Guadalajara: 2026 FIFA World Cup Host City Guide
Guadalajara is a city where tradition and modern football meet. Known worldwide as the birthplace of mariachi music and tequila, Guadalajara welcomes fans to the Estadio Akron, home of Club Deportivo Guadalajara (Chivas). Expect passionate crowds, rich cultural experiences, and warm hospitality.
Estadio Akron
Capacity: ~48,000
Design: Modern stadium shaped like a volcano, surrounded by green space.
Matches in 2026: Group stage games (see schedule below)
Getting There:
Located in Zapopan, northwest of Guadalajara.
40 minutes from Guadalajara International Airport.
Taxis and rideshares (Uber, Didi) are the easiest options.
Estadio Akron Matches
Thursday, 11 June 2026
Match 2 – Group A – Estadio Guadalajara
Thursday, 18 June 2026
Match 28 – Group A – (Mexico #2) – Estadio Guadalajara
Tuesday, 23 June 2026
Match 48 – Group K – Estadio Guadalajara
Friday, 26 June 2026
Match 66 – Group H – Estadio Guadalajara
Accommodation
Where to Stay in Guadalajara
Chapalita & Minerva Circle
Great restaurants, mid-range hotels.
Av Chapultepec
Festive, wide selection of restaurants, bars, and night life.
Zapopan
Near Estadio Akron, quieter residential feel.
Puerta de Hierro
High-end hotels, restaurants, and shops in and around Plaza Andares.
Transportation Tips
Airport
Around $0.30 USD per ride, extensive network. Avoid rush hours if possible. A mobility ("tarjeta de movilidad") card gives you access to most forms of public transportation. It can be recharged using the CDMX app on NFC phones, or in Metro and Metrobus stations.
Public Transit
Light rail system (two lines) and buses; rideshares are most convenient.
Day Trips
Easy access to Lake Chapala, Bosque de la Primavera, Tequila and Mazamitla by car or tour. The nearest beach destination is Puerto Vallarta, around 3 hours from Guadalajara.
Explore
MEXICO CITY SIGHTS
What to Eat & Drink 🍴
Guadalajara recommendations — Don’t miss:
Birria: Spicy goat or beef stew, often eaten with tortillas.
Tortas ahogadas: “Drowned sandwiches” in spicy salsa.
Tequila: Best enjoyed in Plaza de los Mariachis or nearby Tequila town.
- Tejuino: A cold fermented corn drink sold in street corners
Things to Do Between Matches 🗺️
When you’re not at the stadium, explore Guadalajara’s rich history, culture and landscapes:
- Tequila Tour: Visit distilleries in the town of Tequila (UNESCO heritage).
- Guadalajara Cathedral & Centro Histórico: Iconic architecture and plazas.
- Mariachi Music: Experience live performances in plazas and bars like in Ave. Chapultepec.
- Hospicio Cabañas: A hospice turned into a museum. It holds some of the most famous murals by José Clemente Orozco.
- Tlaquepaque: Artisan markets and crafts.
- Ajijic: A picturesque town by the Chapala lake.
- Puerto Vallarta: Venture out to this beach destination 3 hours away by car or bus.