UNAM Pumas confirmed that Efraín Juárez left by his own choice, despite an active contract and a long‑term project. During the presentation of Sebastián Córdova and Cristian Chicote Calderón, sports vice‑president Antonio Sancho explained that the former coach did not want to continue with the club.

What did Antonio Sancho say?

Sancho, questioned by the media, replied that the question belongs to Juárez. “It’s not my place to answer, because he didn’t want to keep the contract. That should be asked to him,” the vice‑president stated on July 11, 2026.

Why did Juárez leave?

The coach had led the Pumas to the Clausura 2026 final, but quietly left the Pedregal after losing to Cruz Azul in the second leg. According to Sancho, Juárez decided to step away from the project despite the team’s consistency and victories throughout the season.

What’s next for the Pumas?

Following the official termination, the club already appointed Esteban Solari as the new manager. Solari, who coached Pachuca’s Tuzos in the 2025‑26 season, will debut with the Pumas on July 18 in the Apertura 2026 against the same Tuzos, at 17:00 Mexican time.

Who will take the role?

The search process considered several profiles, but the board chose Solari, who arrives tasked with reviving the championship dream the Pumas haven’t realized in fifteen years. His first test will be the match against Pachuca, a fixture that will set the tone for a new era at the university club.