2026 FIFA World Cup in Mexico: Host Cities, Matches & TV Broadcasters

The 2026 FIFA World Cup comes to Mexico for the third time in history. Mexico will host 13 matches across three cities from June 11 to July 19, 2026. The three host cities are Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey.

This tournament breaks records with 48 teams playing 104 matches. Mexico makes history as the first country to host three men’s World Cups. The country hosted before in 1970 and 1986. The opening match returns to Estadio Azteca on June 11, 2026. Mexico plays in that first game.

More than 5.5 million visitors will travel to Mexico for the tournament. The event will generate about $3 billion for the Mexican economy. This makes it the biggest sporting event in Mexican history.

FIFA 2026 Mexico Host Cities & Stadiums

Mexico City – Estadio Azteca

Estadio Azteca stands as one of football’s most famous venues. The stadium hosted World Cup finals in 1970 and 1986. No other stadium has done this. Pelé won his third World Cup here in 1970. Diego Maradona scored his famous “Hand of God” goal here in 1986.

The stadium will hold 90,000 fans after renovations finish. Workers are adding new changing rooms and hospitality areas. They are installing LED lighting across the venue. The project costs $100 million and completes in early 2026.

Mexico City hosts five matches total. The opening match takes place here on June 11. The stadium sits in southern Mexico City in the Santa Úrsula area. Club América and the Mexico national team play their home games here.

Visitors can see ancient ruins at Teotihuacan near the city. The colorful boats at Xochimilco offer a unique experience. The city has world-class museums and authentic street food everywhere.

Guadalajara – Estadio Akron

Estadio Akron opened in 2010 in Zapopan near Guadalajara. The stadium holds 48,000 fans. Chivas plays home games here. The team is one of Mexico’s most beloved clubs.

The venue will host four World Cup matches. One of those games features the Mexico national team. The government has set aside $50 million for stadium upgrades. The stadium already has modern audio-visual technology and strong security systems.

Guadalajara created mariachi music. The region also produces tequila. Fans can try authentic tacos, tortas ahogadas, and birria. The city has beautiful historic landmarks to visit.

Monterrey – Estadio BBVA

People call this stadium “El Gigante de Acero” or “The Steel Giant.” The venue opened in 2015 in Guadalupe. It holds 53,500 spectators. C.F. Monterrey plays home matches here.

Monterrey will host three group stage matches and one knockout match. The city is spending $50 million on stadium improvements and better transit routes. The FIFA Corridor will connect public spaces with paths for walking and cycling.

The Sierra Madre Oriental mountains surround the city. Monterrey has modern art galleries and great food. The city is famous for carne asada and cabrito.

How Many Matches will be Played in Mexico?

Mexico hosts 13 total matches at the 2026 World Cup.

Match Distribution:

City	Stadium	Number of Matches
Mexico City	Estadio Azteca	5 matches
Guadalajara	Estadio Akron	4 matches
Monterrey	Estadio BBVA	4 matches

The tournament has 104 total matches. The United States hosts 78 of them. Mexico and Canada share the other 26 matches. Mexico gets 13 matches while Canada hosts 13 matches as well.

Mexican Team Schedule & Match Locations

FIFA placed Mexico in Group A automatically. The tournament starts at Estadio Azteca so Mexico goes in the first group.

Mexico’s Confirmed Matches:

• Match 1: June 11, 2026 at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City (Opening match)
• Match 2: June 17, 2026 at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City
• Match 3: June 18, 2026 at Estadio Akron in Guadalajara

Mexico could play more matches if the team advances past the group stage. The FIFA World Cup draw happens in late 2025. That draw will set the complete schedule.

Estadio Azteca sits at 7,200 feet above sea level. The altitude gives Mexico a big advantage. The 90,000 home fans create an intense atmosphere. Opposing teams often struggle in these conditions.

TV Broadcasters & Streaming Options in Mexico

Televisa and TV Azteca will broadcast the 2026 World Cup in Mexico. The two companies share the broadcasting rights. They have an agreement with the Mexican Football Federation.

Televisa will show matches on:

• Canal de las Estrellas
• Canal 5
• TUDN

TV Azteca will broadcast on:

• Azteca 7
• Azteca Uno
• Azteca Deportes

Streaming Options:

• ViX (from TelevisaUnivision)
• Azteca Digital Platforms
• Cable provider apps like Izzi, Totalplay, and Sky México

The two broadcasters are still working out which specific matches each one will show. Both networks will cover all Mexico matches. They will also show the opening ceremony and major knockout games. Mexican fans can expect Spanish-language commentary from famous Mexican sports announcers.

Tournament Format & Complete Schedule

The 2026 World Cup uses a new format with 48 teams and 104 matches.

Tournament Stages:

Stage	Number of Matches	Dates
Group Stage	48 matches	June 11-27
Round of 32	16 matches	June 30-July 3
Round of 16	8 matches	July 5-8
Quarter-Finals	4 matches	July 11-12
Semi-Finals	2 matches	July 15-16
Final	1 match	July 19

The tournament starts on June 11, 2026 at Estadio Azteca. The group stage ends on June 27. The championship final takes place on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

The Round of 32 is a new stage. Previous World Cups went straight from groups to the Round of 16. The expanded format gives more teams a chance to play in the knockout rounds.

Mexico Fan Zones & Public Viewing Options

FIFA is creating free Fan Fest locations in all three Mexican host cities. Fans who don’t have match tickets can watch games on giant screens.

Mexico City – Zócalo: The historic main square will host viewing parties for 39 straight days. The location can hold more than 100,000 fans. The event will feature music, food, and Mexican culture.

Guadalajara – Plaza Liberación: This plaza can hold 20,000 to 30,000 fans. Mariachi bands will perform during the event. Fans can try tequila and enjoy local Jalisco food.

Monterrey – Parque Fundidora: This urban park holds more than 40,000 fans. The Sierra Madre Oriental mountains create a beautiful backdrop. The park will serve northern Mexican cuisine.

All Fan Fest locations are free to enter. They will show all 104 World Cup matches on large screens. The sites will have live entertainment and food vendors. Families can bring children to kid-friendly areas.

Tickets: How Mexico Fans Can Buy & Attend

FIFA sells tickets in three different phases.

• Phase 1 (Late 2025): Fans apply for specific matches. FIFA runs a random lottery to pick winners.
• Phase 2 (Early 2026): FIFA sells remaining tickets on a first-come first-served basis. These tickets sell out fast.
• Phase 3 (June 2026): FIFA releases last-minute tickets close to the tournament.

Fans must buy tickets through the official FIFA website at FIFA.com/tickets. Never buy tickets from other websites or social media sellers.

Ticket Price Estimates:

Category	Seat Location	Mexico Matches	Other Matches
Category 1	Best seats near midfield	$200-500	$150-350
Category 2	Good seats in corners	$100-250	$75-200
Category 3	Seats behind goals	$50-150	$30-100

All tickets are digital only. Fans show tickets on their phones at the stadium. Everyone needs a photo ID to enter. Opening match tickets cost more than regular games.

Travel & Accommodation Tips

Getting to Mexico:

Three major airports serve the host cities:

• Mexico City: MEX or AIFA airports
• Guadalajara: GDL airport
• Monterrey: MTY airport

Book hotels at least six to nine months before the tournament. Hotel prices range from $80 to $600 per night. Staying near stadiums works well for match days. Staying in tourist areas gives better access to restaurants and entertainment.

Getting to Stadiums:

Estadio Azteca connects to the Metro Light Rail system. The city is adding more trains and electric buses for the World Cup. Fans in Guadalajara and Monterrey can use taxis, Uber, or shuttle buses to reach stadiums. Arrive two to three hours early for big matches.

Mexico will have extra security during the World Cup. More police will patrol the host cities. Fans should use official transportation services. The emergency number in Mexico is 911. English speakers can get help at that number.

Why 2026 is Unmissable for Mexico Soccer Fans

Mexico becomes the first country ever to host three men’s World Cups. Estadio Azteca will host an opening match for the third time. No other stadium has done this. The next World Cup in Mexico might not happen for another 40 years or more.

The tournament has 48 teams instead of 32. That means 50% more matches to watch. The new Round of 32 creates extra knockout drama. Fans will see teams that never qualified under the old format.

Mexico plays at home with 90,000 fans cheering. The 7,200-foot altitude at Azteca helps the home team. El Tri usually plays very well on home soil.

The World Cup will bring 5.5 million visitors and $3 billion to Mexico. The country is building better infrastructure that will help Mexicans for decades. The world will see the best of Mexican culture and hospitality.

Important Dates to Remember

2025:

• December 05th: FIFA World Cup draw

2026:

• Early 2026: Direct ticket sales
• March 2026: Estadio Azteca reopens after renovations
• June 11: Opening match at Estadio Azteca
• June 17: Mexico’s second match in Mexico City
• June 18: Mexico’s third match in Guadalajara
• July 19: World Cup Final in New Jersey

Create a FIFA account right now. Set phone reminders for ticket sales. Book flights and hotels early. Prices go up as the tournament gets closer.

2026 FIFA World Cup in Mexico FAQs

The 2026 World Cup gives Mexico a chance to shine on the world stage. The country hosts the tournament for the third time. Estadio Azteca will make history again with another opening match.

Fans will create memories that last forever. Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime event. Vamos México!