2026 World Cup Guide: Guadalajara

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FIFA World Cup 2026 Travel Guide

Guadalajara will host four group stage matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Mexico playing at Estadio Akron on June 19 — a day that’s sure to be one of the liveliest at the stadium and throughout the city.

Guadalajara, with a metro population of just over five million, is one of Mexico’s largest cities — but it’s far more manageable than sprawling Mexico City, making it especially welcoming for visiting fans. And soccer runs deep here. The sport is everywhere, from formal youth leagues to casual games in neighborhood parks. The city is home to two top-tier men’s Liga MX teams — Chivas and Atlas F.C. — and one of the country’s leading women’s teams, C.D. Guadalajara Femenil. Chivas and the women’s squad both play at Estadio Akron, while Atlas shares Estadio Jalisco — one of the country’s most historic stadiums, located in the heart of the city — with Club Leones Negros, a second-division team backed by the University of Guadalajara.

If you’re planning to visit, expect packed plazas, celebrations in the streets, and energy that spills out of the stadium and into the city. Here’s your guide to all things Guadalajara World Cup.

• About Estadio Akron
• Tickets and matches
• Getting to Guadalajara
• Getting around during the World Cup
• Details on the FIFA Fan Zone
• Hotels, soccer bars, and what else to do

Venue: Estadio Akron

Estadio Akron, known as “Guadalajara Stadium” during the tournament, opened in 2010 and is home to Chivas. Located in Zapopan on the western edge of the city, it has a capacity of just under 50,000 and stands out for its sweeping, grass-covered exterior. The stadium was originally named Estadio Omnilife and staged matches during the 2011 FIFA U-17 World Cup, as well as domestic finals. Ahead of this summer, it is undergoing a series of upgrades to modernize the fan experience. It also serves as a venue for concerts and other large-scale events, with guided tours running throughout the year.

Tickets and matches

• June 12, 2026: South Korea vs. UEFA Playoff D winner — Group A
• June 19, 2026: Mexico vs. South Korea — Group A
• June 24, 2026: Colombia vs. FIFA Intercontinental Playoff winner — Group K
• June 27, 2026: Uruguay vs. Spain — Group H

Tickets for all World Cup matches are being released in phases, though access has largely been limited to fans who secured places in FIFA’s ticket-buying lotteries. With only four group-stage matches and no knockout fixtures, inventory is tighter than in most other host cities, with demand likely to peak for Mexico’s group-stage match on June 19, played in front of a home crowd. Fans should be prepared for ballot phases, resale releases, and quick sellouts as new inventory becomes available. Official hospitality packages offer an alternative for those with a healthy bank balance.

How to get to Guadalajara

Flying in is the easiest option for most visitors. Guadalajara International Airport (GDL) sits about 10 miles south of the city center and is well connected to the US, with nonstop flights from cities including Los Angeles, Dallas, Houston, Chicago, and Atlanta. From the airport, the drive into the city takes around 25-35 minutes depending on traffic, with taxis, rideshares, and private transfers all widely available.

If you’re already traveling in Mexico — say along the Pacific coast in Puerto Vallarta or coming from Mexico City — Guadalajara is easy to reach by a short domestic flight or a longer, but comfortable bus ride. Intercity buses are reliable and widely used, with frequent departures into the city’s main terminal, Central de Autobuses.

Driving is another option, particularly within western Mexico. Major highways connect the city with Puerto Vallarta and Mexico City, though traffic can build quickly on arrival — especially around matchdays. For most US-based travelers, flying remains the simplest way to get in and out.

Getting around town during the World Cup

Estadio Akron sits about 30 minutes west of Guadalajara Centro by Uber, depending on traffic. Public transportation is doable, but slower, typically taking 60 to 90 minutes and requiring at least one transfer, with public transportation typically taking 60 to 90 minutes and requiring at least one transfer.

Shuttle services have not yet been officially confirmed, though the city is expected to introduce additional transport options closer to the tournament to help manage matchday crowds.

Without dedicated shuttles, rideshares and taxis will be the most straightforward way to get to and from the stadium. Driving is possible, but parking fills up quickly and traffic around the venue can become congested well before kickoff. After the match, expect delays when leaving the area, with heavy foot traffic and gridlocked roads slowing things down.

The official Guadalajara FIFA Fan Zone

The official FIFA Fan Festival in Guadalajara will be held at Plaza Liberación in the city’s historic center, between Guadalajara Cathedral and Teatro Degollado. The central location puts it within walking distance of many of the city’s main sights, making it an easy stop during the tournament. The fan zone will be free to attend and is expected to show matches on large screens, alongside food vendors, live entertainment, and cultural programming throughout the event. Final operating dates and full details are still to be confirmed.

If you plan to travel to Guadalajara for the 2026 World Cup, here’s where to stay, party, eat, and explore so you can make the most of your time in the happening city.

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There are a few hotel options near the stadium, including business-style properties and newer spots that may host players or team staff.

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Guadalajara is a soccer-crazed city sure to be rocking throughout the tournament, so you’ll have no problem posting up at a good bar.

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