Guadalajara Stadium will host 4 WC 2026 matches in Guadalajara, Mexico. The venue hosts group-stage fixtures only and is the only WC 2026 stadium without knockout matches. Nations confirmed for the group stage include Colombia, Czechia, DR Congo, Mexico, Korea Republic, Spain, Uruguay.
Whether you are following results from home via the live centre or planning to attend in person, this guide covers every match, kick-off time across multiple timezones, betting conditions and practical travel information you need.
About Guadalajara Stadium
| Official the tournament name | Guadalajara Stadium |
| Regular name | Estadio Akron |
| Location | Zapopan, Jalisco, Mexico |
| Capacity (the tournament) | 49,850 |
| Opened | 2010 |
| Primary tenant | C.D. Guadalajara |
| Surface | Grass |
| WC 2026 matches | 4 (4 group stage) |
| Highest round hosted | Group stage only |
Guadalajara Stadium is located in Zapopan, Jalisco, Mexico and serves as the home ground of CD Guadalajara / Chivas (Liga MX). The stadium opened in 2010 and will operate under the name Guadalajara Stadium during the tournament, in line with the tournament naming regulations that prohibit commercial sponsor names.
Stadium upgrades for the tournament compliance, including improved media facilities and accessibility
The stadium's distinctive design resembles a volcanic crater, with a swooping roofline that partially covers the upper tiers while leaving the pitch open to the sky. This architectural feature creates excellent sightlines from every seat and helps manage Guadalajara's warm climate by allowing natural ventilation. With a capacity of 49,850, it is one of the smaller the tournament venues but compensates with an intimate, steep-sided bowl that puts fans close to the action.
Guadalajara is Mexico's second-largest metropolitan area (population 5.3 million) and has a football culture that runs deep. The city is home to two major Liga MX clubs: Chivas (who own Guadalajara Stadium) and Atlas (who play at Estadio Jalisco). The rivalry between these clubs, known as the Clasico Tapatio, is one of the fiercest in Mexican football.
All 4 Matches at Guadalajara Stadium
Group Stage (4 matches)
| # | Date | Kick-off (ET) | Match | Group |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | Wednesday 11 June 2026 | 22:00 ET | Korea Republic vs Czechia | Group A |
| 28 | Thursday 18 June 2026 | 21:00 ET | Mexico vs Korea Republic | Group A |
| 48 | Monday 23 June 2026 | 22:00 ET | Colombia vs DR Congo | Group K |
| 64 | Friday 26 June 2026 | 20:00 ET | Uruguay vs Spain | Group H |
Match 2 - Korea Republic vs Czechia: The tournament's second-ever match, kicking off on opening day just hours after Mexico vs South Africa at the Azteca. Korea Republic's technical quality and pressing intensity against Czechia's European solidity. This is a fixture where both teams will target three points to set up a strong group-stage platform.
Match 28 - Mexico vs Korea Republic: El Tri playing in Guadalajara, a city where football is religion, creates one of the most hostile environments in the tournament. Mexico's passionate Jalisco fanbase will transform Guadalajara Stadium into a cauldron of noise. Korea Republic's discipline will be tested by both the crowd and the 1,566-metre altitude.
Match 48 - Colombia vs DR Congo: A Group K fixture that brings South American flair against Central African power. Colombia's technical midfield against DR Congo's athleticism and defensive resilience. This match promises entertainment and could produce goals.
Match 64 - Uruguay vs Spain: The undisputed headline fixture at Guadalajara Stadium. Two former the tournament winners with contrasting philosophies: Spain's possession dominance against Uruguay's famous defensive grit and counter-attacking efficiency. This is a genuine blockbuster that could determine group-stage seedings heading into the knockout phase.
Knockout Stage (none)
Guadalajara Stadium does not host any knockout-stage matches. It is the only WC 2026 venue limited to group-stage fixtures.
Build your own pre-match predictions using BetBuilder to combine match result, total goals and player markets into a single bet. For live match coverage and in-play odds, visit the live centre during every fixture at Guadalajara Stadium.
Betting Conditions & Markets
Guadalajara sits at 1,566 metres above sea level, a middle-ground altitude between Monterrey (540m) and Mexico City (2,240m). The altitude subtly affects ball flight and player stamina, particularly for teams from sea-level nations. Late evening kick-offs (local 19:00-21:00) avoid the worst of June heat (around 30C daytime). The only venue not hosting any knockout fixtures, which means every match here is a genuine group-stage battle with everything to play for. Mexico plays here in front of a passionate home crowd, making them a strong favourite in their group-stage fixture.
Key markets to consider for matches at Guadalajara Stadium:
- Match result (1X2) - the standard three-way market, available pre-match and in-play
- Total goals (Over/Under) - consider venue conditions and team styles when setting thresholds
- Both teams to score - high-stakes group deciders often produce open, attacking football
- Player props - combine goalscorer, shots and cards markets in BetBuilder
- Half-time/Full-time - useful for matches where one side has a clear tactical advantage
All group-stage and knockout matches at Guadalajara Stadium are available on the WC 2026 betting page with pre-match and in-play markets. The 1UP early payout feature settles your bet as a winner if your team goes 2 goals ahead at any point during the match.
The Uruguay vs Spain fixture on 26 June is the headline match at this venue. Both nations are genuine contenders with contrasting styles: Spain's possession game against Uruguay's defensive resilience. This is a classic clash that produces tight margins, making the draw a live outcome worth pricing. The 1,566-metre altitude is not extreme enough to dramatically alter performance, but it can affect European teams' endurance levels in the final 20 minutes.
Mexico's match against Korea Republic on 18 June carries enormous home-crowd energy. El Tri playing in Guadalajara, a city synonymous with Mexican football culture, creates a hostile environment for visiting teams. Factor in the crowd noise when assessing Mexico's first-half performance markets.
Estadio Akron is the only WC 2026 venue without a single knockout match. That makes every group-stage fixture here a must-win, adding extra intensity to an already electric Mexican football atmosphere.
Stadium History
Guadalajara Stadium, also known as Estadio Chivas, opened in 2010 as the purpose-built home of one of Mexico's most popular clubs. Its distinctive volcanic-cone design makes it one of the most visually striking stadiums in the Americas. The venue hosted matches at the 2011 Pan American Games and the 2024 Copa America. Guadalajara, Mexico's second-largest city, has a deep football culture with two major Liga MX clubs (Chivas and Atlas) and hosted matches during the 1970 the tournament at the old Estadio Jalisco. The city is also the birthplace of mariachi music and tequila, offering visiting fans a uniquely Mexican cultural experience.
Kick-off Times by Timezone
WC 2026 matches at Guadalajara Stadium span multiple time zones for global audiences. Below is a complete timezone conversion table for fans in Belgium, Poland, Serbia (CEST), Romania, Greece (EEST) and Brazil (BRT).
| Date | Match | ET (USA) | CEST (BE/PL/RS) | EEST (RO/GR) | BRT (BR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11 June | Korea Republic vs Czechia | 22:00 | 04:00 (+1) | 05:00 (+1) | 21:00 |
| 18 June | Mexico vs Korea Republic | 21:00 | 03:00 (+1) | 04:00 (+1) | 20:00 |
| 23 June | Colombia vs DR Congo | 22:00 | 04:00 (+1) | 05:00 (+1) | 21:00 |
| 26 June | Uruguay vs Spain | 20:00 | 02:00 (+1) | 03:00 (+1) | 19:00 |
(+1) = next calendar day. All times during summer daylight saving. CEST covers Belgium, Poland and Serbia. EEST covers Romania and Greece.
Fan Guide & Travel
Guadalajara Stadium is located in the Zapopan municipality, about 20 km northwest of Guadalajara's city centre. The Mi Macro Periferico bus rapid transit line provides direct access. Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla International Airport (GDL) is 25 km away. Guadalajara's historic centre, Tlaquepaque artisan district and tequila country (Tequila town is 65 km away) offer rich cultural diversions between matches.
Guadalajara offers arguably the most authentically Mexican the tournament experience. The city's historic centre features colonial architecture, the Hospicio Cabanas (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), and the Mercado San Juan de Dios. The nearby town of Tequila offers distillery tours and agave field visits. Street food in Guadalajara is outstanding, with birria, tortas ahogadas and tejuino among local specialities that visiting fans should not miss.
Weather in Guadalajara during June
June falls in Guadalajara's rainy season, with afternoon thunderstorms common but typically short-lived. Daytime temperatures reach 28-32C with moderate humidity. Evening matches (local kick-offs around 19:00-21:00) benefit from cooler conditions after sunset. The 1,566-metre altitude means UV exposure is elevated; sunscreen and hydration are essential.
Tequila country and cultural experiences
Guadalajara is the birthplace of mariachi music and tequila, offering cultural experiences unique among the tournament host cities. The town of Tequila (65 km northwest) offers distillery tours through agave fields. The Hospicio Cabanas in the city centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring murals by Jose Clemente Orozco. Tlaquepaque, a colonial suburb, is known for artisan crafts, galleries and traditional Mexican restaurants.
Public transport: Mi Macro Periférico (BRT) naar station Estadio Chivas. Laatste stuk te voet of met gratis pendelbussen.
Nearest airport: Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla International (GDL), about 34 km from the stadium.
Fan zone: Plaza de la Liberación / Centro Histórico.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Guadalajara Stadium called during the tournament?
Guadalajara Stadium operates as Guadalajara Stadium during the tournament, following the tournament regulations that require neutral, non-commercial venue names.
How many the tournament matches does Guadalajara Stadium host?
Guadalajara Stadium hosts 4 matches: 4 group-stage fixtures (no knockout matches).
What is the capacity of Guadalajara Stadium for the tournament?
The stadium will hold 49,850 spectators in its the tournament configuration.
Which teams play at Guadalajara Stadium?
Group-stage teams confirmed for Guadalajara include Colombia, Czechia, DR Congo, Mexico, Korea Republic, Spain, Uruguay.
Where can I bet on matches at Guadalajara Stadium?
All matches are available on the WC 2026 betting page with pre-match odds, in-play markets, BetBuilder combinations and the 1UP early payout feature.
Why does Guadalajara Stadium have no knockout matches?
Guadalajara Stadium is the only WC 2026 venue that does not host any knockout-stage matches. This is likely due to its smaller capacity (49,850) compared to other venues and scheduling logistics across the 16 host cities.
What is the altitude at Guadalajara Stadium?
Guadalajara Stadium sits at 1,566 metres above sea level, between Monterrey (540m) and Mexico City (2,240m). While not extreme, this altitude can subtly affect ball flight and player stamina, particularly for teams from sea-level nations in the later stages of matches.
Does Mexico play at Guadalajara Stadium?
Yes. Mexico plays their second group match here against Korea Republic on 18 June. It is one of three Mexican venues hosting El Tri's the tournament campaign, alongside Mexico City Stadium (Mexico City) and Monterrey Stadium (Monterrey).
Sources & Further Reading
- Estadio Akron on Wikipedia
- Visit Mexico - Guadalajara
- Guadalajara city government
- Chivas de Guadalajara official
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