Guadalajara, Host of Four Matches in the 2026 FIFA World Cup

Host City: Guadalajara

A preview of what this city will experience during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The largest tournament in the history of soccer will feature 48 national teams and a total of 104 matches, four of which will be played at the Estadio Akron (also known as Estadio Guadalajara).

This stadium will host four group-stage matches, including the second match of the Mexico national football team, which will be played on Thursday, June 18, 2026, in front of its home fans.

The full World Cup schedule has already been announced, confirming that the tournament will take place across 16 host cities distributed in three countries: Mexico, United States, and Canada.

In this context, the city of Guadalajara is preparing to host four group-stage matches, including Mexico’s second game in Group A.

Stadium Details

• Name: Estadio Akron

• Location: Zapopan, Jalisco

• Capacity: 48,000 spectators

• Opened: 2010

• Participation in the 2026 World Cup: Four group-stage matches

Built on elevated land and featuring a spherical architectural design similar to a modern coliseum, the stadium stands out as one of the most striking venues among the World Cup host stadiums.

Since its inauguration in 2010, it has been the home stadium of C.D. Guadalajara, one of the most popular teams in Mexican soccer. At this stadium, the men’s team achieved a historic campaign by winning both the league and cup during the Clausura 2017 season, in addition to claiming the CONCACAF Champions League title in 2018.

The women’s team has also found success at this venue, winning championships in 2017 and 2022.

The stadium has also hosted major international events such as the 2011 FIFA U-17 World Cup and the 2011 Pan American Games.

Match Schedule in Guadalajara

Group Stage

Thursday, June 11, 2026

Match 2 – South Korea national football team vs Czech Republic / Denmark / North Macedonia / Republic of Ireland – Group A

Thursday, June 18, 2026

Match 28 – Mexico national football team vs South Korea national football team – Group A

Tuesday, June 23, 2026

Match 48 – Colombia national football team vs Congo / Jamaica / New Caledonia – Group K

Friday, June 26, 2026

Match 66 – Uruguay national football team vs Spain national football team – Group H

All of these matches will take place at the Estadio Akron, which will become one of the key venues of the tournament in Mexico.

Did You Know This About Guadalajara?

The city of Guadalajara is known for being the birthplace of prominent figures in sports, entertainment, and culture. Among them are the soccer player Javier Hernández, the boxer Saúl 'Canelo' Álvarez, and the renowned film director Guillermo del Toro.

In addition, the region has a strong tradition of producing Tequila, a drink that has been produced exclusively in this area since the 16th century.

The city is also home to one of the most important literary events in Latin America: the Guadalajara International Book Fair, widely known as the FIL.

Guadalajara and Its Soccer Tradition

Guadalajara has a long history connected to soccer and major sporting events. It hosted matches during the 1970 FIFA World Cup and the 1986 FIFA World Cup, and also held football competitions during the 1968 Summer Olympics and the 2011 Pan American Games.

Today, the city is home to two top-division teams: C.D. Guadalajara, popularly known as Chivas, and Atlas F.C..

Soccer is part of everyday life in the city, played daily in streets, parks, and public spaces. Guadalajara also promotes various sports programs in schools to encourage healthy habits, promote social values, and strengthen teamwork among young people.

Guadalajara’s role as a host city for the 2026 FIFA World Cup confirms its position as one of Mexico’s major soccer centers. With a modern stadium, a rich sporting tradition, and passionate fans, the city is preparing to welcome thousands of visitors who may travel across the country using different transportation options, including Bus tickets in México, to be part of a football festival that will become part of global sports history.

Discover All the Events Mexico City Will Host for the 2026 World Cup

The kickoff of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Mexico is getting closer, and fans will soon be able to enjoy the matches in the country’s capital. For this reason, here is a list of some of the most important news and activities that will take place before and during this major sporting event.

Although the tournament will begin in June, Mexico City—being one of the host cities—has decided to start the celebrations several months in advance. This will allow the excitement of the World Cup to last longer, with festivals, parades, massive sports classes, and many other activities you won’t want to miss.

Activities and Events for the 2026 World Cup in Mexico City

The Mexican capital continues preparing to host the highly anticipated 2026 World Cup. As part of these preparations, the city’s head of government, Clara Brugada, recently introduced the city’s official mascot for the event. It is a friendly axolotl that will represent the capital’s sporting spirit and accompany the celebrations related to the World Cup.

According to Brugada, the goal is to turn Mexico City into one of the tournament’s main stages. The idea is to promote soccer in every corner of the capital and use the event as an opportunity to strengthen community engagement while showcasing the city as one of the most soccer-passionate destinations in the world.

When Is the Massive Soccer Class at the Zócalo?

One of the most anticipated events will be the massive soccer class taking place on Saturday, March 15, at the Zócalo. The goal is to break a Guinness World Record with the participation of approximately 10,000 people.

To make this possible, authorities organized preliminary training sessions in neighborhoods across the city’s 16 boroughs. If you want to participate, you must arrive between 8:00 and 9:30 a.m., although the session will officially begin at 10:00 a.m.

The class will last approximately 35 minutes, making it short but very meaningful for those who want to be part of this historic moment ahead of the World Cup.

In addition, during the tournament the city will have its own official mascot, different from the one presented by FIFA for the global event. The character is an axolotl with a multicolored feathered headdress wearing a jersey with the number 10 and the slogan “The Most Athletic City.”

Citizens will even be able to participate in choosing the mascot’s name, although details about the official call for submissions have not yet been announced.

FIFA Fan Festival: The World Cup Comes to the Zócalo

As part of the preparations for the World Cup, the city government also announced the creation of the FIFA Fan Festival at the Zócalo. This event will allow fans to enjoy the World Cup atmosphere even if they do not attend matches at the stadiums.

It is worth remembering that Mexico City will not only host several tournament matches but also the opening match. For this reason, a wide range of activities is being planned so that both residents and visitors can experience the excitement of the World Cup.

What Will Be at the 2026 FIFA Fan Fest in the Zócalo?

During the festival, attendees will be able to watch World Cup matches on giant screens installed in the Zócalo. This will allow thousands of people to follow the games in a festive and energetic environment.

In addition to the live broadcasts, organizers plan to include an immersive experience related to the Mesoamerican ballgame, connecting modern soccer with Mexico’s cultural roots.

The event will also feature sports spaces, recreational areas, and live musical performances to complement the visitor experience.

As part of the government’s commitment to decentralizing cultural and sports activities, the city’s 16 boroughs will also participate in the World Cup celebrations. This means there will be sports, cultural, and recreational activities across different parts of the city, without the need to travel to the Zócalo.

How Much Will It Cost to Watch World Cup Matches at the Zócalo?

One of the best pieces of news is that all the activities at the FIFA Fan Festival will be completely free. This will allow both residents and tourists to enjoy the World Cup atmosphere without having to spend money on tickets.

As the tournament date approaches, authorities will reveal more details about schedules, locations, and the full program of activities. This will help you plan an outing with friends or family and experience the excitement of the World Cup in one of the city’s most iconic locations.

Mexico City is preparing to host a true sports celebration for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. With massive events, cultural activities, and spaces where fans can watch matches together, the capital aims to become one of the most vibrant settings of the tournament.

If you are a soccer fan, this will be the perfect moment to enjoy the World Cup atmosphere, participate in sports activities, and share your passion for the game with thousands of people in the heart of the city.