América De Cali: 5 Major Shocks Rocking La Mechita For The 2026 Season

The 'Escarlata' faithful are bracing for a seismic shift. As of today, December 17, 2025, América de Cali is undergoing a massive and dramatic squad re-structuring following a disappointing end to their 2025 campaign, which included a painful exit from international competition and a widely-cited "sporting failure" in the domestic league. The club's management, determined to end a five-year trophy drought, has confirmed a wave of departures and strategically secured new talent, signaling the start of a new, high-stakes era for 'La Mechita'.

The latest news is dominated by the transfer market, with the 'Diablos Rojos' making headlines for both their surprising losses and their ambitious acquisitions as they prepare for the Liga BetPlay Dimayor 2026-I and their spot in the Copa Sudamericana 2026. This comprehensive breakdown covers the five most critical updates you need to know about the current state of the club.

The Great Exodus: Key Departures and the 2026 Re-structuring

América de Cali is currently in the middle of a significant squad overhaul, a necessary move following a period of underperformance that saw them fail to secure a major title for the fifth consecutive year. This re-structuring involves the confirmed departure of at least ten footballers, with the club aiming to clear the decks and build a more solid and competitive roster for the upcoming season.

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The most notable exits are causing a stir among supporters, as several key figures who have worn the 'Escarlata' jersey are moving on. This clear-out is seen as a definitive end to the previous cycle and the beginning of a fresh start.

Confirmed Player Exits (Bajas)

• Joel Graterol (Goalkeeper): The Venezuelan guard, a cornerstone of the team for five years, has officially departed. His exit is perhaps the most significant, leaving a major void to fill between the posts for the 2026 season.
• Navarro: Another key piece of the squad has been confirmed to be leaving, adding to the defensive changes.
• Kalazán Suárez: Confirmed departure as part of the re-structuring.
• Rubén Manjarrés: Included in the list of players leaving the institution.
• John García: Officially out as the club seeks new defensive options.
• Edwin Torres: Confirmed to be among the outgoing players.

Club management has indicated that more departures are expected for the 2026 season, reflecting a commitment to a complete reset after the recent sporting disappointments.

New Blood: Confirmed Signings and Market Ambitions

To counteract the wave of departures, América de Cali has been active in the transfer market, securing several high-profile additions designed to inject pace, steel, and creativity into the new-look squad. The focus appears to be on strengthening both the defense and the attacking flanks.

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Confirmed New Signings (Altas)

• Dylan Borrero (Winger/Extremo): The official arrival of the Colombian winger is a major coup. Borrero is expected to bring pace and attacking flair to the team's offense, becoming a key focal point in the new system.
• Nicolás Hernández (Central Defender): The 27-year-old central defender was a strategic incorporation for the Liga BetPlay 2025-II, providing much-needed stability and experience at the back.
• Éver Meza: Confirmed as an arrival, adding depth and new tactical options to the roster.
• Juan Viveros: Another player confirmed to be joining 'La Mechita' for the 2026 campaign.

The club is also reportedly pursuing up to six additional players to complete the roster requested by the coaching staff for the demanding 2026 schedule, which includes the Liga BetPlay and the Copa Sudamericana.

The Fluminense Heartbreak: Sudamericana 2025 Elimination

One of the most immediate and painful pieces of news for the 'Diablos Rojos' is their recent elimination from the CONMEBOL Copa Sudamericana 2025. América de Cali reached the Round of 16 after successfully eliminating Bahía (another Brazilian club) in the play-offs.

Their journey ended against Brazilian powerhouse Fluminense. América suffered a 2-1 defeat in the first leg played at home, making the task of advancing in the away leg incredibly difficult. Ultimately, Fluminense secured the victory in their home match, eliminating América de Cali from the tournament. This exit marks a significant disappointment for the club, highlighting the gap they must close to compete consistently at the international level.

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Liga BetPlay 2026-I: New Format and Upcoming Fixtures

The focus has now fully shifted to the Liga BetPlay 2026-I, which will feature a new format. The traditional quadrangulars (group stage playoffs) have been eliminated, moving to a different structure that will test the consistency of every team from the start.

América de Cali's schedule for the opening stages of the 2026 season has been set, with the team facing a challenging start as they integrate their new signings:

• Late January 2026: The opening weekend of the Liga BetPlay 2026-I is scheduled for the last week of January.
• Early February 2026: Key fixtures will continue throughout February, including matches on the 2nd, 8th, 15th, and 23rd, demanding an immediate return to form.
• High-Stakes Rivalries: Matches against traditional rivals like Deportivo Cali and Atlético Nacional remain high-priority events, with the club needing to perform well in these clashes to boost morale and league standing.

The pressure is immense on the new squad and coaching staff to deliver immediate results and avoid another "sporting failure" that has plagued the club in recent years.

The Financial and Management Context

The extensive re-structuring is not just a sporting decision; it also has a significant financial component. Reports suggest that the economic situation of América de Cali is not ideal, which is fueling the need for a strategic overhaul of the roster.

The club's management, led by its board, is navigating a challenging landscape, balancing the need to reduce costs with the ambition of building a "solid squad" capable of fighting for titles and representing Colombia effectively in the Copa Sudamericana 2026. The rumors surrounding potential high-profile signings, such as the persistent links to Colombian star Juanfer Quintero, further complicate the financial narrative, suggesting that the club is willing to make major investments for players who can be genuine game-changers.

The arrival of David González has also been noted in the transfer context, though his exact role (whether as a player, coach, or in a management capacity) remains a point of discussion among fans and media, adding another layer of intrigue to the club's internal movements.

The coming months will be crucial for América de Cali. The success of the 2026 season hinges entirely on how quickly the new signings can integrate, how well the team can cope with the loss of key figures like Joel Graterol, and whether the new structure can finally break the five-year title drought. The 'Diablos Rojos' are betting on a complete overhaul to reclaim their place at the top of Colombian football.