Liga Profesional Argentina 2026/27

The **Liga Profesional de Fútbol** stands as the premier domestic football championship in Argentina. Organized by the Asociación del Fútbol Argentino (AFA), it operates as the top-tier professional league, succeeding the Superliga Argentina de Fútbol. The body was formally established in 2020, taking over organizational duties from its predecessor while maintaining historical ties to the professional era beginning in 1931.

The competition currently includes 30 clubs competing in a structure often divided into two tournaments: the Torneo Apertura and the Torneo Clausura. Teams are split into zones, playing a single round-robin within their group before facing inter-zone opponents. Progression follows a knockout play-off system for the top eight qualifiers from each zone. Crucially, a separate "Campeón de Liga" title is awarded based on aggregate points across both tournaments, distinguishing this method from standard single-table formats. Belgrano recently secured the Apertura title in 2026.

Relegation relies on a "promedio" system, calculating average points per game over the previous three seasons alongside the annual general table. While typically sending the two lowest-ranked sides down to the Primera Nacional, this rule saw suspension in 2024 before resuming for 2025.

The league is distinct from the Copa de la Liga Profesional, a secondary cup competition organized concurrently. Winning the cup grants access to the Copa Libertadores but carries less prestige than the league title. The league’s primary status determines the national champion and secures spots for international competitions like the Copa Sudamericana.

River Plate holds the record for the most professional era titles with 38, followed by Boca Juniors with 35. Vélez Sarsfield claimed the 2024 Liga Profesional, while Rosario Central won the 2025 aggregate table. These figures highlight the competitive landscape, though the current season focuses on the immediate stakes of the Apertura and Clausura splits. The structure ensures a long season with multiple pathways to silverware, balancing zone-based play with national aggregation.