The Chivas vs Xolos match in the Jornada 5 of the Apertura 2026 was postponed minutes before kickoff due to heavy rain that flooded Akron Stadium. The downpour, lasting over an hour, left puddles on the pitch, flooded seats and tunnels, and forced the game to be delayed. The Liga MX commissioner initially granted 10 minutes to assess conditions, but confirmed the delay would continue.
What happened with the Chivas vs Xolos match?
The torrential rain prevented the game from starting, leaving the World Cup stadium in unsuitable conditions for football. Fans had to wait in the stadium facilities while water was removed. This is not a new situation for Chivas, as a similar delay occurred almost a year ago during a match against Tigres. At that time, the drainage system allowed the pitch to recover, generating expectations that Akron Stadium could be ready again after the rain.
What drainage system does Akron Stadium use?
The stadium features a state-of-the-art drainage system combining gravity filtration and mechanical suction via pumps. The Draintalent system, along with permeable concrete and a network of 50-60 pipes buried 30 centimeters deep, allows rapid water removal. This design, approved by FIFA, will be crucial to determine how long it takes for the pitch to be in optimal conditions and for the match to resume.
