Return to Matador Network’s 2026 FIFA World Cup Travel Guide.

Mexico City is poised to be a centerpiece of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, hosting five matches at the iconic Estadio Azteca — officially renamed Estadio Banorte in early 2025 — including the opening match on June 11, 2026. As the only city to host matches in three different World Cups (1970, 1986, and now 2026), Mexico City holds a special place in the sport’s legacy. Estadio Azteca has witnessed historic moments, including Pelé’s triumph in the 1970 World Cup final and Diego Maradona’s legendary “Hand of God” goal during the 1986 quarter-final. In addition to its status on soccer’s global stage, Mexico City’s massive fan base, its expansive public transportation network, and its reputation as a cultural and tourism hotspot make it an excellent choice to host the opening match of the first FIFA World Cup to be held across three North American countries.

Venue: Estadio Azteca (Banorte Stadium)

Capacity: 87,523

Match Dates

Mexico City will host five FIFA World Cup 2026 matches at the historic Estadio Azteca. Match times have not yet been announced.

• Thursday, June 11, 2026: Opening Match, Group A
• Wednesday, June 17, 2026: Group Stage, Match 24
• Wednesday, June 24, 2026: Group Stage, Match 53
• Tuesday, June 30, 2026: Round of 32, Match 79
• Sunday, July 5, 2026: Round of 16, Match 92

How to get to Estadio Azteca from Central Mexico City

Estadio Azteca is in the southern part of Mexico City, roughly eight miles from the city center. Reaching the stadium via public transportation is both affordable and straightforward.

The most direct route is to take Metro Line 2 (the Blue Line) to Tasqueña Station. From there, transfer to the Tren Ligero (Light Rail) and get off at Estadio Azteca Station, located a short walk from the stadium entrance. The total journey can take between 45 and 60 minutes, depending on your starting location and wait times.

However, traffic in Mexico City can be consistently heavy, particularly on match days, making public transportation the more reliable option. If you choose to drive or use a rideshare service like Uber, allocate at least an extra hour to your travel time to account for potential delays.

Fares are low: the Metro costs five pesos (about 30 cents), and the Tren Ligero is three pesos (about 20 cents). You can buy rechargeable metro cards at all city stations.

Official Fan Zones for the Mexico City World Cup Matches

The main FIFA Fan Festival will take place in the Zócalo, Mexico City’s historic central square. Expect live match broadcasts, concerts, sports activities, and cultural exhibitions about the history of soccer in Mexico and Mexico City. Additional fan zones are planned across the city’s 16 boroughs, with more details to be announced at this link as the tournament gets closer.

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