World Cup 2026 Host Cities Guide
Mexico City (Estadio Azteca)
A 2,000‑word, pro‑writer's deep dive for singles & families—by a football‑mad traveler who's ready to witness history at the world's most iconic stadium.
Mexico City will host five matches at Estadio Azteca (FIFA name: Mexico City Stadium), including the Opening Match on Thursday, June 11, 2026. This makes Azteca the first stadium ever to host three World Cup openers (1970, 1986, and now 2026). It will also stage two group-stage matches, a Round of 32, and a Round of 16.
Match dates (FIFA match numbers):
- Thu, June 11 — Match 1 (Opening Match, Mexico)
- Wed, June 17 — Match 24 (Group)
- Wed, June 24 — Match 53 (Mexico's third group match)
- Tue, June 30 — Match 79 (Round of 32)
- Sun, July 5 — Match 92 (Round of 16)
Venue: Estadio Azteca, southern Mexico City; capacity ~87,000.
Bag policy:
- Clear bags up to 21×15×9 inches allowed.
- Small clutches and medical/diaper bags permitted after inspection.
- Lockers available near entrances (limited space).
Pro tip:
Avoid belts with large buckles and batteries—often restricted.
1) Metro + Tren Ligero (recommended)
Metro Line 2 (Blue) → Tasqueña Station → transfer to Tren Ligero → Estadio Azteca Station (short walk).
Travel time: ~45–60 min from Centro Histórico or Roma/Condesa.
Fare: Metro ~5 MXN; Tren Ligero ~3 MXN (under $0.50 USD).
2) Rideshare (Uber/DiDi)
From Roma/Polanco: ~30–40 min in light traffic; allow 90+ min on matchdays.
Cost: ~$10–$15 USD (surge likely).
3) Driving & parking
Limited stadium parking; expect closures and high demand—avoid unless prepaid.
Benito Juárez International (MEX) → Downtown:
Metro Line 5 or Metrobus Line 4 (~45–50 min; $0.30–$1.60 USD).
Official taxi/Uber: ~20–30 min in normal traffic.
Felipe Ángeles Airport (NLU):
~47 km northeast; plan extra time or private transfer.
Confirmed: Zócalo (Historic Center) will host the official FIFA Fan Festival™, with giant screens, concerts, cultural exhibits, and sports activities—free entry for 39 days (June 11–July 19). Additional viewing zones will pop up across boroughs.
Base: Roma, Condesa, or Polanco for nightlife + easy Metro access.
Matchday:
Metro → Tasqueña → Tren Ligero → Estadio Azteca; arrive 2 hours early.
Post-match:
Celebrate at Zócalo Fan Fest or sip mezcal in La Condesa.
Off-days:
Chapultepec Park, Frida Kahlo Museum, Xochimilco canals.
Tickets:
FIFA.com/tickets (Visa presale closed; lottery and general sale after Dec 2025 draw).
Weather:
June avg high 75°F; July avg high 74°F; expect afternoon showers.
Altitude:
2,240 m—hydrate and pace yourself.
Bag rules in 10 words:
Clear ≤21×15×9 in; lockers limited; no big belts.
A) Singles — "Metro to history, mezcal after"
- Day 1: Land MEX → Uber to Roma → tacos + nightlife.
- Day 2: Opening match → Metro + Tren Ligero → Estadio Azteca → Zócalo Fan Fest.
- Day 3: Chapultepec + museums; evening in Polanco.
- Day 4: Coffee in Coyoacán → airport transfer.
B) Families — "Culture + comfort"
- Day 1: Check-in Polanco; scout Metro route.
- Day 2: Matchday → arrive early; clear bags only.
- Day 3: Fan Fest morning; siesta; evening stroll in Centro Histórico.
- Day 4: Frida Kahlo Museum; airport via official taxi.
June 11 (M1, Opening) · June 17 (M24) · June 24 (M53) · June 30 (M79, Round of 32) · July 5 (M92, Round of 16).
How many matches in Mexico City?
Five, incl. Opening Match + Round of 16.
Fan Fest site?
Zócalo, free entry, concerts + cultural exhibits.
Best no-car route?
Metro Line 2 → Tasqueña → Tren Ligero → Estadio Azteca.
Bag rules:
Clear ≤21×15×9 in; lockers near gates; avoid belts.