We’re counting down the weeks until the FIFA World Cup 2026 begins—the biggest sporting event of the year—which will take place in several cities across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

In Mexico City—one of the three host cities in the country alongside Guadalajara and Monterrey—the excitement is already building for this global celebration, expected to reach an audience of up to 6 billion people. It will also turn Estadio Banorte (formerly Estadio Azteca) into a three-time World Cup venue (Mexico 70, 86, and now 2026), reaffirming its status as the “sacred temple of football” and positioning Mexico City as a must-visit metropolis for fans of the sport.

So, if you’re traveling to Mexico City—where five matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be held—whether to attend one of the thrilling games or if your vacation coincides with the tournament, here’s a quick guide to help you make the most of the experience—smoothly and without setbacks—in the vibrant and historic “City of Palaces”.

How many matches will be played in Mexico?

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

Specifically in Mexico City, matches will be held at Estadio Banorte (formerly Estadio Azteca), which has a capacity of 87,000 spectators and will be renamed “Estadio México” for the tournament. The schedule is as follows:

- Thursday, June 11: Match 1, Group A (Mexico vs. South Africa). 

- Wednesday, June 17: Match 24, Group K (Colombia vs. Uzbekistan).

- Wednesday, June 24: Match 53, Group A (Mexico vs. Czechia). 

- Tuesday, June 30: Match 79 — Round of 32.

- Sunday, July 5: Match 92 — Round of 16.

How to get to the stadium?

Estadio Banorte is located in the Coyoacán borough, in the southern part of Mexico City, about 35 minutes by car from the Historic Center and around 30 minutes from Mexico City International Airport in Venustiano Carranza.

However, during the World Cup, traffic congestion is expected, so the best option to reach the “Coloso de Santa Úrsula” is by public transportation (Metro Line 2, Light Rail, or RTP buses), followed by a pedestrian walkway leading to the stadium. It has been confirmed that there will be no parking available at the venue during the tournament. For convenience, it’s recommended to arrive at least two hours before kickoff.

Where to stay in Mexico City?

Our favorite hotels in Mexico City include Four Seasons, The St. Regis, and The Ritz-Carlton, all located along Paseo de la Reforma, offering spectacular city views and about 35 minutes from Estadio Banorte.

If you prefer to stay in Polanco—one of the most exclusive and safest neighborhoods (and one of our favorites)—we recommend The Alest, Pug Seal, and Habita Hotel. These are just steps away from high-end boutiques and some of the best restaurants and bars in the area, such as Nobu, La Buena Barra, Prosecco, and Hacienda de los Morales, among others.

What to do in Mexico City beyond football?

During your stay, don’t miss the Historic Center, home to landmarks like the Metropolitan Cathedral, the National Palace, and the remains of the Templo Mayor, the most important structure of ancient Mexico-Tenochtitlan.

Right in this area, at the Zócalo main square, the FIFA Fan Fest will take place, featuring giant screens, immersive experiences, and plenty of surprises for fans from all over the world.

Another must-visit is Chapultepec Forest, where you’ll find some of the city’s most fascinating museums, such as the National Museum of History (Chapultepec Castle), which offers one of the most beautiful views of the city, and the iconic National Museum of Anthropology, home to one of the world’s most important pre-Hispanic art collections—including the famous “Sun Stone,” one of the most iconic monuments in Mexican art.

Finally, just under two hours from Mexico City, travelers shouldn’t miss the archaeological site of Teotihuacan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988. Its massive pyramids dedicated to the Sun and the Moon provide the perfect backdrop for your next social media posts.

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