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 that has come through the play-offs over two nights that promise passion, noise and pure excitement. A legendary stadium, a vibrant city and the perfect setting to experience football whilst 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 world’s most important tournament. Watching a World Cup match at the Azteca Stadium is to experience history live. It is an experience that goes beyond football.

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

How to get to the Azteca Stadium

• Metro + Light Rail: take Metro Line 2 to Tasqueña and change to the Light Rail to Estadio Azteca station.
• Bus and Metrobus: several routes 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 zones 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 stand: a more tactical view and the most sought-after seats. Approximate price: €180–200.
• VIP and Hospitality areas (opening match and major fixtures): premium seats, exclusive services and hospitality. Approximate price: from around €250 in the end zones to over €600 in VIP and Hospitality areas, depending on the match.

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

At the Azteca Stadium, you’ll 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’ll share the pitch at one of the most iconic stadiums in world football.

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

What’s the best way to get there?

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

• Metro + Light Rail: this is the most popular option among locals and visitors. Take Metro Line 2 to Tasqueña and change 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’re already in the south, you can take this line directly. On match days, there’s usually an enhanced service.
• Taxi or apps such as Uber or DiDi: more convenient if you’re 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 running along Calzada de Tlalpan, but it is not the quickest option, especially if the area is busy.

During the World Cup, special transport and security operations are expected, with signage, access controls and extra 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 huge passion for football, its cultural diversity and its 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 places such as the Zócalo or Chapultepec, with live music, stalls selling traditional food, activities for all ages and screens to watch the matches
• Themed bars and restaurants, especially in areas such as Condesa, Roma or 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 displays in metro stations, along avenues and on iconic buildings

Even if you don’t have tickets for every match, experiencing the World Cup from Mexico City will be an unforgettable experience. The city has it all: football, culture, cuisine 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 watch more World Cup matches in other cities across the country, you can combine your visit to Mexico City with two other official host cities: Monterrey and Zapopan. Both boast modern stadiums, a football-mad atmosphere and good transport links 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 around 6 hours by road

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

Mexico City is gearing up to become one of the major venues for the 2026 World Cup. With 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 World Cup): venue for the opening match on 11 June and several key fixtures. With a capacity of over 80,000 spectators, it is a legendary venue that amplifies the World Cup excitement.
• Plan your journey carefully: the stadium is 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 Estadio Azteca station. If you’re travelling by taxi or ride-hailing app, allow extra time due to the usual traffic on match days.
• Check your ticket carefully: there will be sections reserved for supporters of each national team, as well as a neutral zone where fans wearing shirts from different countries mix. Before buying, confirm the category, sector and zone. If you enter an area that does not match your ticket, you may be moved or denied entry for security reasons.
• Make the most of the city’s atmosphere: from the Historic Centre to neighbourhoods such as Coyoacán or Roma-Condesa, via fan zones and bars with giant screens, the city will be full of places to experience the World Cup even without being in the stadium.
• Bear in mind the altitude and climate: Mexico City is over 2,200 metres above sea level; if you’re not used to it, stay hydrated and take things easy. In June and July, plan your travel and accommodation well in advance.

To enjoy the World Cup without a hitch, the key is to buy the right ticket: make sure the category, sector and zone match exactly what you’re looking for. Checking this will save you trouble and let you focus on what matters: 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 spots. Whether you only have a few hours to spare or are planning to stay for several days, here are some ideas to round off your experience.

• If it’s your first time, this guide to what to see and do in Mexico City will serve as a starting point.
• Explore the city by night with one of these evening tours of Mexico City, perfect for after the match.
• If you’re looking for nature close to the city, check out these hiking trails and outdoor excursions.
• Don’t miss Mexico City’s best museums, such as the Frida Kahlo Museum or the National Museum of Anthropology.
• Got a week? Here’s a complete 7-day itinerary for CDMX featuring the best of each area.
• And to get around hassle-free, 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 at your own pace and continue exploring the city to the full.