Estadio Azteca is hosting the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on 11 June - the third time this storied venue has hosted a World Cup opening fixture. With a capacity of approximately 87,523, it is one of the largest stadiums in Latin America and carries one of the most recognisable names in global football. Here is what to know before you go.
Match Schedule at Estadio Azteca
Estadio Azteca has five confirmed World Cup 2026 matches as of June 2026:
| Date | Match | Stage |
|---|---|---|
| 11 June | Mexico vs South Africa | Group A (Opening Match) |
| ~17 June | Uzbekistan vs Colombia | Group K |
| 24 June | Czechia vs Mexico | Group A |
| Late June | Round of 32 fixture | Knockout |
| Early July | Round of 16 fixture | Knockout |
All times and exact dates for non-group matches are subject to confirmation at fifa.com. Ticket purchases must be made exclusively through the official FIFA ticketing platform - third-party resale is illegal in Mexico and carries fraud risk.
Getting to the Stadium
Metro and Tren Ligero (recommended)
The cheapest and most reliable route on match days is Metro Line 2 (blue) south to Tasqueña, then the Tren Ligero (light rail, Line A) to Estadio Azteca station. The total journey from central areas (ZĂłcalo, Roma, Condesa) takes approximately 45â60 minutes.
- Metro single ticket: approximately MXN 5 as of 2026
- Tren Ligero single ticket: approximately MXN 5 as of 2026
Arrive at least 90 minutes before kick-off. The Tren Ligero platform at Tasqueña will be heavily crowded immediately after the final whistle - consider staying in the area for 30â45 minutes post-match before heading home.
MetrobĂșs
The MetrobĂșs Line 1 (red) runs the length of Insurgentes and connects to Roma, Condesa, and eventually Terminal del Sur in the south. From Terminal del Sur, it is a short taxi or Uber ride to the stadium. Useful if arriving from the Insurgentes corridor.
Uber and Rideshare
Uber is reliable in Mexico City and the app works well from the stadium. Estimate approximately MXN 90â160 from Roma Norte as of 2026, depending on traffic. During peak post-match departures, surge pricing can double or triple fares - request your ride before leaving the stadium concourse if possible, as demand peaks immediately at the final whistle.
Driving
Not recommended. Traffic around the stadium on match days is severe. Parking is limited, and the area immediately around Azteca is heavily pedestrianised for major events. If you drive, use remote parking near Tasqueña metro and walk or take the Tren Ligero.
Where to Stay
The stadium sits in the south of the city. Most visitors choose to base themselves in central neighborhoods with good metro access rather than directly adjacent to the stadium.
Roma Norte and Condesa
These are the most popular areas for international visitors - walkable, safe at night, packed with restaurants, bars, and cafes. Expect to pay approximately MXN 1,500â2,500 per night (from around USD 75â130) for a mid-range hotel or apartment during the tournament. This range rises significantly for match weekends - book as early as possible.
Named options:
- Casa Comtesse (Roma Norte) - boutique hotel in a restored 1930s building, approximately MXN 2,200â3,200/night as of 2026
- Hotel Brick (Roma Norte) - rooftop pool, modern rooms, approximately MXN 2,000â2,800/night
- Hotel Stanza (Roma Norte) - good value, well-located, approximately MXN 1,400â2,000/night
Polanco
More upscale, closer to Chapultepec Park and fine-dining options. Expect premium pricing during the World Cup period, from approximately MXN 3,500â6,000+ per night for branded hotels.
Named options:
- Camino Real Polanco - large business-class hotel, approximately MXN 4,000â5,500/night during the tournament
- Andaz Mexico City Condesa - design hotel, approximately MXN 3,000â4,500/night
Near the Stadium (CoyoacĂĄn/Tlalpan)
Cheaper accommodation is available in CoyoacĂĄn (approximately MXN 800â1,500/night). The neighborhood is well worth exploring - home to the Frida Kahlo Museum, colourful streets, and the Mercado de CoyoacĂĄn - and the Tren Ligero connects directly to the stadium. However, nightlife and restaurant options thin out significantly after 11 pm.
FIFA Fan Festival - The ZĂłcalo
The official FIFA Fan Festival runs at the ZĂłcalo (Plaza de la ConstituciĂłn) from June 11 to July 19 - the full 39-day duration of the tournament. Entry is free, no ticket or pre-registration required. The site includes:
- Live match broadcasts on large screens
- Music and entertainment programming
- Street food and drinks vendors
- Cultural activities representing Mexicoâs World Cup host history
All 16 of Mexico Cityâs boroughs (alcaldĂas) are running additional viewing parties and programming in local squares. Check the CDMX government tourism portal for borough-level events. The ZĂłcalo is on Metro Line 2 (ZĂłcalo station, exit directly onto the plaza).
Match Day Tips
Tickets: Buy only through the FIFA official ticketing portal. Mexico matches sold out rapidly - if you donât have a ticket, the Fan Festival at the ZĂłcalo is a legitimate and festive alternative. Scalpers outside the stadium are common; ticket fraud is a known risk.
Cash and payments: Most stadium concessions are cashless. OXXO and ATMs are plentiful throughout the city, but withdraw before match day as queues build quickly near the stadium.
Safety: Mexico Cityâs central tourist areas are well-patrolled during the tournament, with additional police presence around the stadium and Fan Fest zones. Use Uber or official radio taxis (sitios) rather than street-hailed cabs, store phones securely in crowds, and keep a photocopy of your passport separately from the original.
Weather in June: Afternoon temperatures around Estadio Azteca sit in the mid-20s°C, with a high probability of short, heavy rainfall in late afternoon - June is the start of the rainy season. Bring a light rain jacket. The stadium is open-air.
Food near the stadium: Street taco stands operate along Calzada de Tlalpan on match days. For a sit-down meal before the game, CoyoacĂĄnâs market area (20â25 minutes from the stadium by Tren Ligero) has better options than the immediate surrounds of Azteca.
Getting Between Host Cities
If you are attending matches in more than one city, flying is the practical option:
- Mexico City â Guadalajara: approximately 1 hour by air (MXN 600â2,000+ depending on booking lead time); direct buses take 5â6 hours
- Mexico City â Monterrey: approximately 1.5 hours by air (MXN 700â2,500+); buses take 10â11 hours
Book domestic flights well in advance - all routes between the three host cities are under high demand for the tournament window. Aeropuerto Internacional Felipe Ăngeles (AIFA) and the main Benito JuĂĄrez International (AICM) both handle domestic routes; confirm which terminal your carrier uses.
Our full FIFA World Cup 2026 Mexico travel guide covers entry requirements, match ticket advice, fan zones across all three cities, and money-saving tips for the tournament period.
Plan your trip: tours in Mexico City · flights to Mexico.
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