At a Glance
- Location
- Guadalajara, Jalisco
- Country
- Mexico
- Metro Population
- 5.3 million
- Total Matches
- 4 matches
- Match Period
- -
- Primary Stadium
- Estadio Guadalajara (Estadio Akron)
- Recommended Stay
- 3-4 days
- Daily Budget
- $60-120 USD per person
- Best Time to Visit
- Last Updated
Best Time
Ideal Stay
3-4 days
Daily Budget
$60-120 USD per person
Walkability
7/10 - Historic areas walkable, stadium requires transit/rideshare
Transit
7/10 - Light rail + Macrobús good, but less intuitive for first-timers
Safety
8/10 - Tourist areas generally safe, use common sense at night
About Guadalajara
Estadio Guadalajara (locally known as Estadio Akron) in Zapopan will host 4 FIFA World Cup 2026 group-stage matches from June 11-26, 2026, including MEXICO'S crucial June 18 home match—the day the entire city will shut down. The 46,232-seat stadium, home to Chivas de Guadalajara (one of Mexico's most iconic clubs), is located 9 miles from downtown in the Zapopan suburb. Guadalajara is Mexico's second-largest metro area and the heart of Jalisco state—the birthplace of mariachi music, tequila, and charreada (Mexican rodeo).
City Character
Guadalajara combines colonial-era plazas and cathedrals with modern shopping districts and a thriving food scene. It's more laid-back and authentically Mexican than the capital, making it a favorite among visitors who want culture without the chaos of Mexico City. The iconic Guadalajara Cathedral with twin yellow spires anchors the historic center. Nearby, the UNESCO-listed Instituto Cultural Cabañas showcases powerful murals by José Clemente Orozco. Tlaquepaque's artisan district offers world-class pottery and blown glass shopping. The town of Tequila (1 hour away) sits surrounded by blue agave fields—the source of Mexico's national spirit.
Stadium Location
Estadio Guadalajara is 9 miles from downtown in Zapopan suburb. Rideshare (Uber/Didi) is the easiest option, taking 20-45 minutes depending on your neighborhood and costing $6-12 USD. Public transit option exists (light rail Line 3 + Macrobús/bus transfer) but takes 45-60 minutes and requires navigation. The stadium will be officially named 'Estadio Guadalajara' for FIFA World Cup branding.
Critical Info
Buy a 'Mi Movilidad' card (30 MXN) at OXXO or light rail stations for public transit. Flat fare is 9.50 MXN ($0.50 USD) per ride, but bus/BRT machines...
Where to Stay
Guadalajara has 450+ hotels (65,000+ rooms) with affordable pricing. Expect 30-50% surge during World Cup, especially June 18 Mexico match. Colonia Americana (800-1,800 pesos / $45-100 USD per night) is best for first-timers: trendy neighborhood, tree-lined streets, great nightlife, 30-45 min to stadium. Zapopan (1,200-2,500 pesos / $65-140 USD) is closest to stadium (10-15 min) with modern hotels but less character. Centro Histórico (600-1,500 pesos / $35-85 USD) is cheapest with colonial charm but 45-60 min to stadium. Book 5-6 months ahead for June 18—demand will be insane when Mexico plays.
Estadio Guadalajara (Estadio Akron)
Zapopan, Jalisco
FIFA: Estadio Guadalajara
46,232
Capacity
4
Matches
9mi
From Downtown
2010
Opened
Transport
Rideshare (Uber/Didi 20-45 min) or light rail + bus transfer (45-60 min)
Economic Impact
$300 million USD to Guadalajara economy, tourism boost for Jalisco state
Get Involved
1,500 volunteers volunteers needed!
Guadalajara 2026 FIFA World Cup Host Committee
Mexico's cultural heart where mariachi and tequila were born
Top Highlights
Unique Experiences
- ★Be there when Mexico plays on June 18 - electric atmosphere, entire city celebra
- ★Try tortas ahogadas (Guadalajara's signature drowned sandwich) - ask for 'media'
- ★Visit blue agave fields and tequila distilleries in the UNESCO-listed town of Te
- ★Shop for authentic pottery and crafts in Tlaquepaque's colorful pedestrian stree
- ★Experience mariachi music in its birthplace - live bands in plazas every evening
Perfect For
Mexico soccer fans (home match June 18)
Tequila enthusiasts (birthplace tours)
Culture seekers (mariachi, colonial history, traditional Mexico)
Budget travelers (very affordable)
This City Might Not Be For You If...
Match Schedule
4 matches • Group Stage
South Korea vs UEFA Play-off D
Thursday, June 11, 2026
9:00 PM ET
🇲🇽 Mexico vs 🇰🇷 South Korea
Thursday, June 18, 2026
9:00 PM ET
Colombia vs FIFA Play-off 1
Tuesday, June 23, 2026
10:00 PM ET
🇺🇾 Uruguay vs 🇪🇸 Spain
Friday, June 26, 2026
8:00 PM ET
Stadium Quick Tips
Weather During World Cup
Summer rainy season (June-July) • 63-87°F (17-31°C)
Average High
87°F
(31°C)
Average Low
63°F
(17°C)
Rainy Days
15-20 days/month
per month
Humidity
65-75%
Moderate humidity, increases during afternoon rain. Rain cools things down quickly.
What to Expect
June and July in Guadalajara are warm with afternoon highs around 87°F (31°C), but it's also the RAINY SEASON. Expect short, intense thunderstorms most afternoons—usually between 4-7 PM. Mornings are typically sunny and pleasant. The rain cools things down quickly, and by evening the skies often clear. Locals don't let it slow them down—just wait it out in a cafe or cantina. Estadio Guadalajara has a partial roof covering most seats, so you'll stay dry during matches. Pack light layers: mornings can be cool (63°F), afternoons warm up fast (87°F), and evenings are comfortable after rain.
Daylight Hours
13-14 hours daylight • 6:45-7:00 AM - 8:30-8:45 PM
Humidity Pattern
Moderate humidity, increases during afternoon rain. Rain cools things down quickly.
Packing Essentials
- Light rain jacket or small umbrella (afternoon storms common)
- Layers (mornings cool 63°F, afternoons hot 87°F)
- Sunscreen SPF 50+ and sunglasses
- Comfortable walking shoes (cobblestone streets in historic areas)
- Hat or cap for sun protection
- Reusable water bottle (refill with purified water only)
- Power bank (10,000+ mAh)
- Small bills in pesos (many places cash-only)
Plan Your Visit
Everything you need for an unforgettable World Cup experience
Getting Around
Transport options
Mi Macro Periférico BRT Bus to Estadio Chivas Stop (+ 15-20 min walk) OR Uber
₱15-20 bus each way (₱30-40 round-trip) OR ₱150-300 Uber each way (₱300-600 round-trip with surge)
Uber / Didi (Mexican rideshare app)
₱150-300 normal, ₱250-500 surge from Guadalajara. ₱80-200 from Zapopan.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get to Estadio Guadalajara from downtown?
Rideshare (Uber, Didi, inDriver) is easiest—20-45 minutes from most neighborhoods, costs $6-12 USD. Public transit option: Take light rail Line 3 toward Zapopan, transfer to Macrobús or bus route towa...
Read more →What is Mexico's June 18 match and why is it so important?
Mexico plays a Group A opponent on June 18, 2026 at Estadio Guadalajara—the day the entire city will SHUT DOWN. Expect sold-out stadium, massive celebrations, streets packed with fans, and impossible-...
Read more →Do I need to speak Spanish in Guadalajara?
Basic Spanish is VERY helpful. Guadalajara is less touristy than resort towns, so English is less common outside upscale hotels. Learn key phrases: '¿Cuánto cuesta?' (How much?), 'La cuenta, por favor...
Read more →What is the stadium's clear bag policy?
STRICT Clear Bag Policy: Only clear plastic bags (12x6x12 inches max) or small clutches (4.5x6.5 inches) allowed. No backpacks or large purses. CRITICAL: There is usually NO bag check at Estadio Guada...
Read more →Can I drink the tap water?
NO. Do NOT drink tap water in Guadalajara. Stick to bottled water (cheap and available everywhere). Hotels and restaurants serve purified water and ice, but avoid tap water to prevent stomach issues. ...
Read more →Is Guadalajara safe for tourists?
Yes, tourist areas (Colonia Americana, Zapopan, Centro Histórico plazas) are generally safe day and evening. Use common sense: stick to well-lit streets at night, use rideshare apps instead of hailing...
Read more →How expensive is Guadalajara?
Very affordable by US/Canadian standards. Street tacos: $1-2 USD each. Sit-down local meal: $6-15 USD. Beer: $2-4 USD. Hotels: $45-140 USD/night normally, expect 30-50% surge during World Cup (especia...
Read more →What's the rain like during World Cup season?
June and July are RAINY SEASON. Expect short, intense thunderstorms most afternoons (usually 4-7 PM). Mornings are typically sunny. The rain is intense but brief—it cools things down and usually clear...
Read more →Should I stay in Colonia Americana or Zapopan?
Depends on priorities. Colonia Americana ($45-100 USD/night): trendy, walkable, great nightlife, authentic character, 30-45 min to stadium. Best for first-time visitors wanting full Guadalajara experi...
Read more →Do I need a car in Guadalajara?
NO for city exploring. Rideshare (Uber, Didi) is cheap ($5-11 USD most trips) and easy. Public transit (light rail + Macrobús) is ultra-cheap (9.50 MXN / $0.50 USD with Mi Movilidad card). Only rent c...
Read more →What food must I try in Guadalajara?
Essential Guadalajara foods: (1) Tortas ahogadas (Guadalajara's signature drowned sandwich in spicy sauce) - IMPORTANT: When asked '¿Con todo?' (with everything?), say NO unless you love extreme spice...
Read more →What is the Mi Movilidad card?
Rechargeable transit card (30 MXN / $1.60 USD deposit) for Guadalajara light rail and buses. Buy at OXXO convenience stores or light rail stations. Flat fare: 9.50 MXN ($0.50 USD) per ride. IMPORTANT:...
Read more →+ 3 more questions answered