Best Transportation Option
Recommendation: Use Light Rail (Tren Ligero (Xochimilco Line)) for convenience and cost savings.
El Coloso de Santa Úrsula
Estadio Azteca (Mexico City) World Cup 2026 Guide
Mexico City, Ciudad de México
87,523 capacity
Opened 1966
Club América & Mexico National Team
FIFA Capacity
83,264
World Cup Seating
Year Built
1966
Renovated 2016
Surface Type
Natural Grass
FIFA Standard
Climate Control
Open air
Open Air
Matchday Logistics
- Location
- Mexico City, Ciudad de México
- Timezone
- America/Mexico_City
- Best Way to Get There
- Public transit available - See transportation section below
- Arrival Time
- 3 hours before kickoff
- Estimated Total Cost
- $62-$170 per person
- Accessibility
- Fully ADA compliant - 600 wheelchair spaces
Last Updated: by KickoffAdventures Editorial Team
Overview
Estadio Azteca hosts 5 FIFA World Cup 2026 matches across Group Stage, Round of 32, Round of 16 stages with a tournament capacity of 83,264 spectators. Located in Mexico City, Ciudad de México, this open air venue features a natural grass playing surface and opened in 1966.
The stadium is accessible via Light Rail (Tren Ligero (Xochimilco Line)) for $5.
Critical: HIGH ALTITUDE (7,350 ft) - breathe deeply, hydrate, acclimate 24-48 hours Public transit is strongly recommended.
Our Recommendations``
Best Time to Arrive
For World Cup matches: Arrive 3 hours before kickoff. Gates typically open 2 hours early, but security screening can take 45+ minutes during major international events. Plan extra time for traffic and parking.
Budget Breakdown
| Expense | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Parking | $7-$10 |
| Food & Drinks | $30-$60 |
| Souvenirs (optional) | $25-$100 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $62-$170 |
Critical Warnings
- HIGH ALTITUDE (7,350 ft) - breathe deeply, hydrate, acclimate 24-48 hours
- Metro extremely crowded and pickpocket risk - secure valuables
- Mexico City traffic catastrophic - allow 2-3x normal travel time
- Uber surge pricing extreme post-game - wait or walk to metro
- Air quality poor - sensitive individuals bring inhaler/mask
- Only use official taxis/Uber - avoid unmarked cabs (safety)
Nearby Airports
Mexico City International Airport (MEX)
12 miles from stadium
Metro Line 5 to Pantitlán → Line 2 to Tasqueña → Tren Ligero (Xochimilco) to Estadio Azteca
Cost
$12
Time
90 min
Metro is cheapest but very crowded. Uber/taxi $15-25 USD, 30-60 min depending on traffic.
Toluca International Airport (TLC)
45 miles from stadium
Smaller airport, mainly budget airlines. Requires taxi/Uber to Mexico City.
Train Stations
Estadio Azteca (Tren Ligero)
PRIMARY HUBTren Ligero (Xochimilco Light Rail)
Distance
0.1 mi
Cost
$10
Time
15 min
Frequency
Every 5-10 minutes
Light rail station at stadium. Transfer required at Tasqueña from Metro Line 2. Best public transit option.
Tasqueña Metro Station
Metro Line 2
Distance
4 mi
Major transfer hub. Metro Line 2 from downtown, transfer to Tren Ligero (light rail) to stadium.
Public Transportation
Light Rail
From Tasqueña Metro station (Line 2) to Estadio Azteca station at stadium. Most reliable option.
Routes:
Tren Ligero (Xochimilco Line)
15 min
$5
Metro
From downtown to Tasqueña, transfer to Tren Ligero
Routes:
Line 2
$5
Bus
Various bus routes serve stadium area
Routes:
Multiple city bus routes
$10
Driving Directions
From downtown: Insurgentes Sur to Calzada de Tlalpan. From airport: Circuito Interior to Periférico Sur. Well-marked throughout Mexico City.
Parking Options & Strategies
🅿️ Official Stadium Parking
Regular
$120
Event Day
$200
Opens
4 hours before kickoff
Exit Time
60-120 minutes
⚡ Best Lots:
- VIP parking (expensive)
- General lots (arrive early)
💡 Pro Tip
Limited spaces. Book online weeks in advance. Metro + Tren Ligero strongly recommended - avoids traffic chaos.
📍 Street Parking (Colonia Santa Úrsula)
Cost
$50
Walk Time
10 min
✨ Cheaper, easier exit
📍 Shopping Center Lots
Cost
$80
Walk Time
15 min
✨ Secured parking
Money-Saving Tips
- 💰Metro + Tren Ligero: 10 MXN ($0.50) vs 200-500 MXN parking
- 💰Take Metro Line 2 to Tasqueña, then Tren Ligero to stadium
- 💰Street parking in nearby colonias: 50 MXN vs 200 MXN stadium
- 💰Uber Pool to avoid surge: 150-250 MXN vs 400+ MXN solo
- 💰Stay near Metro Line 2 for easy access
- 💰Buy Metro rechargeable card (saves time)
Time-Saving Tips
- ⚡Metro + Tren Ligero avoids traffic - most predictable option
- ⚡Allow 1.5-2 hours from downtown via public transit on match days
- ⚡Arrive 3+ hours early if driving - parking fills fast
- ⚡Exit via Periférico Sur if driving for faster highway access
- ⚡Uber/taxi from nearby malls vs stadium pickup (shorter wait)
Budget Travel Strategies
Metro Line 2 + Tren Ligero
Take Metro Line 2 from downtown Mexico City to Tasqueña station. Transfer to Tren Ligero (Xochimilco Light Rail) to Estadio Azteca station at stadium.
Total Cost
10 MXN ($0.50 USD) one-way
Savings
$10-20 USD vs parking or taxi
Time
60-90 minutes from downtown
Benefits:
- ✓Massive cost savings
- ✓Avoid traffic chaos
- ✓Experience Mexico City Metro system
- ✓Access to Zócalo, Roma, Condesa neighborhoods
- ✓Station directly at stadium
Best for: Budget travelers, anyone without car, Mexico City explorers
Important Warnings
- ⚠️HIGH ALTITUDE (7,350 ft) - breathe deeply, hydrate, acclimate 24-48 hours
- ⚠️Metro extremely crowded and pickpocket risk - secure valuables
- ⚠️Mexico City traffic catastrophic - allow 2-3x normal travel time
- ⚠️Uber surge pricing extreme post-game - wait or walk to metro
- ⚠️Air quality poor - sensitive individuals bring inhaler/mask
- ⚠️Only use official taxis/Uber - avoid unmarked cabs (safety)
Parking Information
Total Spaces
5,000
Average Cost
$10
per vehicle
Accessible Spaces
150
Reservations
✅ Available
Pro Tip: Book parking in advance during major events to guarantee a spot and save money.
Parking Options & Strategies
Official Stadium Parking
Cost
$120
Total Spaces
5,000
Opens
4 hours before kickoff
Tailgating
✅ Allowed
💡 Pro Tip: Limited spaces. Book online weeks in advance. Metro + Tren Ligero strongly recommended - avoids traffic chaos.
Alternative Parking Options
Street Parking (Colonia Santa Úrsula)
$50📍 0.3-0.5 miles
Local residents rent spaces. Cash only. Negotiate price. Watch for scams.
Shopping Center Lots
$80📍 1 mile
Nearby malls. Easier to exit than stadium lots.
Money-Saving Tips
- Metro + Tren Ligero: 10 MXN ($0.50) vs 200-500 MXN parking
- Take Metro Line 2 to Tasqueña, then Tren Ligero to stadium
- Street parking in nearby colonias: 50 MXN vs 200 MXN stadium
- Uber Pool to avoid surge: 150-250 MXN vs 400+ MXN solo
- Stay near Metro Line 2 for easy access
- Buy Metro rechargeable card (saves time)
Time-Saving Tips
- Metro + Tren Ligero avoids traffic - most predictable option
- Allow 1.5-2 hours from downtown via public transit on match days
- Arrive 3+ hours early if driving - parking fills fast
- Exit via Periférico Sur if driving for faster highway access
- Uber/taxi from nearby malls vs stadium pickup (shorter wait)
Budget Travel Strategies
Metro Line 2 + Tren Ligero
Take Metro Line 2 from downtown Mexico City to Tasqueña station. Transfer to Tren Ligero (Xochimilco Light Rail) to Estadio Azteca station at stadium.
Total Cost
10 MXN ($0.50 USD) one-way
Savings
$10-20 USD vs parking or taxi
Time
60-90 minutes from downtown
✅ Benefits:
- • Massive cost savings
- • Avoid traffic chaos
- • Experience Mexico City Metro system
- • Access to Zócalo, Roma, Condesa neighborhoods
- • Station directly at stadium
⚠️ Considerations:
- • Metro VERY crowded (pickpocket risk)
- • Standing room only on match days
- • Can be intimidating for first-timers
- • Post-game wait times 30-45 minutes
- • One transfer required at Tasqueña
Amenities & Services
Food Vendors
Available
Bars
Available
Retail Shops
Available
WiFi
Available
Charging Stations
Available
Dietary Options
VegetarianVegan
Outside Food Policy
Outside food not permitted
Match Schedule
5 Matches
Estadio Azteca will host 5 FIFA World Cup 2026 matches. Matches span from to .
Group Stage
3 matchesMatch #1Group A
🇲🇽
Mexico
FIFA Rank: #15VS
🇿🇦
South Africa
FIFA Rank: #581:00 PM CST(Stadium)
Estadio AztecaMexico City, Mexico
Match #26Group K
🇺🇿
Uzbekistan
FIFA Rank: #68VS
🇨🇴
Colombia
FIFA Rank: #178:00 PM CST(Stadium)
Estadio AztecaMexico City, Mexico
Match #49Group A
🏴
UEFA Play-off DTBD
VS
🇲🇽
Mexico
FIFA Rank: #157:00 PM CST(Stadium)
Estadio AztecaMexico City, Mexico
Round of 32
1 matchRound of 16
1 matchPlan Your Trip
Get ready for the biggest sporting event! Official FIFA World Cup 2026 tickets will be available through FIFA's official ticketing platform.
Unique Features
- ✨ONLY stadium to host THREE World Cups (1970, 1986, 2026)
- ✨ONLY stadium to host two World Cup Finals (1970, 1986)
- ✨Site of Maradona's legendary 'Hand of God' goal and 'Goal of the Century'
- ✨Largest stadium in Mexico and Latin America
- ✨High altitude (7,350 feet) affects play
- ✨Dedicated light rail station
- ✨Iconic scoreboard and Cristo Rey view
Photo Gallery
Frequently Asked Questions
Stadium Information
Address
Calzada de Tlalpan 3465Mexico City, Ciudad de México 14430 Ciudad de México
Phone
+52-55-5617-8080
Official Website
Visit Website →2026 World Cup
Matches Scheduled
5
Stages
Group StageRound of 32Round of 16
Expected Attendance
83,000
Stadium Tours
Cost
$200
per person
Duration
120 minutes
Tour Includes
- ✓Field access
- ✓Locker rooms
- ✓Press box
- ✓Museo del Estadio Azteca
- ✓1970/1986 World Cup exhibits
- ✓Maradona's 'Hand of God' tribute
Nearby Hotels
Within 1 mile5
Within 5 miles35
Within 10 miles200