Monterrey, Mexico's industrial powerhouse and mountain city, hosts WC 2026 matches at Monterrey Stadium (officially "Estadio Monterrey" during the tournament). The venue will host 4 matches, up to the Round of 32. Home to C.F. Monterrey (Rayados), the modern 53,000-seat stadium features one of the most dramatic backdrops in world football: the jagged silhouette of Cerro de la Silla (Saddle Mountain) rising behind the pitch.
Did you know? Monterrey is just 230 km (140 miles) from the US border at Laredo, Texas. It is the closest Mexican the tournament city to the United States, making cross-border fan travel between Houston and Monterrey a realistic option.
For match odds and stadium details, see our Monterrey Stadium: WC 2026 Matches & Info.
| Stadium | Estadio BBVA ("Estadio Monterrey" during tournament) |
| City | Guadalupe, Nuevo Leon |
| WC 2026 matches | 4 (3 group stage, 1 Round of 32) |
| Highest stage | Round of 32 |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (CST) |
| Airport | MTY (General Mariano Escobedo International), 15 miles |
| Transit card | Metrorrey / Tarjeta MIA |
| Nearest station | Exposicion Station (Line 1) + 15-minute walk |
| Weather (Jun-Jul) | Extreme Heat (35C+) |
| Currency | Mexican Peso (MXN) |
| Tipping | 10-15% standard |
| Emergency | 911 |
WC 2026 matches in Monterrey
Monterrey Stadium will host 4 matches between June 14 and June 29.
Group stage matches
| Match | Group | Fixture | Date | Local | CEST BE/PL/RS | EEST RO/GR | BRT BR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #12 | F | Sweden vs. Tunisia | Sun, June 14 | 9:00 PM | 04:00 (+1) | 05:00 (+1) | 23:00 |
| #33 | F | Tunisia vs. Japan | Sat, June 20 | 11:00 PM | 06:00 | 07:00 | 01:00 |
| #54 | A | South Africa vs. Korea Republic | Wed, June 24 | 8:00 PM | 03:00 (+1) | 04:00 (+1) | 22:00 |
Knockout stage matches
| Stage | Fixture | Date | Local | CEST BE/PL/RS | EEST RO/GR | BRT BR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Round of 32 | Winner F vs. Runner-up C | Mon, June 29 | 8:00 PM | 03:00 (+1) | 04:00 (+1) | 22:00 |
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 Monterrey Stadium official portal.
How to get to Monterrey
Flying to Monterrey
General Mariano Escobedo International Airport (MTY) is about 15 miles northeast of the city. Direct flights from Houston, Dallas, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Miami, plus connections from Europe via Mexico City. Uber from the airport costs $8-$15.
Getting around Monterrey
Metrorrey (2 metro lines) covers the city centre and some surrounding areas. Use a Tarjeta MIA for metro and bus. Uber is widely available and very affordable ($2-$6 for most trips).
Getting to Monterrey Stadium on match day
The nearest metro station is Exposicion (Line 1), about a 15-minute walk from the stadium. Uber is the more comfortable option.
| Option | From | Duration | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Metrorrey + walk | Centro (Cuauhtemoc) | 25-30 min | 6 MXN ($0.35) | Line 1 to Exposicion, then 15-min walk |
| Uber | Centro / Barrio Antiguo | 10-20 min | $3-$7 | Most practical option |
| Uber | Airport (MTY) | 20-30 min | $8-$15 | Direct via highway |
Transport info from Nuevo Leon official tourism guide.
Where to stay in Monterrey during WC 2026
Best neighbourhoods
San Pedro Garza Garcia is Monterrey's upscale area with modern restaurants, shopping, and mountain views. More expensive but very comfortable.
Barrio Antiguo (Old Quarter) is the historic nightlife district with bars, live music, and colonial architecture. Compact and walkable.
Accommodation tips
Monterrey is affordable for visitors. Mid-range hotels run $50-$120 per night. Budget options start at $20-$40. The city is primarily a business destination, so weekend rates (when matches are likely) can be lower than weekdays.
Fan zones and atmosphere in Monterrey
Macroplaza (one of the largest urban plazas in the world) in downtown Monterrey is the most likely Fan Fest location. It has the space and infrastructure for large-scale events. Barrio Antiguo will be the nightlife hub for visiting fans.
Barrio Antiguo bars include Cafe Iguana (live music) and Almacen 42 (craft cocktails). The area comes alive after dark.
Insider tip: Monterrey's carne asada culture is legendary. Locals grill meat in parks, on rooftops, and at every social gathering. If invited to a carne asada by local fans, say yes immediately.
What to see and do in Monterrey beyond football
Cerro de la Silla (Saddle Mountain) is Monterrey's iconic landmark, visible from the stadium. Hiking trails lead to viewpoints (go early morning to avoid the extreme heat).
Fundidora Park is a former steel foundry converted into a massive urban park with museums, an ice rink, boat lake, and walking trails. A pleasant escape from the heat.
MARCO (Museum of Contemporary Art) has an excellent collection of Latin American art in a striking building by Ricardo Legorreta.
Paseo Santa Lucia is a 2.5 km canal walk connecting Macroplaza to Fundidora Park, with boat rides and restaurants along the way.
Day trip: Grutas de Garcia (Garcia Caves, 45 minutes west) are dramatic limestone caves accessed by cable car with mountain views.
Nearby host cities: also check WC 2026 in Mexico City, WC 2026 in Houston.
Food and drink guide for fans in Monterrey
Monterrey's food culture is built around meat and fire.
Cabrito (roast kid goat) is Monterrey's most famous dish. Slow-roasted over mesquite wood, it is tender and smoky. El Rey del Cabrito is the legendary restaurant.
Carne asada (grilled beef) is a way of life in Monterrey. The cuts (arrachera, diezmillo) are different from US or Argentine style, seasoned simply with salt and lime.
Machacado con huevo (dried beef with scrambled eggs) is the classic Monterrey breakfast.
Craft beer: Monterrey has a growing craft scene. Cerveceria Fauna and Sierra Madre Brewing are standouts.
Tipping: 10-15% standard. Pesos preferred at smaller restaurants; cards accepted at larger establishments.
Practical information for visiting Monterrey
| Time zone | UTC-6 (CST) |
| Currency | Mexican Peso (MXN). Cards accepted everywhere. |
| Weather | Extreme Heat (35C+) |
| Emergency | 911 |
| Tipping | 10-15% standard |
| Voltage | 120V, Type A/B |
| Transit card | Metrorrey / Tarjeta MIA |
Safety tips
Monterrey is safe in the main tourist and business areas: San Pedro, Centro, Barrio Antiguo, and Fundidora. Use Uber rather than street taxis. The extreme heat (35C+) is the biggest physical challenge: stay hydrated, avoid midday sun exposure, and take advantage of air-conditioned spaces.
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 Guadalupe official portal.
Bet on WC 2026 matches in Monterrey
4 matches at Monterrey 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: Metrorrey Lijn 1 naar station Exposición, vanaf daar loopafstand via een voetgangersbrug direct naar het stadion.
Nearest airport: Monterrey International (MTY), about 21 km from the stadium.
Fan zone: Fundidora Park.
FAQ: WC 2026 in Monterrey
How many WC 2026 matches will be played in Monterrey?
4 matches, up to the Round of 32.
What is the closest airport to Monterrey Stadium?
MTY (General Mariano Escobedo International), approximately 15 miles.
Is public transport available to Monterrey Stadium on match days?
Nearest station: Exposicion Station (Line 1) + 15-minute walk. Use Metrorrey / Tarjeta MIA.
What is the weather like in Monterrey in June and July?
Extreme Heat (35C+). Plan accordingly.
Do I need a visa to travel to Monterrey 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 Monterrey features (Wikipedia).
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