, Querétaro 7th.
- Predicted formations: Pumas 4-2-3-1, Querétaro 4-4-2.
- Key absences: Macías & Córdova (Pumas), Villanueva & Coronel (Querétaro).
- Stars to watch: Robert Morales (Pumas), Ali Avila (Querétaro).
- Final lineups drop ~1 hr before kickoff — follow 365Scores for live updates.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
1. What time does the match start?
The exact kickoff time hasn’t been confirmed yet. Check the 365Scores app or Liga MX official schedule closer to matchday.
2. Where can I watch the game live?
Broadcast rights vary by region. In Mexico, it’s often on TUDN, Azteca Deportes, or ViX. Internationally, check ESPN+, Paramount+, or local sports networks.
3. Why are formations like 4-2-3-1 and 4-4-2 important?
They show how a team organizes defense, midfield, and attack.
- 4-2-3-1 = more control in midfield, one striker.
- 4-4-2 = two strikers, wider play, direct attacks.
4. What happens if a listed player gets injured before the game?
The coach picks a substitute from the bench. The lineup is only official when submitted to the referee (~1 hr before kickoff).
5. How do I know if Ali Avila or Robert Morales actually plays?
Wait for the confirmed XI on 365Scores Match Center or the club’s official Twitter/X account ~60 mins before kickoff.
Enjoy the game!
Stay updated, stay loud, and may the best team win!