Two months remain until the FIFA World Cup 2026, the most important sporting event of the year, which will take place across several cities in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

In Guadalajara—a city with a rich soccer tradition and one of Mexico’s three host cities, alongside Monterrey and Mexico City—the excitement is already building for this tournament, which is expected to reach a global audience of up to 6 billion people. Truly incredible!

So, if you’re planning to travel to the “Pearl of Guadalajara,” where four group-stage matches will be held at the fantastic Akron Stadium, to witness one of these thrilling games, here’s a quick guide to help you fully experience the passion of the FIFA World Cup (and travel) in the most Mexican host city—complete with tequila and mariachi:

How many matches will Mexico host? Mexico will host 13 matches, distributed as follows: five in Mexico City, four in Monterrey, and four in Guadalajara.

In Guadalajara specifically, matches will be held at Akron Stadium (with a capacity of 46,355 fans and renamed “Guadalajara Stadium” for the tournament), according to the following schedule—take note!

- Thursday, June 11: Group A match (South Korea vs. Czech Republic)

- Thursday, June 18: Group A match (Mexico vs. South Korea)—the most anticipated in Guadalajara!

- Tuesday, June 23: Group K match (Colombia vs. DR Congo)

- Friday, June 26: Group H match (Uruguay vs. Spain)

How to get to the stadium? Akron Stadium is located in the municipality of Zapopan, within the Guadalajara Metropolitan Area, about a 30-minute drive from the Historic Center and 40 minutes from Guadalajara International Airport in Tlajomulco de Zúñiga. However, during World Cup season, many areas of the city and its surroundings are likely to be congested. The best way to reach the “Home of the Sacred Flock” is by using the Mi Macro Periférico public transit system and getting off at the “Estadio Chivas” station. From there, a pedestrian walkway leads directly to the stadium. For greater convenience, it’s recommended to arrive at least two hours before each match.

Where to stay in Guadalajara? Some of our favorite hotels in the capital of Jalisco include The Westin Guadalajara, located in the Expo Guadalajara area (home to the annual International Book Fair), offering 221 rooms with the signature Heavenly Bed, a gym, and delicious dining options like Grill & Vine (featuring Jalisco cuisine). It’s just 25 minutes from the stadium. Another great option is Hilton Guadalajara Midtown, a stylish and modern property located within Midtown Jalisco shopping center in Zapopan, featuring top-brand stores, numerous restaurants and bars with a cosmopolitan vibe, and even a VIP movie theater. Best of all, it’s less than 20 minutes from the World Cup venue.

What to do in Guadalajara beyond soccer? During your stay in the “Pearl of Guadalajara,” be sure to visit the Historic Center, home to its iconic Cathedral—recognizable from any angle thanks to its yellow-tiled spires—the Government Palace, which houses murals by artist José Clemente Orozco, and the emblematic Hospicio Cabañas, a stunning 19th-century neoclassical complex that once served as a charitable institution and now functions as a major cultural center (designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997).

According to World Cup organizers, the FIFA Fan Fest activities will take place in Guadalajara’s Historic Center, featuring giant screens, immersive experiences, and plenty of surprises for fans from around the world.

Another key spot in the city, the Minerva Roundabout, will host free concerts by Alejandro Fernández, Maná, and Carlos Santana ahead of the Mexico vs. South Korea match. The area is expected to turn into a massive celebration blending the best of traditional Mexican music with world-class rock.

And if you’re staying a few extra days after the matches, take advantage of your time to explore some of the beautiful nearby “Pueblos Mágicos,” such as Tlaquepaque—perfect for enjoying delicious tortas ahogadas and listening to top mariachi bands—and Tequila, the town where the famous spirit was born and which has become a global symbol of Mexico.

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