Pumas UNAM Appoints Esteban Solari as Head Coach for Apertura 2026

Esteban Solari Takes Helm at Pumas UNAM for Apertura 2026

Solari’s appointment follows the departure of former head coach Efraín Juárez. Before accepting the position at Pumas, Solari held coaching roles in Argentina, Chile, and Malaysia. He most recently served as the manager of Pachuca, where he secured 13 victories, four draws, and six losses. His tenure at Pumas began with a challenging start, as the team suffered a 0-3 defeat against his former club, Pachuca, in a match that also saw the coach receive an expulsion.

Strategic Roster Reinforcements

Under the guidance of sporting vice president Antonio Sancho, the Pumas front office has been active in the transfer market to bolster the squad. The club has officially announced the acquisition of Mexican defender Cristian Calderón, who joins the team from Club Necaxa. Calderón, who previously played for Atlas, América, and Chivas, brings significant experience to the auriazul defense after appearing in 16 matches for Necaxa during the 2025/2026 season.

Additionally, the club has incorporated midfielder Sebastián Córdova into the roster. Córdova arrives at Pumas following a stint with Toluca and previous experience with Tigres and América. These moves are part of a broader effort to revitalize the team following their loss in the Clausura 2026 final.

Luciano Herrera Joins Offensive Rotation

Pumas has further addressed its offensive needs by securing Argentine winger Luciano Herrera. The transfer was completed as a one-year loan from Newell’s Old Boys, with an option to purchase his rights permanently.

The arrival of Herrera was influenced by goalkeeper Keylor Navas, who has been a member of the Pumas squad since the winter of 2025 and previously played alongside the winger at Newell’s. While Herrera’s recent statistical performance—registering one assist in 16 matches during 2026—has drawn scrutiny from some supporters, the club views him as a versatile option capable of creating tactical variety. Herrera’s addition is intended to compensate for the departure of Jordan Carrillo, who left the university side after being purchased by Chivas.

Context and Upcoming Challenges

The Apertura 2026 season represents a critical period for Pumas as they look to transition into the Solari era. The team is currently navigating the early stages of the tournament, with a schedule that includes domestic league play against Toluca and Juárez, followed by participation in the 2026 Leagues Cup. During this international competition, Pumas is slated to face Charlotte FC, Cincinnati, and the Columbus Crew.

For the coaching staff and the new reinforcements, the immediate goal is to stabilize the team’s performance and meet the high expectations of the auriazul fan base. As noted by the Récord report, the institutional leadership values the experience of veterans like Navas to help integrate new arrivals into the squad effectively. The team must now demonstrate its cohesion on the pitch to remain competitive within the Liga MX standings.

Summary of New Arrivals

Player	Position	Previous Club
Cristian Calderón	Defense	Club Necaxa
Sebastián Córdova	Midfield	Toluca
Luciano Herrera	Forward	Newell’s Old Boys