UNAFUT Confirms League Format and Cup Competitions for 2025-2026 Season

Costa Rica’s top-flight league will maintain its familiar format for the upcoming season. According to an official release from UNAFUT, the 2025-2026 Liga Promerica campaign will feature 10 teams competing in both Apertura and Clausura tournaments, with playoffs and a potential grand final determining the champion.

The regular season will include 18 matchdays. The top four teams will qualify for the semifinals. Winners of the semifinals will contest a second-phase final, but if the regular-season leader is not crowned in that match, a grand final will be held to determine the ultimate winner.

The Apertura 2025 will kick off on July 27 and could run until December 21, while the Clausura 2026 will span from January 11 to May 27. The season will also open with the Recopa on July 20, featuring Club Sport Herediano and Liga Deportiva Alajuelense at the José Rafael “Fello” Meza Stadium.

Additionally, the next Copa UNAFUT will expand participation, including 10 first-division teams, 8 from the second-tier LIASCE, and 4 amateur sides from LINAFA. The early rounds and quarterfinals will take place during the Apertura, while the semifinals and final will be held in January. The final will be hosted at Edgardo Baltodano Stadium, with VAR implemented from the quarterfinals onward.