Reports: Chivas will return to play at Estadio Jalisco due to renovations at Estadio Akron for the 2026 World Cup

Chivas will return to the stadium that was their home from 1960 to 2010, when they moved to Estadio Akron. At Estadio Jalisco, the Rojiblancos won the majority of their first division titles, including the four consecutive championships they claimed between 1960 and 1965, during the "Campeonísimo" era.

Although no date has been set yet, Estadio Akron, which will host four matches during the 2026 World Cup, will begin its renovation process with an investment of around $12.4 million. One of the main improvements will be the pitch renovation, forcing Chivas to temporarily move back to their former home.

Akron will become the first stadium in Mexico with hybrid grass of FIFAPro quality. Additionally, the stadium will feature a new drainage system, one of the most advanced in the world, which could take months to complete.

The team owned by Amaury Vergara has yet to decide whether the move will begin from the current Clausura 2025, which is in Matchday 15, or if it will take place in the next tournament.

A few weeks ago, Amaury Vergara, owner of Chivas, was questioned by the fans about the team’s finances, with some arguing that he hasn't invested enough in the club's squad. In response, Vergara explained that money is being invested in the club's youth academy, and a significant amount will be spent on the necessary renovations for the Akron Stadium, one of the three stadiums in Mexico that will host the 2026 World Cup - along with the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City and the Estadio BBVA in Monterrey.

Amaury detailed that what Chivas is aiming for is to make the fan experience completely immersive.

"In the future, fans will be able to order food and drinks from their seats, purchase official products just by scanning a QR code, and even participate in interactive dynamics in real time," he said.

The Akron is also the first stadium in Mexico with Wi-Fi, and the installation of a state-of-the-art LED lighting system, a new sound system, among other improvements, has begun.

"Some of those adjustments were requested by FIFA, and most of them are adjustments that we are making ourselves," explained Vergara in an interview with EFE. "We know that Mexico has hosted three World Cups, and it is very likely that we won’t have another World Cup in our generation. So this is a great opportunity, a great window to show the world that we are much more than what people sometimes think about violence.

"We are a wonderful country that loves soccer; we are the country that brings the most people to the World Cup."

Gerardo Espinoza's team is starting to fall behind in the race to qualify for the final phase of the Clausura 2025, and this weekend, they face a crucial match when they visit Mazatlán FC in Matchday 15. The Rojiblancos occupy the 12th position in the tournament with 16 points and are on a negative streak of four matches without a win in Liga MX.