Santos Laguna and Chivas meet in a crucial Liga MX Apertura 2026 matchup, with both clubs looking for three points after the league’s return from the Leagues Cup break.
Santos Laguna and Chivas Guadalajara are set to renew their rivalry on Sunday, August 16, in a pivotal Liga MX Apertura 2026 Jornada 4 clash.
The matchup comes at an important point in the early season. Santos are searching for their first points of the campaign, while Chivas are aiming to move closer to the Liga MX playoff places.
For fans watching from the United States, the game is available through TUDN’s television and digital platforms, making it possible to follow the action live.
Santos vs. Chivas: Match Date and U.S. Start Time
The Liga MX Apertura 2026 meeting between Santos Laguna and Chivas takes place on Sunday, August 16, 2026.
The scheduled kickoff times are:
- 9:00 p.m. ET
- 8:00 p.m. CT
- 6:00 p.m. PT
- 7:00 p.m. Central Mexico Time
U.S. viewers should check their local listings and the TUDN schedule before kickoff, particularly if they are watching through a cable provider or streaming service.
How to Watch Santos vs. Chivas in the United States
Fans in the United States can watch the match through TUDN, with coverage also available through the network’s digital platforms.
U.S. viewing options:
- TV: TUDN
- Online: tudn.com
- Streaming: TUDN app
The game is also scheduled for television and streaming coverage in Mexico through Canal 5, TUDN and ViX.
Why This Match Matters
Santos Laguna enter the contest under significant pressure after a difficult start to the Apertura 2026 campaign.
The Guerreros are sitting at the bottom of the standings without a point and need a positive result to begin climbing the table. Another defeat would make their early-season position even more challenging.
Chivas, meanwhile, have collected four points from their opening matches and are looking to turn that start into a stronger playoff push.
A victory could help the Guadalajara club move into the mix for the Liga MX postseason places, making Sunday’s game particularly important for the Rebaño.
Santos vs. Chivas Head-to-Head Record
Recent history gives Chivas the advantage in this matchup.
Across their previous five meetings, Guadalajara have recorded three wins, while Santos have won once and the teams have drawn once.
Their most recent meeting came during the Clausura 2026, when Chivas produced a convincing 3-0 victory.
Armando “Hormiga” González scored twice in the first half before Ricardo Marín added another goal deep into stoppage time.
The last five meetings include:
- Chivas 3-0 Santos — Clausura 2026
- Santos 1-0 Chivas — Apertura 2025
- Chivas 1-0 Santos — Clausura 2025
- Santos 0-2 Chivas — Apertura 2024
- Chivas 1-1 Santos — Clausura 2024
That recent record will give Chivas confidence, although Santos will be hoping to use home advantage and the need for points to change the momentum.
Can Santos End Their Difficult Start?
Santos’ biggest objective is straightforward: get on the scoreboard in the standings.
Starting a tournament without a point puts immediate pressure on the team, particularly with the Liga MX playoff race capable of becoming crowded very quickly.
A win against Chivas would provide more than just three points. It could also give Santos a much-needed boost in confidence following the league’s return from the Leagues Cup break.
Chivas Looking to Push Toward the Playoff Picture
Chivas have a different challenge.
With four points already secured, Guadalajara are within striking distance of the postseason places but cannot afford to drop too many points during the opening stages of the tournament.
The Rebaño will therefore be targeting another strong performance against Santos, especially after their dominant 3-0 result in the previous meeting.
A road victory would strengthen Chivas’ position and potentially move them closer to the upper half of the Apertura 2026 table.
Santos vs. Chivas: What U.S. Fans Should Know
For American soccer fans following Liga MX, this is a matchup worth watching because both teams have something important at stake.
Santos are chasing their first points of the season, while Chivas are attempting to build momentum toward a playoff position. Their recent head-to-head history also adds another layer to the contest.
Match: Santos Laguna vs. Chivas Guadalajara
Competition: Liga MX Apertura 2026
Round: Jornada 4
Date: Sunday, August 16, 2026
U.S. kickoff: 9 p.m. ET / 8 p.m. CT / 6 p.m. PT
U.S. TV: TUDN
U.S. online: tudn.com and TUDN app
Mexico TV/streaming: Canal 5, TUDN and ViX
With Santos desperate to get their season moving and Chivas chasing a place among the playoff contenders, Sunday’s meeting promises to be an important early test for both clubs.
Disclaimer: Match times, broadcast information, and other details may change. Please check official Liga MX and broadcaster listings for the latest updates.
