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World Cup 2026 in Guadalajara: Matches, Stadium and Travel

By Sofia Reyes, Host Cities CorrespondentLast Updated: 2026-07-04⏱️ 5 min read
World Cup 2026 in Guadalajara: Matches, Stadium and Travel
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Guadalajara hosts 4 World Cup 2026 matches at Estadio Akron, a 48,071-seat venue in Mexico. The city's tournament opens on Thu, Jun 11 and runs through Fri, Jun 26. This guide covers the fixtures, how to reach Estadio Akron, where to stay, and what to do between matches.

Of the 4 games staged in Guadalajara, 4 fall in the group stage. The first kicks off when South Korea meet Czechia at 20:00 local time on Thu, Jun 11. All kick-off times below are listed in Guadalajara's local zone (Mexico City), so convert them to your home time before you set alarms.

DateMatchKick-off (local)Stage
Thu, Jun 11South Korea vs Czechia20:00Group A
Thu, Jun 18Mexico vs South Korea19:00Group A
Tue, Jun 23Colombia vs DR Congo20:00Group K
Fri, Jun 26Uruguay vs Spain18:00Group H

Every confirmed World Cup 2026 fixture at Estadio Akron.

The standout date for Guadalajara is the group a between South Korea and Czechia on Thu, Jun 11. As a group-stage venue, Guadalajara is busiest in the tournament's opening fortnight, when all three host nations play their early fixtures. If you are chasing more than one game here, cluster your stay around the dates in the table above rather than committing to the full window.

Flights and arrival: Guadalajara

Fly into Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla Guadalajara International Airport (GDL). Pre-paid airport taxis are highly recommended. From the airport, give yourself a generous buffer on matchdays — crowds peak in the three hours before kick-off at Estadio Akron. Fly into Guadalajara International (GDL). Stay in Zapopan or Americana district for dining and safe hotels. Where you can, travel light: Estadio Akron enforces a small-bag policy and queues at screening grow quickly once gates open.

Matchday transit to Estadio Akron

Public macrobús and bus transit operate, but official taxis or rideshares are standard for stadium transit. Local macrobús and special shuttle services run from downtown Guadalajara. Pre-booking rideshares is advised. Heavy traffic congestion expected on avenues around the stadium. Plan for 3 hours buffer.

Guadalajara for visiting fans: where to base yourself

Experience traditional Mariachi music, tour historic colonial squares, and taste authentic regional tequila and birria. Away from the football, Explore the Guadalajara Cathedral, visit Tlaquepaque for arts and crafts, see the Hospicio Cabañas murals, and take a day trip to Tequila. Guadalajara is one of the more affordable host cities, which makes it a smart base for fans attending several fixtures.

Popular neighbourhoods to base yourself in Guadalajara:

  • Zapopan
  • Colonia Americana
  • Centro Histórico
  • Tlaquepaque
  • Providencia

Where to eat before a game at Estadio Akron

Local Jalisco specialities including Tortas Ahogadas, tacos, and regional tequilas. Cash and card both accepted. If you would rather eat in the city first, the Zapopan area is an easy pre-match base before you ride out to Estadio Akron.

Weather and safety in Guadalajara

Down at roughly 20.7°N, Estadio Akron is among the hottest host venues, so afternoon kick-offs demand sun cover and plenty of water. Warm summer days with afternoon rain showers, averaging 22°C to 30°C (72°F to 86°F). Pack accordingly and plan your stadium arrival around the heat of the day where relevant. Use official taxi stands (Sitio) or verified rideshare apps. Stick to tourist neighborhoods. Stick to official fan zones and signed transit routes around Estadio Akron on matchdays.

Featured Host Cities

New York/New Jersey

USA

Serviced by three major airports: Newark Liberty (EWR) which is closest to the stadium, John F. Kennedy (JFK), and LaGuardia (LGA). All connect to transit.

Dallas

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Fly into Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) — a massive global hub — or Dallas Love Field (DAL) for domestic connections.

Los Angeles

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Serviced by Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), Ontario (ONT), John Wayne (SNA), and Hollywood Burbank (BUR).

Featured Host Stadiums

MetLife Stadium

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Cap: 82,500

AT&T Stadium

Dallas, USA

Cap: 80,000

SoFi Stadium

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Cap: 70,240

Frequently Asked Questions

How many World Cup 2026 matches are in Guadalajara?

Guadalajara hosts 4 matches at Estadio Akron.

Which stadium hosts the World Cup in Guadalajara?

All Guadalajara fixtures are played at Estadio Akron, which holds 48,071 spectators. Located in Zapopan, Guadalajara, this striking venue is designed to look like a volcano topped by a cloud-like roof.

When does Guadalajara host its World Cup 2026 matches?

Guadalajara's fixtures run from Thu, Jun 11 to Fri, Jun 26, with kick-offs listed in Mexico City local time.

SR

Sofia Reyes

Host Cities Correspondent

Sofia is a North America travel writer who has lived in Mexico City, Toronto and Los Angeles. She reports on neighbourhoods, fan zones and the practical realities of each host city for visiting supporters.

Focus areas: Host city guides · Neighbourhoods & fan zones · Local transport

Editorial standards: see our editorial policy and corrections policy.

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