Guadalajara to host the 2026 world cup in mexico
The Mexico 2026 World Cup promises to be an unforgettable party for soccer lovers, and Guadalajara is positioning itself as one of the venues for the tournament. With its rich sports history and soccer fervor, the capital of Jalisco is preparing to welcome thousands of fans who will vibrate with the magic of soccer.
If you plan to experience this great event, you will have the opportunity during your stay to visit the most emblematic tourist attractions in Guadalajara and, for this, car rental in Guadalajara will be your great ally. Join this adventure with Hertz Mexico!
What is the soccer history of Guadalajara?
Guadalajara is a city with a great soccer tradition. Home to historic clubs such as the Chivas Rayadas del Guadalajara and the Rojinegros del Atlas, the city has witnessed countless sporting events. Its people live soccer with passion, and the Akron Stadium, the venue for 2026 World Cup matches, will be the epicenter of the excitement.
When will the games be played at Akron Stadium?
This stadium will be one of the 2026 World Cup venues and will host four group stage matches. In fact, it will be the stadium with the most matches in this stage within our country. Among the scheduled matches, one of the most important is that of the Mexican National Team, which will be played on Thursday, June 18, 2026.
In total, Mexico will host 13 matches in the tournament: 10 in the group stage and 3 in direct elimination. Of these, one will be played in Monterrey and two in Mexico City.
The 2026 World Cup matches in Mexico according to the FIFA calendar at the Akron Stadium will be played on the following dates:
- Thursday, June 11, 2026
- Thursday, June 18, 2026
- Tuesday, June 23, 2026
- Friday, June 26, 2026
What to visit in Guadalajara during the 2026 World Cup?
If you plan to attend the games, take the opportunity to discover the nooks and crannies of Guadalajara. The city offers a rich cultural, gastronomic and entertainment offer. We tell you which are the tourist places to visit in Guadalajara.
Historic Center: Ideal for strolling and admiring the Guadalajara Cathedral, the Government Palace and the Rotonda de los Jaliscienses Ilustres.
Degollado Theater: A symbol of neoclassical architecture, where you can enjoy ballet and opera performances. Hospicio Cabañas: World Heritage Site, famous for its murals by José Clemente Orozco.
Plaza de los Mariachis: To experience traditional Mexican music and enjoy an authentic serenade.
Chapultepec Avenue: Modern area with bars, restaurants and a great nightlife. Bosque de la Primavera: A green lung ideal for hiking, biking and enjoying nature.
What tourist attractions to visit near Guadalajara?
There are many activities to do near Guadalajara. A very good option is to visit Tlaquepaque and Tonalá, two magical towns where craftsmanship and gastronomy combine to offer a unique experience.
Tlaquepaque: This charming town is distinguished by its cobblestone streets, art galleries and bohemian atmosphere. It is famous for its handcrafted production of ceramics, blown glass and rustic furniture. It also has excellent restaurants serving typical Jalisco food and live mariachis in El Parián, an emblematic entertainment center.
Tonalá: Known as the cradle of handicrafts in Jalisco, it is ideal to buy pieces of clay, glass, wood and metal. Its market on Thursdays and Sundays is one of the largest in the region and offers a wide variety of handmade products. You can also visit Cerro de la Reina, a lookout point with panoramic views of the city.
Lake Chapala: Just an hour from the city, it is the largest lake in Mexico and offers beautiful scenery, restaurants and water activities. The lakeshore is home to charming towns such as Ajijic, known for its artistic community and pleasant climate. Here you can enjoy boat rides, artisan markets and delicious gastronomy.
Guachimontones: Just over an hour from Guadalajara, this archaeological site is unique in its kind, with circular pyramidal structures of the Teuchitlán culture. It is a perfect destination if you are a lover of history and archeology; it also has an interactive museum and a spectacular view of La Vega lagoon.
Barranca de Huentitán: An incredible canyon with hiking trails and spectacular views. Ideal if you want to connect with nature and ecotourism, as it offers challenging trails that lead to the Santiago River. Along the way, you can admire the biodiversity of the region and historic structures such as the ancient Arcediano Bridge.
With so many options near Guadalajara, there's always something interesting to discover, whether it's nature, culture, history or gastronomy - come explore these incredible destinations during the Mexico 2026 World Cup!
How to get to Guadalajara?
For those traveling from other parts of Mexico or the world, it is key to know how to get to Guadalajara. The Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla International Airport has domestic and international flights and is the best option if you are traveling from other countries. If you are traveling from other Mexican cities near the 2026 World Cup venues, car rental is the best option to enjoy everything this city has to offer. If you also have tickets for the matches to be played in the other Mexican cities, you can take advantage and move between the three venues: Guadalajara, CDMX and Monterrey. Don't hesitate!
The excitement of the 2026 World Cup in our country
The Mexican National Team will be looking to shine at home, and there is no better place than Guadalajara to experience the excitement of this great event. The atmosphere in the streets, in the bars and in the stadium will be incomparable. Mexico has proven to be a country passionate about soccer, and the 2026 World Cup will be the perfect opportunity to consolidate its love for the sport.
In addition, the World Cup will be the perfect excuse to visit the tourist attractions of Guadalajara, an intense city full of culture, history and, of course, soccer passion. From its traditions to its gastronomy, the city has everything to offer an unforgettable experience.
Don't miss the opportunity to be part of history and experience the 2026 World Cup in one of the most emblematic cities in Mexico. See you in Guadalajara!