Mexico is hosting the World Cup for the third time in history, and the tournament kicks off on June 11 at Estadio Azteca with El Tri facing South Africa. For anyone planning to attend matches across Mexico City, Guadalajara or Monterrey, the next few weeks are your window to get organized.
What do you need to know? This guide touches upon a bit of everything, from flights to the weather, so you can make the most of your World Cup experience in Mexico.
Which World Cup games are in Mexico, and which city should you visit?
Mexico will host a total of 13 games between June 11 and July 5. The three host cities each have a distinct character and a distinct set of logistical realities.
Mexico City
Mexico City Stadium (Estadio Banorte, or more famously, the Estadio Azteca) hosts five games:
- June 11: Mexico vs South Africa
- June 17: Uzbekistan vs Colombia
- June 24: Czechia vs Mexico
- June 30: Group A Winner vs Group C/E/F/H/I Third Place
- July 5: Quarterfinal
The quarterfinal is by far the biggest match played on Mexican soil this time around, and the atmosphere at an 87,500-capacity Estadio Azteca in a knockout round will be other-worldly.
Pro tip: If it’s your first time visiting Mexico City or you haven’t been here in a while, note that the capital sits at 2,240 meters above sea level. Arrive at least a day early to acclimate to the altitude.
Guadalajara
Guadalajara (Estadio Akron) hosts four games across the group stage. The key dates for fans following Mexico’s group are:
- June 11: South Korea vs Czechia
- June 18: Mexico vs South Korea
- June 23: Colombia vs Intercontinental Playoff Winner 1
- June 26: Uruguay vs Spain
The stadium’s volcano-inspired architecture and distinctive roof make it one of the more visually striking venues in the tournament.
Pro Tip: Guadalajara is the birthplace of tequila and mariachi, so consider taking an extra day here to check out the Tequila Train or have a long lunch in Plaza de los Mariachis.
Monterrey
Monterrey (Estadio BBVA) hosts four games:
- June 14: Sweden vs Tunisia
- June 20: Tunisia vs Japan
- June 24: South Africa vs South Korea
- June 29: Winner Group F vs Runner‑up Group C (Round of 32)
The venue is backed by the Sierra Madre mountains, making it one of the finest club stadiums in Latin America. Monterrey is the most compact of the three host cities in terms of tourist zones — the Barrio Antiguo is where most fans will land and stay.
Pro Tip: June in Monterrey runs hot, easily above 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit), so factor the heat into your planning. The organizers have.
FYI: If Mexico advances — as a host nation, the expectation is they will — their Round of 32 would be June 30 back at Estadio Azteca.
FIFA World Cup tickets: what they cost, where to get them and what to expect
As FIFA’s official ticket sales phase has closed, the secondary market is now the primary option for most fans.
On FIFA’s own official resale platform, a category three seat for the tournament opener between Mexico and South Africa was recently listed at over US $5,000, a steep jump when compared to its original face value of US $895. Official Category 1 tickets for Mexico’s opener were set around US 1,800 — many fans now see prices above US 2,000.
For non-Mexico group games at the three Mexican venues, secondary market prices are considerably lower. Games like Colombia vs. Democratic Republic of Congo in Guadalajara or Tunisia vs. Japan in Monterrey represent a realistic opportunity to attend a World Cup match without a four-figure price tag.
Pro Tip: Buy only through FIFA’s official ticketing platform, or through a recognized secondary market aggregator that offers a ticket guarantee. Do not buy from individuals outside stadiums or through unverified social media listings.
Should you fly into the host city the day before the game?
Yes. For every game in every city, arrive the day before, at a minimum.
Why? Traffic, yes, but the extra day also gives you time to figure out how to best arrive at the stadium. It’s also a good idea to give yourself a cushion, should any flight issues arise.
This is especially important in the case of AICM — Mexico City’s main international airport — which will be operating at high volume throughout the tournament. Domestic flights between host cities on match days and the mornings before them are booking up fast. A delayed flight, a missed connection or a gate change on the day of Mexico’s opener could mean you miss kickoff at one of the most attended sporting events in the country’s history.
Pro Tip: It’s critical to download your airline’s app. AICM’s gate assignments run notoriously late, and often don’t reflect on the airport monitors until less than an hour before take-off. Apps, like Aeromexico’s, send push notifications the moment your gate is assigned. It also keeps you up to date if delays or changes arise.
FYI: If you’re delayed more than four hours, Aeromexico offers airport dining credits. These can be accessed via the app, so you don’t have to wait in line for a paper voucher.
Getting to the stadium from your hotel
In all three cities, Uber and DiDi are your most reliable options. Both apps work consistently across Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey. Book your ride early or, even better, schedule rides well in advance (both Uber and DiDi let you schedule a ride at least one day before). On match days with demand spikes, wait times and prices inflate.
Mexico City’s Metro is a cheaper alternative at 5 pesos per ride. To arrive at Azteca, take Line 2 to Tasqueña, then switch to the Tren Ligero toward Estadio Azteca station. FIFA will also operate official shuttle services from designated points in each city — check the FIFA app and local signage as you approach your match date.
Flying between host cities during World Cup 2026
The three cities are not close to each other. Mexico City to Guadalajara is roughly an hour by air, as is Mexico City to Monterrey. Plan domestic legs early, as flights on the day before and after major matches are the first to fill.
Aeromexico, Volaris and Viva Aerobus all cover these routes. Budget carriers offer lower base fares but charge separately for checked bags, seat selection and changes. Aeromexico is generally more expensive, but most extras are included.
Either way, the booking window for match-adjacent travel is closing. If you haven’t booked yet, now is the time.
Pro Tip: Aeromexico recently introduced a new Stopover Program, allowing international passengers to stay up to seven days in Mexico City before continuing to a second domestic destination under one fare. This is a great option for fans flying in from Europe or South America who want to catch multiple matches.
The fan experience beyond the stadium
All three host cities are running FIFA Fan Festivals with giant screens, live music and free entry throughout the tournament. In Mexico City, the festival is based at the Zócalo — the central plaza of the capital and one of the largest public squares in the world. Every bar and restaurant in the host cities will be screening matches, so the tournament will, effectively, be everywhere.
A few city-specific suggestions to consider for those without a FIFA ticket: in Guadalajara, the Tlaquepaque neighborhood is a perfect place to watch a match, or to wander while your partner does, thanks to a collection of artisan shops, good mezcal, fine restaurants and a laid-back pace. In Monterrey, the Barrio Antiguo has the best concentration of bars and restaurants and is walkable from most centrally located hotels. In Mexico City, the Condesa and Roma neighborhoods are well-connected, walkable and full of places to eat and watch football.
Before you leave home: the checklist
- Download your airline’s app before you travel, not at the airport. Mobile check-in, digital boarding passes, and self-service rebooking tools are crucial when airports are running at tournament-volume capacity. Flight apps also handle seat selection, baggage, upgrades, real-time gate and flight updates.
- Download WhatsApp for travel support. Viva and Volaris both use WhatsApp chatbots for check-in and basic support; Aeromexico’s WhatsApp channel tends to be more comprehensive, especially useful if you miss a flight or need more detailed help.
- Buy travel insurance. Flights during a major tournament carry a higher disruption risk, and June weather in central Mexico can include afternoon storms. Coverage for cancellations, delays, hotel expenses and medical assistance is not a luxury purchase for this trip.
- Install Google Translate offline. Download the Spanish language pack before you board, just in case.
Bethany Platanella is a travel planner and lifestyle writer based in Mexico City. She lives for the dopamine hit that comes directly after booking a plane ticket, exploring local markets, practicing yoga and munching on fresh tortillas. Sign up to receive her Sunday Love Letters to your inbox, peruse her blog, or follow her on Instagram.
