Liga MX overhauls governance with new president ahead of 2026 World Cup

Liga MX, Mexico’s premier professional soccer league, has appointed Francisco Iturbide as its new president, replacing Mikel Arriola in a move that signals a fundamental rethinking of how the league operates. The appointment, made during an owners’ assembly on July 24, 2026, comes at a particularly strategic moment: right before the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off on Mexican soil.

Liga MX is simultaneously creating an entirely new legal entity, Liga Mexicana de Futbol Profesional A.C., designed to give the league operational independence while maintaining its relationship with the Mexican Football Federation.

From intern to president

Iturbide started at Liga MX as an intern 11 years ago and worked his way up to Director General of Competitions, Operations, and Development before landing the top job.

His predecessor, Mikel Arriola, moved to become commissioner and president of the FMF in December 2024, creating the vacancy that Iturbide now fills.

Iturbide has expressed pride in the appointment, framing it as a reflection of his long-standing commitment to the league’s evolution.

The Premier League blueprint

Liga MX is modeling its new governance framework after the English Premier League, which operates as its own entity separate from the English Football Association.

Under the new structure, all 18 Liga MX clubs will have equal voting rights. Four specialized committees have been established covering sports, commercial strategies, ethics, and good governance.

World Cup timing is no accident

The 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by Mexico, the US, and Canada, represents a significant commercial opportunity for Liga MX. Having a new governance structure in place before the tournament begins positions the league to attract international sponsors, broadcasters, and investors during a period of unprecedented global attention on Mexican soccer.

What investors and the market should watch

The separation from the FMF means Liga MX can negotiate its own commercial deals with greater autonomy. Broadcasting rights, sponsorship packages, and international expansion strategies can now be pursued without navigating layers of federation bureaucracy.

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