Mexican Soccer Divisions: How the Mexico Football League System Works (2026)
Mexico has one of the largest soccer systems in North America, with professional and semi-professional clubs competing across multiple divisions.
If you're trying to understand the Mexican soccer league system, here is a simple breakdown of the main divisions and leagues in Mexico.
Mexico Soccer League System
Mexico Soccer League System
From Liga MX to Liga TDP, here is a simple breakdown of the main divisions in the Mexican soccer league system and where professional and development soccer generally sit.
Mexico does not currently operate a fully open promotion and relegation system between every level of the pyramid.
Lower divisions include clubs across Mexico, giving players opportunities outside the country’s largest soccer markets.
Liga Premier and Liga TDP are especially important for developing players trying to move into higher professional levels.
Want To Connect With Coaches In Liga MX?
1st Division: Liga MX
Liga MX is the highest level of professional soccer in Mexico.
It is home to the country's biggest and most recognizable clubs, including Club América, Chivas Guadalajara, Cruz Azul, Pumas UNAM, Tigres UANL and Monterrey.
Liga MX sits at the top of the Mexican soccer system.
Level: 1st Division
League: Liga MX
Type: Professional
2nd Division: Liga de Expansión MX
Liga de Expansión MX sits directly below Liga MX.
The league was created as a development-focused competition for clubs and younger Mexican players. For players trying to break into professional soccer in Mexico, Liga de Expansión represents another important level of the professional game.
Level: 2nd Division
League: Liga de Expansión MX
Type: Professional
3rd Division: Liga Premier Serie A
Liga Premier Serie A is the next level below Liga de Expansión MX and forms part of Mexico's Liga Premier system.
The league includes independent clubs as well as teams connected to larger professional organizations.
For players researching opportunities below Mexico's top two divisions, Serie A is an important league to know.
Level: 3rd Division
League: Liga Premier Serie A
Type: Professional / Development
4th Division: Liga Premier Serie B
Liga Premier Serie B is another competition within Liga Premier and sits below Serie A in this simplified Mexican soccer pyramid.
Like Serie A, it can provide opportunities for developing players and clubs competing outside Mexico's top professional leagues.
Level: 4th Division
League: Liga Premier Serie B
Type: Professional / Development
5th Division: Liga TDP
Liga TDP, formally known as the Liga Tercera División Profesional, contains a large number of clubs from across Mexico. Don’t be fooled by the name, they call it third division; however, it’s really more like 5th division in Mexico.
Despite the historic "Tercera División" name, Liga TDP sits below Liga Premier in the current structure.
The league is particularly relevant for younger players because many clubs use this level for player development and as a pathway toward higher levels of Mexican soccer.
Level: 5th Division
League: Liga TDP
Type: Semi-Professional / Development
How Many Soccer Divisions Are There in Mexico?
The Mexican soccer system has several levels, but players researching the primary national pathway should understand these five:
Liga MX → Liga de Expansión MX → Liga Premier Serie A → Liga Premier Serie B → Liga TDP
One important thing to understand is that the Mexican system does not currently operate like a completely open European pyramid where clubs automatically move between every level through promotion and relegation.
The structure and eligibility requirements can change, so players should always check the current rules for the league and club they are interested in.
How Do You Play Professional Soccer in Mexico?
There isn't one single pathway.
Players can enter the Mexican system through professional club academies, reserve and development teams, Liga TDP clubs, Liga Premier clubs, scouting, trials and direct contact with teams.
For players without an existing connection to a Liga MX organization, researching clubs in the lower divisions can be a useful way to understand what opportunities exist throughout Mexico.
Find Soccer Clubs and Coaches in Mexico
Knowing the divisions is only the first step.
Cancha Labs allows players to research soccer clubs, coaches and opportunities throughout Mexico and other countries so you can understand who the teams are, where they play and who to contact.