Club América’s Ramón Juárez asked for fair officiating before the Toluca final, pointing to disputed calls in the first leg and a string of high-profile controversies around América. The debate sharpened after the 2024 title win over Cruz Azul on a VAR-awarded penalty and a heated Toluca match in March 2025. The league faces growing pressure to restore confidence in referees during its biggest games.
Mexico finished atop Group A in the CONCACAF Gold Cup after a tense 0-0 draw with Costa Rica, surviving a last-minute VAR offside call. With both teams level on points, Mexico’s superior goal difference gave them the edge. Costa Rica now faces the U.S., but several key players are sidelined by injuries and suspensions.