Matches in Guadalajara
Thu Jun 11, 10pm CT
South Korea vs Czechia
Group A
Wed Jun 18, 9pm CT
🇲🇽 Mexico vs South Korea
Group A
Tue Jun 23, 9pm CT
Colombia vs DR Congo
Group K
Fri Jun 26, 8pm CT
Uruguay vs Spain
Group H
Group stage only — no knockouts
Guadalajara is the only 2026 host venue without a knockout fixture. All 4 matches are group stage. The Mexico vs South Korea match on June 18 will be the most electric atmosphere at Estadio Akron.
Where to stay
Colonia Americana / Chapultepec
Best neighbourhood for international visitors. Vibrant bar scene along Avenida Chapultepec, great restaurants, boutique hotels and strong nightlife. 30 min to Estadio Akron.
Best atmosphere
Historic Centre
Walking distance to main fan zones at Plaza de la Liberación. Cathedral, Hospicio Cabañas, traditional Mexican culture. Budget to mid-range hotels.
Best for fan festival
Zapopan
Closest to Estadio Akron. Modern area with malls and chain hotels. Less character than central Guadalajara but shorter matchday commute.
Closest to stadium
Providencia / Ladrón de Guevara
Safe, upscale residential neighbourhood. Good restaurants, comfortable hotels, quiet streets. Popular with business travellers and families.
Safest / Upscale
Book early for Mexico vs South Korea on June 18
This will be the biggest match in Guadalajara and demand for accommodation will be extreme. Traffic will be gridlocked city-wide. Arrive at the stadium precinct at least 4 hours early.
Local tips for Guadalajara
Mi Macro Periférico BRT is your best route
The Mi Macro Periférico rapid bus transit system connects central Guadalajara to Zapopan and the stadium area. Combined with Mi Tren Line 3, this is the most reliable way to reach Estadio Akron on match days without getting stuck in traffic.
Uber and DiDi are safe and affordable
Both work well in Guadalajara. From central areas expect around 30 minutes to the stadium on normal days and significantly longer on match days. Book return trips in advance. Avoid street taxis.
Pleasant climate — cooler than Mexico City
Guadalajara sits at 5,141 feet, lower than Mexico City. June weather is warm and pleasant at around 25-30°C with afternoon rains. Much more comfortable than the US southern cities. Light layers for evenings.
Bottled water only
Same as all of Mexico — drink bottled or purified water only. Tap water is not safe for international visitors. Hotels provide purified water.
Birthplace of tequila and mariachi
Guadalajara is where tequila originates — the town of Tequila is just 60km away. The city is also the birthplace of mariachi music. Both are celebrated everywhere you go. Avenida Chapultepec is the best area for nightlife and bars.
Fan Festival at Plaza de la Liberación
The official FIFA Fan Festival is at Plaza de la Liberación in the historic centre, with live match broadcasts, food and cultural events. Easy walk from central hotels throughout the tournament.
Plan your full Guadalajara trip ⚽
Mexico visa requirements
Most nationalities enter Mexico visa-free. Holders of a valid US, UK, Canadian or Schengen visa can also enter visa-free.
Full Mexico Visa Guide
Check requirements for your passport
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Getting to Guadalajara
Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla International Airport (GDL) is about 20km from the city centre. Good connections from the US, Canada and within Mexico.
Getting to Estadio Akron
Mi Macro Periférico BRT (recommended)
Rapid bus transit from central Guadalajara toward Zapopan. Most reliable option to avoid match day traffic gridlock.
Official FIFA shuttles
FIFA and city authorities will run official fan shuttles from downtown fan zones on match days. Check official channels closer to the tournament.
Uber or DiDi
About 30 minutes from central areas on normal days. Much longer on Mexico match days. Parking near Estadio Akron is very limited.
Stay connected in Guadalajara
Get a Mexico eSIM before you land. Local SIMs now require passport registration in Mexico since January 2026.
Get Mexico eSIM on Airalo
Activate before landing, no registration needed
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Travel insurance
Travel insurance covering medical emergencies is strongly recommended for Mexico.
Get a quote on World Nomads
Covers medical, cancellation and baggage
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Official merchandise
Shop official World Cup 2026 jerseys and gear before you travel.
Shop on Fanatics
Official licensed World Cup gear
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