Mexico City World Cup 2026 City Guide
Quick Navigation
- City Overview
- Match Schedule
- Getting There
- Where to Stay
- Soccer Culture
- Soccer Bars
- Must-See vs Local Favorites
- Local Resources
- Walk/Bike Guide
- Local Creators
- Pickup Soccer
- Outdoor Activities
City Overview & Practical Information
- Official Sites:
- Weather in June/July:
- June average: High 75°F (24°C), Low 52°F (11°C), Precipitation: 6.9 inches (rainy season begins with frequent afternoon showers).
- July average: High 74°F (23°C), Low 54°F (12°C), Precipitation: 8.6 inches.
- Tips: Pack layers as temperatures vary significantly between day/night. Bring waterproof jacket for daily afternoon rains. Altitude of 7,350 feet may cause mild altitude sickness initially.
- Local Phrases/Customs:
- “¿Qué onda?” – What’s up/How’s it going (casual greeting)
- “Chilango/a” – Person from Mexico City
- “¡Órale!” – Expression of surprise or encouragement
- “Propina” – Tip (10-15% expected at restaurants)
- Safety Tips:
- Avoid displaying expensive electronics or jewelry, especially in crowded areas like Metro
- Use official taxis or ride-share apps rather than street taxis
- Stay in groups when exploring nightlife areas
- Keep copies of passport/documents separate from originals
- Be cautious with tap water; it may be best to stick to bottled water
- Altitude can cause dehydration and can ruin a trip so drink plenty of water
- Public Transit:
- Mexico City Metro is extensive, affordable, and efficient, though can be extremely crowded. Pink cars are women-only during rush hours for safety.
- Sistema de Transporte Colectivo Metro
- Cycling
- Essential Apps:
- Airport Information:
- Main Airport: Aeropuerto Internacional Benito Juárez (MEX)
- Hub airlines: Aeroméxico, Volaris, Interjet, American Airlines
- Other Airports: Felipe Ángeles International Airport (NLU): New airport in Santa Lucía, 47km northeast of city center.
Flight Booking Sites:
- Going – Flight deals and price alerts
- Google Flights – Comprehensive search and price tracking
- Expedia – Flight and hotel packages
- Kayak – Price comparison across airlines
Match Schedule & Host City Details
Schedule
- Full Official FIFA Schedule: World Cup 2026 Match Schedule
All matches will be played at Estadio Azteca (venue name for FIFA: Estadio Ciudad de México).
| Match Number | Date | Kickoff Time | Round Type | Teams |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | June 11, 2026 | TBD | Opening Match | Mexico vs TBD |
| 24 | June 17, 2026 | TBD | Group Stage | TBD |
| 53 | June, 24 2026 | TBD | Group Stage | Mexico vs TBD |
| 79 | June, 30 2026 | TBD | Round of 32 | TBD |
| 92 | July, 5 2026 | TBD | Round of 16 | TBD |
Stadium
- Stadium Capacity: 87,000+
- Stadium Review: Estadio Azteca – Stadium Guide
Fan Fest
- Location(s): Zócalo + 16 other areas
- For More Info: FIFA Official Fan Fest Information
Getting to the Stadium & Fan Fest
Stadium: Estadio Azteca (Calzada de Tlalpan 3465, Santa Úrsula, Tlalpan, 14430 Ciudad de México)
- Public Transport:
- Take Metro Line 2 to Tasqueña station, then Xochimilco Light Rail to Estadio Azteca station
- Allow 1-1.5 hours from city center due to crowds on match days
- Special FIFA shuttle services map operate from key points as well
- Driving & Parking:
- Limited parking available – advance booking strongly recommended
- Heavy traffic expected – allow 2+ hours from central areas
- Uber/Didi drop-off zones will be designated around stadium perimeter
- Walking & Biking:
- Stadium is not in a walkable area from tourist zones
- Limited bike infrastructure to stadium area
- Not recommended due to distance and safety concerns
Fan Fest: Zócalo
- Public Transport: To reach Zócalo in Mexico City via public transit, take Metro Line 2 (the blue line) and exit at the station called “Zócalo/Tenochtitlan,” which is located directly beneath the main square
- Driving/Parking: Parking will be scarce
- Best Practices: Arrive early, follow security guidelines, use public transit when possible
Top Neighborhoods to Stay In
| Neighborhood | Description & Vibe | Link for More |
|---|---|---|
| Roma Norte | Trendy area with boutique hotels, craft cocktails, and art galleries. Hip, walkable, Instagram-worthy | Roma Norte Guide |
| Condesa | Tree-lined streets with Art Deco architecture, cafes, and parks. European feel, dog-friendly | Condesa Guide |
| Polanco | Upscale district with luxury shopping, fine dining, and high-end hotels. Business travelers’ choice | Polanco Guide |
| Centro Histórico | Colonial architecture around main square. Historical, bustling, authentic Mexican culture | Centro Histórico Guide |
| Coyoacán | Bohemian area with cobblestone streets, Frida Kahlo’s house, and weekend markets | Coyoacán Guide |
| San Ángel | Colonial charm with art markets, upscale restaurants, and peaceful plazas | San Ángel Guide |
For More Exploration:
Best Sites to Book Lodging
Best For Hotels / Bed & Breakfasts
Best For Apartment / Loft / Home Rentals
Soccer Culture & History
- Liga MX Clubs: Club América, Cruz Azul, Pumas UNAM – The three major Mexico City teams with passionate rivalries and historic supporter cultures
- Historic Soccer Venues: Estadio Azteca – Only stadium to host three World Cups (1970, 1986, 2026), witnessed Pelé and Maradona’s greatest moments
- Supporter Cultures: La Rebel (Pumas), La Sangre Azul (Cruz Azul), and Barra 51 (América) create incredible atmospheres with songs, drums, and choreographed displays
- Murals & Art: Diego Rivera murals celebrating Mexican football culture, street art throughout Roma Norte and Condesa featuring soccer themes
Top Soccer Bars & Watch Spots
| Venue | Address | Atmosphere / Crowd |
|---|---|---|
| The Dog House Pub | Sinaloa 61, Roma Norte | British-owned soccer bar with massive TVs and memorabilia. Central hub for European matches, packed on game days |
| Salon Malafama | Condesa area | Classic sports bar with pool tables, multiple screens. Cash only. Great for American and Mexican football matches |
| La Cervecería de Barrio | Euler 145, Polanco | Hub for expat crowd to watch sports. Gets packed when Mexican, American, and European teams play |
Further Research Sources:
- Half Half Travel Mexico City Bars – Travel blog with local expertise
Tourist Hits vs Local Favorites
Tourist Must-Sees
| Attraction | Visiting Info & Link |
|---|---|
| Frida Kahlo Museum (Casa Azul) | Book timed tickets online in advance. Located in Coyoacán. Metro Line 3 to Coyoacán |
| Templo Mayor | Active Aztec archaeological site in Centro Histórico. Combined ticket with museum recommended |
| Palacio de Bellas Artes | Stunning Art Nouveau/Art Deco building with Diego Rivera murals. Metro Bellas Artes |
| Chapultepec Castle | Historic castle in Chapultepec Park with city views and Mexican history exhibits |
| Basílica de Guadalupe | Most visited Catholic pilgrimage site in the Americas. Metro La Villa-Basilica |
Local Favorites
| Spot | Description & Verification |
|---|---|
| 29 Best Things To Do In Mexico City – By Local expats | There’s plenty for every kind of traveller to try, from architecture aficionados to die-hard foodies. From “Get Lost in Mexico City” blog. |
| The 12 Best Markets in Mexico City – Conde Nast. | 12 authentic local markets with traditional food vendors, antiques, and zero tourists per Conde Nast. |
| Las Duelistas Pulquería | Historic 1912 pulquería (traditional bar) in Centro. Packed with locals after work for fermented agave drinks |
| Chimalistac neighborhood | Peaceful cobblestone streets neighborhood perfect for evening strolls. Locals love the old-world charm away from tourist crowds |
Local Activity Booking Options
- Experience Platforms:
- Airbnb Experiences – Mexico City – Local hosted activities and tours
- Viator – Mexico City – Tours and activities platform
Bike/Walk Friendly Score & Articles
- Walk Score: 65/100 (“Somewhat Walkable”) – WalkScore Mexico City
- Bike Score: 40/100; Mexico City has expanding bike infrastructure with EcoBici system and dedicated bike lanes, especially in Roma and Condesa – WalkScore Mexico City
- Best Neighborhoods for Biking/Walking: Roma Norte, Roma Sur, Condesa, Centro Histórico, Polanco
- Bike Rental/Share: EcoBici (App Store, Google Play)
- Walking Tours:
- Safety Tips: Use bike lanes where available, wear helmet, avoid cycling during rain season afternoon storms
Modern Explorer: Creators to Follow
TikTok Creators
- Coming soon…
Instagram Creators
- Coming Soon…
YouTube Content
- Coming Soon…
Pickup Soccer & Casual Play Locations
| Location | Details |
|---|---|
| Parque México | Informal pickup games weekends, bring own ball, free play |
| Ciudad Deportiva | Official sports complex with rented fields, $200-400 pesos/hour |
| Parque España | Small informal games, mainly weekend afternoons |
| Parque Lincoln | Casual pickup games, popular with expat community |
- You may also want to try Meetup Mexico City Football
Outdoors & Hiking Trail Recommendations
| Trail / Park | Distance, Difficulty | Why Hike Here | AllTrails Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ajusco National Park | 5-10 miles, Moderate-Hard | Mexico City’s highest peak with forest trails and city views from 4,000m elevation | AllTrails |
| Desierto de los Leones | 3-6 miles, Easy-Moderate | Former monastery site with forest trails, waterfalls, and historic ruins just 1 hour from city | AllTrails |
| Nevado de Toluca | 8 miles, Hard | Extinct volcano with crater lakes, accessible by car to 4,200m then short hike to summit | AllTrails |
| Tepozteco | 2 miles, Moderate | Ancient temple hike in magical town of Tepoztlán, 1 hour south of Mexico City | AllTrails |
| Xitle Volcano | 4 miles, Moderate | Local volcano hike with lava rock formations and views over southern Mexico City | The Roads Not Traveled |
- General park information: Most parks open dawn to dusk, bring layers as altitude affects temperature, rainy season June-September
- Transportation recommendations: Day trips require car rental or tour; local hikes accessible by Metro + bus combinations
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