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Mexico City World Cup 2026 Guide | Tickets, Hotels & Stadium Info
Whether you've already got your World Cup tickets and you're planning on visiting the area for one fixture or you stay to soak up the atmosphere, this guide will provide you with everything you need to know about the city's role in the World Cup. From stadium details and ticketing to travel tips and local highlights, we're here to make sure you make the most of your time in Mexico City.
How to buy tickets for the World Cup matches in Mexico City
The World Cup is the pinnacle of professional football, and it only comes around every four years, so tickets are in high demand and notoriously difficult to get your hands on. In fact, it's common for fans to reach out to our support team asking: How can I book World Cup tickets in Mexico City? And it can be tricky. Let's walk you through all the steps so you can start thinking about booking your flights across the pond.
- Select the match you want to attend and click 'View Tickets'.
- Select the area you would like to sit within the stadium graphic on the right-hand side.
- Select the number of tickets you would like to purchase.
- Click on the green 'Buy' button.
- Complete the order form using your personal details.
- Don't forget to check that all your information has been input and is correct.
- Click 'Make Payment'.
- The tickets are now yours!
Ticket prices tend to vary depending on the seat category and match type, so do bear that in mind when selecting matches. Some games, mainly knockout matches or popular teams, can sell out incredibly quickly, so make sure you book early and are on high alert for when tickets come on sale!
Which stadium in the City hosts World Cup matches
The 2026 World Cup will showcase 104 matches throughout the tournament, with 5 of them played at Mexico City's iconic Estadio Azteca. Having hosted World Cup games in 1970 and 1986, the stadium has witnessed some of the most significant moments in World Cup history, including Pelé's third World Cup win and Maradona's "Hand of God" goal in 1970 and 1986, respectively.
As the home of the Mexican national team and Club América, and with a capacity of 87,000, its sheer size, history, and reported $100 million investment are sure to provide an electrifying atmosphere for the 5 fixtures it hosts.
Fun fact: during the World Cup, Estadio Aztec will be referred to as 'Estadio Ciudad de México' OR 'Mexico City Stadium' in line with the World Cup's sponsorship and branding regulations.
| City | Stadium | Capacity | Number of Games | Stages Hosted |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mexico City | Estadio Azteca | 87,000–90,000 | 5 | Opening Match, Group Stage, Round of 32 |
Fan zones locations in City
World Cup Fan Festivals will be hosted across North America during the 2026 World Cup, giving fans without match tickets the chance to immerse themselves in the tournament's electric atmosphere. These official fan zones will feature live match screenings, local food, music, and entertainment. In Mexico City, the iconic Zócalo Square will serve as the main hub, offering a dramatic backdrop for thousands of fans.
Located in the heart of Mexico City, Zócalo Square blends its breathtaking architecture with deep cultural significance to host national celebrations and public gatherings, including national ceremonies, festivals, and political demonstrations. This isn't Zócalo Square's first rodeo either; the iconic plaza has regularly transformed into a communal viewing space, hosting public screenings of Mexico's national team during major tournaments.
Accommodation tips in the city for football fans
Depending on whether you're planning to soak up the World Cup atmosphere at the Mexico City Fan Festival or you've got tickets to a match and would like to stay closer to the stadium, there are plenty of accommodation options to choose from. Here's a full guide of the options you have at your disposal.
Near Estadio Azteca (Mexico City Stadium)
| Category | Hotel Name | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Budget-Friendly (< £130/night) | Hotel Real Azteca | 5-minute walk |
| Hotel La Rosa | 10-minute drive | |
| Hotel Amala | 15-minute drive | |
| Mid-Range (£130–£230/night) | Fiesta Inn Periférico Sur | 10-minute drive |
| Holiday Inn Mexico Coyoacán | 15-minute drive | |
| City Express Plus Periférico Sur | 15-minute drive | |
| Luxury (> £300/night) | Camino Real Pedregal | 20-minute drive |
| Radisson Paraiso Hotel Mexico City | 20-minute drive | |
| St. Regis Mexico City | 30-minute drive |
Near Zócalo Square (Plaza de la Constitución)
| Category | Hotel Name | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Budget-Friendly (< £130/night) | Hotel Castropol | 5-minute walk |
| Hotel Isabel | 10-minute walk | |
| Hotel San Francisco Centro Histórico | 10-minute walk | |
| Mid-Range (£130–£230/night) | NH Collection Mexico City Centro Histórico | 5-minute walk |
| Hotel Zócalo Central | 5-minute walk | |
| Hampton Inn & Suites Mexico City | 10-minute walk | |
| Luxury (> £300/night) | Gran Hotel Ciudad de México | 5-minute walk |
| Downtown Mexico | 10-minute walk | |
| Sofitel Mexico City Reforma | 15-minute drive |
If you are staying for a longer period of time or you are travelling as part of a group, you could consider booking an Airbnb or a short-term rental. For all stays, ensure you book early to avoid price surges as the World Cup draws closer and demand for accommodation skyrockets.
How to get to city (city centre)
If you're flying from the UK, the easiest route is a direct flight from London Heathrow to Mexico City International Airport (Aeropuerto Internacional Benito Juárez), one of Latin America's busiest airports. The journey takes around 11 to 12 hours, and once you land, getting into the city centre is relatively straightforward. Airport taxis and rideshare apps like Uber and Didi are widely available and offer door-to-door service.
For budget-friendly travel, the Metro Line 5 connects the airport to the rest of the city, although it can be crowded during peak hours. Driving is an option too, but traffic can be heavy and unpredictable, especially on matchdays, so public transport is often the better choice.
Both Estadio Azteca (Mexico City Stadium) and the Fan Festival at Zócalo Square are Metro-accessible. Just hop on Metro Line 2, transfer to the Tren Ligero at Tasqueña, and get off at Estadio Azteca station. For Zócalo Square, stay on Metro Line 2 and exit at Zócalo station. Both venues are within a short walk.
Travel information between connected cities
Mexico City is part of the Central Region, which includes Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Monterrey and Guadalajara. Flying between these host cities is the quickest and easiest way to move around the Central Region and flights are frequent and affordable, especially via Aeroméxico, Volaris and Viva Aerobus.
Travelling between the American host cities, including Dallas, Houston, and Kansas City is simple by train, as all of them are connected by the United States' main trainline, Amtrak. The train journeys can be long, but Amtrak trains are very comfortable and often have scenic views as you travel. Mexico's rail service is limited, so there is no service between the USA and Mexico, and it is difficult to travel around Mexico via the train, with locals often preferring to fly or drive between cities.
Long-distance buses are also a popular and cheaper alternative and offer comfortable seating, onboard entertainment and scenic views as you travel, but they take much longer than flying or by train.
You do also have the option of going on a road trip, but they do tend to be quite time-consuming, as you can see below:
| Route | Distance (miles / km) | Driving Time |
|---|---|---|
| Mexico City → Monterrey | 566 mi / 912 km | 9–10 hours |
| Mexico City → Guadalajara | 340 mi / 547 km | 6–7 hours |
| Mexico City → Dallas | 930 mi / 1,500 km | 16–18 hours |
| Mexico City → Houston | 890 mi / 1,430 km | 15–17 hours |
| Mexico City → Kansas City | 1,370 mi / 2,205 km | 22–24 hours |
| Monterrey → Guadalajara | 430 mi / 690 km | 7–8 hours |
| Monterrey → Dallas | 580 mi / 933 km | 9–10 hours |
| Monterrey → Houston | 510 mi / 820 km | 8–9 hours |
| Monterrey → Kansas City | 1,030 mi / 1,660 km | 17–19 hours |
| Guadalajara → Dallas | 1,050 mi / 1,690 km | 17–19 hours |
| Guadalajara → Houston | 980 mi / 1,575 km | 16–18 hours |
| Guadalajara → Kansas City | 1,400 mi / 2,255 km | 23–25 hours |
| Dallas → Houston | 240 mi / 385 km | 3.5–4.5 hours |
| Dallas → Kansas City | 510 mi / 820 km | 7.5–8.5 hours |
| Houston → Kansas City | 740 mi / 1,190 km | 11–12 hours |
Football history in the city
Mexico City has one of the richest football histories on the planet, marked by iconic players, a passionate fanbase, and World Cup heritage. After football was introduced to Mexico in the 19th century by English miners, residents of the capital quickly fell in love with the game. As football's popularity grew in Mexico City, early teams began to be formed, including Reforma Athletic Club, Club España, and Club América. The latter of which is still playing today in Liga MX and is undoubtedly Mexico City's most successful club, winning 16 Liga MX titles and 7 CONCACAF Champions Cup titles.
Mexico City is also home to one of the most iconic stadiums in world football, Estadio Azteca. The stadium has hosted two of the most memorable World Cup tournaments in history, bearing witness to some of the tournament's most iconic moments, including Pelé's third title in 1970 and, in 1986, Maradona's infamous "Hand of God" goal and his breathtaking "Goal of the Century," both scored against England in the same match. With World Cup matches returning to Estadio Azteca since Maradona's career-defining tournament, there's a chance for new legends to be made on one of the football's most hallowed grounds.
Since then, Mexico City has seen some hugely talented players play for their local clubs, including legendary goalkeepers Guillermo Ochoa turning out for Club America and Jorge Campos for Pumas UNAM, along with prolific striker Carlos Hermosillo, who made his mark for Cruz Azul.
World Cup 2026 Venue in Mexico City
| Stadium | Capacity | Key Matches |
|---|---|---|
| Estadio Azteca | 87,523 | Opening Match, Quarter-final |
Other World Cup 2026 Venues in Mexico
| City | Stadium | Key Matches |
|---|---|---|
| Monterrey | Estadio BBVA | Group Stage |
| Guadalajara | Estadio Akron | Group Stage |
World Cup 2026 Qualified Teams
| Pot 1 (Top Seeds) | Pot 2 | Pot 3 | Pot 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spain | Croatia | Scotland | Ghana |
| Argentina | Morocco | Egypt | Cabo Verde |
| France | Uruguay | Tunisia | South Africa |
| England | Colombia | Algeria | Curaçao |
| Portugal | Japan | Ivory Coast | Haiti |
| Netherlands | Senegal | Saudi Arabia | Panama |
| Brazil | South Korea | Qatar | UEFA Playoff (Path A) |
| Belgium | Iran | Australia | UEFA Playoff (Path B) |
| Germany | Switzerland | Uzbekistan | UEFA Playoff (Path C) |
| United States (Host) | Austria | Jordan | UEFA Playoff (Path D) |
| Mexico (Host) | Norway | Paraguay | Inter-Confed Playoff 1 |
| Canada (Host) | Ecuador | Venezuela | Inter-Confed Playoff 2 |