6 Secrets Behind Pachuca's Success: How Los Tuzos Became CONCACAF's Most Dominant Club In 2024

Club de Fútbol Pachuca, affectionately known as *Los Tuzos* (The Gophers), has cemented its status as a continental powerhouse, particularly after its stunning victory in the 2024 CONCACAF Champions Cup. This triumph, secured with a dominant 3-0 win over the Columbus Crew, not only delivered the club its record-extending sixth Concachampions title but also punched its ticket to two massive global tournaments: the 2024 FIFA Intercontinental Cup and the expanded 2025 FIFA Club World Cup in the United States. The club is now focused on maintaining its momentum under new leadership as it navigates the demanding 2024-2025 Liga MX season and upcoming international challenges. The success of the club today, as of December 2025, is a testament to decades of strategic development, a world-class youth academy, and a commitment to high-tempo, attacking football. With the dust settled on their continental glory, Pachuca is now in a critical phase under newly appointed head coach Esteban Solari, who took the reins to close out the Apertura 2025 season. This article dives deep into the six pillars of Pachuca’s current dominance, from their latest coaching changes and star players to the legendary academy that fuels their entire operation.

The New Era: Esteban Solari and the Path to Global Stage

The recent coaching change at the Estadio Miguel Hidalgo marks a significant pivot for the club. Following a period of transition, Esteban Solari was officially announced as the new head coach, tasked with guiding *Los Tuzos* through the remainder of the demanding Liga MX calendar and preparing them for their biggest international tests yet. Solari, the brother of former Real Madrid player and coach Santiago Solari, brings a fresh perspective to a squad already brimming with talent and confidence following their Concacaf success. The 2024 Concachampions title was more than just a trophy; it was a golden ticket to the highest level of club football. Pachuca qualified for two prestigious events:

• 2024 FIFA Intercontinental Cup: They will participate in the initial stages, beginning with the FIFA Derby of the Americas on December 11, 2024, against the 2024 CONMEBOL Libertadores champions.
• 2025 FIFA Club World Cup: Their Concacaf victory secured their spot as one of the five CONCACAF representatives in the expanded 32-team tournament in the USA, a massive stage for the club to showcase its global ambitions.

The pressure is now on Solari to integrate new tactical ideas while preserving the winning mentality that led to the Concachampions triumph. The blend of experienced players and academy graduates will be crucial as they balance domestic league play with preparation for these historic global fixtures.

Key Players and Squad Dynamics in the 2025 Season

Pachuca’s success is built on a dynamic squad that combines international experience with raw Mexican talent. The 2025/2026 season sees a few notable changes, but the core strength remains.

Star Power: The Attacking Midfield Maestro

The creative engine of the team is often Oussama Idrissi. The Moroccan winger is a constant threat on the flank, known for his blistering pace, dribbling skills, and ability to unlock defenses. His performances have been instrumental in their recent trophy haul, making him one of the most valuable assets in the current squad.

The Defensive Wall and Emerging Talent

In goal, Carlos Moreno provides a reliable presence, anchoring the defense. Meanwhile, the younger generation continues to break through. Defender Daniel Aceves’s consistent quality was recognized with a spot on the 2025 LIGA MX All-Star Team roster, highlighting the continued flow of talent from the club's famous academy. Other key contributors in the current squad include midfielder Gastón Togni and the young Mexican forward Miguel Rodriguez.

Recent Transfer Movements (2025/2026)

The summer transfer window saw some squad adjustments typical of a successful club. The most significant outgoing transfer was the sale of forward Alemão for a reported fee of €4.50M, demonstrating Pachuca’s model of developing and selling players for profit to reinvest in the future. While detailed incoming transfers for the 2025-2026 season are ongoing, the club’s philosophy ensures that any departures are often covered by promising academy products or shrewd international signings.

La Cuna del Fútbol: The Cradle of Mexican Talent

Perhaps the most defining feature of Club de Fútbol Pachuca is its legendary youth academy, proudly nicknamed "La Cuna del Fútbol" (The Cradle of Football). This institution is widely regarded as one of the best football development centers in all of North America, consistently producing top-tier talent for both the club and the Mexican national team. The academy’s structure focuses not just on technical skill but on holistic development, instilling the club’s core values in every player. This commitment to development is a core reason why Pachuca can sustain success despite operating with a more modest budget compared to other Liga MX giants. The club recently celebrated its 132nd anniversary, a deep history that underpins its status as a foundational institution in Mexican football. The constant flow of talent ensures the first team remains competitive, creating a virtuous cycle: academy graduates win trophies (like the Concachampions), which raises their profile, leading to major sales, which then funds the continued operation of the world-class academy. This sustainable model is the true secret behind Pachuca’s consistent presence at the top of Mexican and CONCACAF football.

Pachuca’s Unstoppable Rise: Six Key Factors

1. Record-Breaking Concachampions Success: Their 2024 title gave them six continental championships, more than any other Mexican club in the modern era, establishing them as the undisputed kings of CONCACAF.
2. Qualification for FIFA Club World Cup 2025: This forthcoming participation on the global stage offers unprecedented exposure and a chance to compete against the world’s elite clubs.
3. The 'Cuna del Fútbol' Academy: The continuous production of high-quality, homegrown players provides a sustainable and cost-effective competitive edge.
4. Estadio Miguel Hidalgo Advantage: Playing at the high altitude of Pachuca de Soto gives *Los Tuzos* a significant home-field advantage against opponents, especially in international tournaments.
5. Shrewd Transfer Strategy: The club excels at identifying undervalued foreign talent and integrating them with their academy graduates, maximizing squad efficiency. (e.g., the development and sale of players like Alemão).
6. New Coaching Impetus: The arrival of Esteban Solari brings fresh tactical ideas and a renewed focus on the next phase of the club's development, promising an exciting future.