Guadalajara, Mexico's second-largest city and the birthplace of mariachi and tequila, is a WC 2026 host city. Guadalajara Stadium (officially "Estadio Guadalajara" during the tournament) will host 4 group stage matches. The 49,000-seat venue was designed to resemble a volcano, with a distinctive white exterior that has become an architectural landmark. Home to C.D. Guadalajara (Chivas), one of Mexico's most popular football clubs, the stadium delivers passionate atmosphere.
Did you know? Guadalajara is the birthplace of tequila. The town of Tequila is just 60 km northwest of the city, and day trips to the agave fields and distilleries are one of the best experiences Mexico has to offer.
For match odds and stadium details, see our Guadalajara Stadium: WC 2026 Matches & Info.
| Stadium | Estadio Akron ("Estadio Guadalajara" during tournament) |
| City | Zapopan, Jalisco |
| WC 2026 matches | 4 (4 group stage) |
| Highest stage | Group stage |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (CST) |
| Airport | GDL (Miguel Hidalgo International), 15 miles |
| Transit card | Mi Transporte (bus/taxi, no direct rail) |
| Nearest station | Bus / rideshare (no direct rail to stadium) |
| Weather (Jun-Jul) | Warm (28C), altitude 1,566m |
| Currency | Mexican Peso (MXN) |
| Tipping | 10-15% standard |
| Emergency | 911 |
WC 2026 matches in Guadalajara
Guadalajara Stadium will host 4 matches between June 11 and June 26.
Group stage matches
| Match | Group | Fixture | Date | Local | CEST BE/PL/RS | EEST RO/GR | BRT BR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #2 | A | Korea Republic vs. Czechia | Thu, June 11 | 9:00 PM | 04:00 (+1) | 05:00 (+1) | 23:00 |
| #28 | A | Mexico vs. Korea Republic | Thu, June 18 | 8:00 PM | 03:00 (+1) | 04:00 (+1) | 22:00 |
| #48 | K | Colombia vs. DR Congo | Tue, June 23 | 9:00 PM | 04:00 (+1) | 05:00 (+1) | 23:00 |
| #64 | H | Uruguay vs. Spain | Fri, June 26 | 7:00 PM | 02:00 (+1) | 03:00 (+1) | 21:00 |
Knockout stage matches
| Stage | Fixture | Date | Local | CEST BE/PL/RS | EEST RO/GR | BRT BR |
|---|
Note for European fans: Some matches kick off late locally, which means they fall in the early morning hours of the next calendar day in Belgium, Poland, Romania, Greece and Serbia. Check the (+1) markers in the table.
Follow every match live on the live centre or via the Napoleon Sports app.
Match data from the Guadalajara Stadium official site.
How to get to Guadalajara
Flying to Guadalajara
Miguel Hidalgo International Airport (GDL) is about 15 miles south of the city centre. Direct flights from Los Angeles, Houston, Dallas, Chicago, and several European cities via connections. From the airport, Uber costs $8-$15 to most areas.
Getting around Guadalajara
Guadalajara has a light rail system (2 lines) and an extensive bus network, but coverage to the stadium is limited. Uber is the most practical option for visitors ($3-$8 for most trips). Use the Mi Transporte card for public transport.
Getting to Guadalajara Stadium on match day
There is no direct rail to the stadium. Expect the tournament shuttle services from the city centre. Uber/rideshare is the fallback.
| Option | From | Duration | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Event shuttle | Centro / Minerva | 25-35 min | TBD | WC-specific services expected |
| Uber | Centro Historico | 20-35 min | $5-$10 | Via Periferico, traffic variable |
| Uber | Airport (GDL) | 20-30 min | $8-$15 | Direct via highway |
Transport info from Visit Jalisco tourism portal.
Where to stay in Guadalajara during WC 2026
Best neighbourhoods
Americana / Chapultepec is Guadalajara's trendiest area with craft cocktail bars, restaurants, and a walkable main avenue (Avenida Chapultepec). Well-connected by Uber.
Zapopan (where the stadium is located) has modern hotels and is convenient for match access.
Tlaquepaque is a charming artisan town (now absorbed into the metro area) with colourful streets, pottery workshops, and traditional Mexican restaurants.
Accommodation tips
Guadalajara is very affordable. Mid-range boutique hotels run $40-$100 per night. Budget hostels start at $10-$25. Prices are significantly lower than Mexico City.
Fan zones and atmosphere in Guadalajara
The Minerva Roundabout (Glorieta Minerva) and surrounding area is the traditional gathering point for Guadalajara football celebrations. After Chivas wins, fans flood this intersection. Expect similar energy during the tournament. The Centro Historico plazas are also likely Fan Fest candidates.
Chapultepec Avenue is the nightlife strip with dozens of bars and restaurants. La Cerveceria de Barrio and Pare de Sufrir are popular spots for watching football.
Insider tip: Guadalajara is Chivas territory. The Chivas fans ("Chivahermanos") are among the most passionate in Mexico. If Chivas players are in the Mexico squad, the stadium atmosphere will be extraordinary.
What to see and do in Guadalajara beyond football
Tequila town day trip is the must-do experience. Take the Tequila Express or Jose Cuervo Express train (with tequila tastings on board) to the town of Tequila, 60 km away. Tour the agave fields and distilleries. Book in advance.
Tlaquepaque is a walkable artisan town with pottery, blown glass, and hand-made crafts. The colourful streets and plazas are perfect for an afternoon stroll. Try birria (slow-cooked goat stew) at any of the restaurants around the main square.
Guadalajara Cathedral and the surrounding historic centre have beautiful colonial architecture, plazas, and markets.
Mariachi Plaza (Plaza de los Mariachis) is where mariachi bands gather and perform. Go in the evening for the full experience.
Day trip: Lake Chapala (45 minutes south) is Mexico's largest lake, surrounded by charming towns with large expat communities.
Nearby host cities: also check WC 2026 in Mexico City, WC 2026 in Monterrey.
Food and drink guide for fans in Guadalajara
Guadalajara has a distinctive food identity, separate from Mexico City.
Birria is the signature dish: a slow-cooked stew of goat or beef in a rich, spiced broth. Served with tortillas, onion and lime. Birria Chololo in Tlaquepaque is legendary.
Tortas ahogadas ("drowned sandwiches") are pork-filled rolls dunked in a spicy tomato sauce. Messy, delicious, and uniquely Guadalajaran.
Tequila tasting is essential. Visit a mezcaleria or tequileria in Chapultepec for flights of premium tequila and learn the difference between blanco, reposado and anejo.
Tipping: 10-15% standard. Mexican pesos preferred at street food stalls; restaurants accept cards.
Practical information for visiting Guadalajara
| Time zone | UTC-6 (CST) |
| Currency | Mexican Peso (MXN). Cards accepted everywhere. |
| Weather | Warm (28C), altitude 1,566m |
| Emergency | 911 |
| Tipping | 10-15% standard |
| Voltage | 120V, Type A/B |
| Transit card | Mi Transporte (bus/taxi, no direct rail) |
Safety tips
Guadalajara is generally safe for tourists in the main areas: Centro Historico, Chapultepec, Americana, Tlaquepaque, and Zapopan. Use Uber rather than street taxis. Stay hydrated in the heat and be aware of the altitude (1,566m), which is lower than Mexico City but still noticeable.
Mobile and connectivity
eSIMs from Airalo or Holafly work well. Free Wi-Fi at airports, coffee shops and hotels. Download the Napoleon Sports app before you travel for live scores and match updates.
City info from Municipio de Zapopan official website.
Bet on WC 2026 matches in Guadalajara
4 matches at Guadalajara Stadium. Follow every match with live odds via the live centre. Use BetBuilder to combine selections within a single match. New to Napoleon Sports? Create your account for full access to WC 2026 markets. With 1UP early payout, your bet is settled as a winner if your team goes 2 goals ahead at any point.
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.
FAQ: WC 2026 in Guadalajara
How many WC 2026 matches will be played in Guadalajara?
4 matches, up to the Group stage only.
What is the closest airport to Guadalajara Stadium?
GDL (Miguel Hidalgo International), approximately 15 miles.
Is public transport available to Guadalajara Stadium on match days?
Nearest station: Bus / rideshare (no direct rail to stadium). Use Mi Transporte (bus/taxi, no direct rail).
What is the weather like in Guadalajara in June and July?
Warm (28C), altitude 1,566m. Plan accordingly.
Do I need a visa to travel to Guadalajara for WC 2026?
Most Europeans can enter Mexico under a tourist visa exemption (up to 180 days for most European nationalities). See our Visa & Travel Guide for full details.
Can I watch the tournament matches live on my phone?
Yes. Download the Napoleon Sports app for live scores via the live centre.
Stadium facts: Estadio Guadalajara stadium info (Wikipedia).
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