2026 World Cup Matches in Mexico City

At the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City, the 2026 World Cup kicks off with a unique energy: the Mexican national team will face South Africa and a team from the play-offs in two nights that promise passion, noise and pure excitement. A legendary stadium, a vibrant city and the perfect setting to experience football while discovering the magic of the Mexican capital.

Mexico City will take centre stage from day one. The opening match will be held here, marking the start of a new edition of the most important tournament on the planet. Watching a World Cup match at the Azteca Stadium is like experiencing history live. It is an experience that goes beyond football.

This is not just any stadium. Azteca Stadium is a true institution in world football: it has seen unforgettable goals, historic finals and the best players of all time. In 2026, it will become the first stadium to host three World Cups.

How to get to Azteca Stadium

• Metro + Light Rail: take Metro Line 2 to Tasqueña and transfer to the Light Rail to the Estadio Azteca station.
• Bus and Metrobus: several lines run along Calzada de Tlalpan with stops near the stadium.
• Taxi or rideshare: taxi services, Uber and other platforms are common on match days, especially along Calzada de Tlalpan.

Stadium areas and approximate price ranges

For group stage matches, as a rough guide:

• Ends: intense atmosphere behind the goals. Approximate price: €80–140.
• Side stands: best balance between visibility and price. Approximate price: €140–190.
• Central grandstand: more tactical perspective and more sought-after seats. Approximate price: €180–200.
• VIP and hospitality areas (opening match and major events): premium seats, exclusive services and hospitality. Approximate price: from around £250 in the stands to over £600 in VIP and hospitality areas, depending on the match.

Please note that all these ranges are approximate: they may vary depending on the area of the stadium, the teams playing, the stage of the tournament and the demand for each match. If you want to experience the World Cup in extra comfort, the VIP and hospitality options offer premium seats and exclusive services.

At the Azteca Stadium, you will see much more than just the opening match. During the group stage, two teams from Group A, Mexico and South Africa, and two from Group K, Uzbekistan and Colombia, will play here. Not all of them will face each other, but they will share the pitch at one of the most iconic stadiums in world football.

Mexico City is huge, but getting to Azteca Stadium is easier than it seems if you know how to get around. The stadium is located in the south of the city and has good public transport and road connections.

What is the best way to get there?

It all depends on where you're coming from and how comfortable you want the journey to be:

• Metro + Light Rail: this is the most popular option among locals and visitors. Take Metro Line 2 to Tasqueña and connect to the Light Rail, which will drop you off at Estadio Azteca station in about 15-20 minutes. It's cheap and fairly straightforward.
• Light Rail (from Tasqueña): if you are already in the south, you can take this line directly. On match days, there is usually extra service.
• Taxi or apps such as Uber or DiDi: more convenient if you are travelling in a group or prefer not to use public transport. From the city centre, the journey can take 30 to 45 minutes, depending on traffic.
• Bus: there are several routes that run along Calzada de Tlalpan, but it is not the fastest option, especially if there are a lot of people in the area.

During the World Cup, special mobility and security measures are expected to be in place, with signage, access control and additional staff to assist attendees. If you plan to use public transport, try to leave early to avoid crowds.

Mexico City is always full of life, but during the 2026 World Cup, the city will take that energy to the max. With its enormous passion for football, cultural diversity and vibrant urban life, the atmosphere is expected to be truly unforgettable.

The main avenues and iconic areas — such as Paseo de la Reforma, the Zócalo, Coyoacán and **the Alameda Central —**will be filled with giant screens, cultural activities and thousands of people watching the matches live. The city, which already celebrates football victories at the Angel of Independence, will become a meeting point for fans from all over the world.

What can you expect?

• Official fan zones in spaces such as the Zócalo or Chapultepec, with live music, traditional food stalls, activities for all ages, and screens to watch the matches.
• Themed bars and restaurants, especially in areas such as Condesa, Roma, and Polanco, where every goal is celebrated as if it were the last
• Parallel cultural events, from exhibitions to concerts, in museums, squares and public spaces.
• Decorations throughout the city, with flags, murals and special decorations in metro stations, avenues and iconic buildings.

Even if you don't have tickets for all the matches, experiencing the World Cup from Mexico City will be quite an experience. The city has it all: football, culture, gastronomy and a contagious energy that will make you feel part of the tournament from the moment you arrive.

If you want to make the most of your trip to see more World Cup matches in other cities around the country, you can combine your visit to Mexico City with two other official venues: Monterrey and Zapopan. Both have modern stadiums, a football atmosphere and good connections from the capital.

• Monterrey (BBVA Stadium): 1h30 by plane from Mexico City, a modern venue with a large capacity
• Zapopan (Akron Stadium, in Guadalajara): 1 hour 15 minutes by plane or about 6 hours by road

If you are interested in following the tournament in different cities, plan a route through the three Mexican venues. Each one has its own identity, cuisine and way of experiencing football.

Mexico City is preparing to become one of the major venues for the 2026 World Cup. With its bustling streets, historic squares, bars with giant screens and a mix of fans from all over the world, the Mexican capital promises a vibrant football atmosphere both inside and outside the stadium.

• The heart of the tournament beats at the Estadio Azteca (renamed Estadio Ciudad de México for the Cup): venue for the opening match on 11 June and several key matches. With a capacity of over 80,000, it is a legendary venue that multiplies the excitement of the World Cup.
• Plan your arrival carefully: the stadium is located in the south of the city, in the Santa Úrsula/Tlalpan area. The most practical option is usually to combine the metro and light rail to the Estadio Azteca station. If you are travelling by taxi or app, allow extra time for the usual traffic on match days.
• Check your ticket carefully: there will be areas reserved for each team's fans and also a neutral zone where shirts from different countries will be mixed. Before buying, confirm the category, sector and zone. If you enter an area that does not match your ticket, you may be relocated or denied access for security reasons.
• Enjoy the atmosphere of the city: from the Historic Centre to neighbourhoods such as Coyoacán or Roma-Condesa, passing through fan zones and bars with giant screens, the city will be full of places where you can experience the World Cup even without being in the stadium.
• Keep in mind the altitude and climate: Mexico City is more than 2,200 metres above sea level; if you are not used to it, stay hydrated and take things slowly. In June and July, plan your travel and accommodation in advance.

To enjoy the World Cup without any hiccups, the key is to buy the right ticket: make sure the category, sector and zone match exactly what you are looking for. Checking this will save you problems and allow you to focus on what's important: enjoying an unforgettable World Cup experience.

Mexico City is one of those cities that offers much more than just football. Make the most of your trip to discover its history, food, museums and charming corners. Whether you only have a few hours to spare or plan to stay for several days, here are some ideas to complete your experience.

• If this is your first time, this guide on what to see and do in Mexico City will serve as a starting point.
• Explore the illuminated city with one of these night tours of CDMX, perfect after the match.
• If you're looking for nature close to the city, check out these hiking trails and outdoor excursions.
• Don't miss the best museums in Mexico City, such as the Frida Kahlo Museum or the National Museum of Anthropology.
• Got a week? Here's a complete 7-day itinerary for CDMX with the best of each area.
• And to get around without any hassle, you can book your transfer from the airport to your hotel in advance.

Tip: plan your visits for the morning or the day after the match, so you can enjoy the football without rushing and continue exploring the city to the fullest.