2026 World Cup Guide: Monterrey

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FIFA World Cup 2026 Travel Guide

Monterrey is the northernmost host city in Mexico, sitting just a few hours from the United States border and making it one of the easiest Mexican World Cup destinations to reach. It will host four matches at Estadio BBVA, including a knockout game, so it’s not just a group-stage stop.

The city is well connected by air, with frequent direct flights from major US hubs such as Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, and Los Angeles into Monterrey International Airport. Estadio BBVA — known as “The Steel Giant” — sits just outside the city center in Guadalupe, at the base of the Sierra Madre mountains, and will be the focal point for all matches played here.

Monterrey is one of the easier World Cup stops to work into a wider trip, with short flights from Texas and easy connections deeper into Mexico, whether that’s Mexico City, the Pacific coast, or smaller cities in the interior.. Here’s your guide to all things Monterrey World Cup.

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

Venue: Estadio BBVA

Estadio BBVA opened in 2015 as the home of Monterrey’s top-division team, Rayados, replacing the club’s older stadium across the city. It sits in Guadalupe, just east of central Monterrey, and was designed by Populous, the firm behind venues such as Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and Emirates Stadium.

The design is built around the view of Cerro de la Silla, the mountain that defines Monterrey’s skyline. One end of the stadium remains open in that direction, making it visible from the stands, while the rest of the structure is wrapped in a curved steel exterior that gives the stadium its “Steel Giant” nickname. On match days, it is known for drawing some of the largest crowds in Mexican club football.

The Monterrey World Cup schedule

• June 15, 2026: Tunisia vs. playoff winner — Group F
• June 21, 2026: Tunisia vs. Japan — Group F
• June 25, 2026: South Africa vs. South Korea — Group A
• June 30, 2026: Round of 32 match — Group F winner vs. Group C runner-up

Tickets for World Cup matches are released in phases through FIFA, with early access tied to registration and lottery-style draws rather than open sale. Demand for Monterrey is expected to be lower than Mexico City, but still competitive, especially for the knockout match and any games involving well-supported teams.

How to get to Monterrey

Flying in is the easiest option for most US-based fans. Monterrey International Airport (MTY) has frequent nonstop service from Texas hubs like Dallas–Fort Worth and Houston, along with direct flights from cities including Atlanta, Los Angeles, Miami, and Chicago. Travelers from elsewhere in the US can easily connect through one of those hubs, with relatively short onward flight times.

The airport sits about 30 minutes from central Monterrey in normal traffic, though travel times can increase during peak hours. Rideshare apps like Uber operate across the city, and taxis are readily available at the airport. Rental cars are an option, though congestion on major roads can slow journeys into the city.

Driving is also a realistic alternative from southern Texas. Monterrey is roughly three to four hours from border crossings at Laredo and McAllen, depending on the route and wait times.

Getting around town during the World Cup

Getting to Estadio BBVA from central Monterrey takes around 20 to 30 minutes in normal traffic, though that can increase significantly before and after matches. As the stadium sits in Guadalupe, most routes funnel through a handful of main roads, which tend to back up on game days.

Public transit is an option. Metrorrey Line 1 runs closest to the stadium, with a stop within walking distance, and several bus routes drop off along Pablo Livas, one of the main roads outside the venue. Service continues into the evening, but trains and buses are often crowded around kickoff and full-time.

Rideshare services like Uber operate throughout the city and can get you close to the stadium, but delays and surge pricing are common during peak periods. Driving is possible, with parking available near the stadium, though spaces are limited and traffic builds quickly in the surrounding area.

For a more detailed breakdown of transport options and matchday travel: See the best ways to get around Monterrey during the World Cup.

The official Kansas City FIFA Fan Zone

The FIFA Fan Festival in Monterrey will take place at Parque Fundidora, a former industrial site turned public park just east of the city center. During the tournament, it will become the main overflow space for fans — with large screens set up for live matches, food stalls, and a steady flow of people moving in and out throughout the day.

Fundidora is where Monterrey hosts its biggest public events, from concerts to festivals, so it is already set up to handle large crowds. It is close enough to the center to reach easily, and large enough that you are not packed in the entire time, which makes it the default place to watch games if you do not have a ticket.

Planning time outside the matches? Find the best things to do and places to eat around Estadio BBVA or check out our guides below.

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Matches will be streamed at restaurants and pubs across the city.

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