Tijuana Xolos make big signings ahead of 2026 Clausura season
The Tijuana Xolos will begin their 2026 Liga MX Clausura season this Friday, January 8, against Club America at home.
Club Tijuana were one of the big surprises last season, finishing seventh in the league and making the quarterfinal stage.
The Border City Dogs were knocked out by Tigres UANL, but managed to put up a competitive effort overall in the campaign. The Xoloitzcuintles have placed confidence in manager Sebastian Abreu and now hope to prosper in the upcoming tournament.
Gilberto Mora has been the talk of the league and has continued to produce at his very young age. The 17-year-old is due for a big season ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and the front office has responded with some key signings this transfer window.
The Aztec Canines have acquired both Josef Martinez and Ignacio Rivero ahead of the season-opener. Martinez has been one of the most consistent strikers in Major League Soccer since 2017.
The Venezuelan forward became a star with Atlanta United, scoring over 90 goals in over 100 appearances through 2022. In the 2025 season with San Jose, the veteran striker scored 14 goals in 30 games, with only 21 as a starting player.
El Club Tijuana hace oficial el fichaje del delantero Josef Martínez. ¡Bienvenido a tu nueva casa, Josef! ❤️🖤#LocosXTijuas 🐕 | https://t.co/TpeaGk5p1D pic.twitter.com/BWvdWS48ZW
— Xolos (@Xolos) January 7, 2026
Martinez has also been a stellar player with the Venezuela national team over the years and offers a wealth of experience. Club Tijuana did not have a consistent striker last year and relied more on midfielders like Kevin Castaneda, Gilberto Mora, and Franck Boya to score.
Players like Shamar Nicholson and Mourad El Ghezouani have had their moments, but have also been inconsistent. Martinez offers an opportunity for consistency in that starting striker role, as he has had a track record of scoring everywhere.
Ignacio Rivero returns to Club Tijuana after becoming the club captain and key star for Cruz Azul from 2020-2025. The Uruguayan player won four trophies at Cruz Azul, including a Liga MX title in 2021 and a CONCACAF Champions Cup last year.
Rivero played with Club Tijuana from 2018-2020 and also became a fan favorite and consistent starter over that period. The 33-year-old is extremely versatile as he can play all over the pitch.
Rivero can play as a fullback, central midfielder, and out on the wings if necessary. It will be interesting to see where Abreu decides to play Rivero, as he will certainly be one of the leaders on this club in the new season.
Club Tijuana is poised to do better this upcoming season with these significant signings around Mora and company. To ensure success, the Xoloitzcuintles must do what they do best and start gaining points at home.
Francisco, 28, Chula Vista/Tijuana. I have been a Padres fan all my life, did most of the series previews and recaps in the Padres’ 2016 season for EVT. Now I focus more on the local soccer scene. Tijuana Xolos, San Diego FC, San Diego Wave. I have covered Liga MX, MLS, Mexico National Team, USWNT, Copa América and European clubs like Manchester United and Borussia Dortmund.