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
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.
