OPENING MATCH HOST

Ciudad de Mexico

Mexico

The world's greatest megacity hosts the Opening Match of World Cup 2026! Mexico City brings unmatched passion, incredible cuisine, ancient history, and the legendary Estadio Azteca.

Opening Match & Football History

Estadio Azteca becomes the first stadium to host THREE World Cup opening matches (1970, 1986, 2026)! This is where Maradona's "Hand of God" and "Goal of the Century" happened. 87,000+ passionate Mexican fans create an atmosphere like nowhere else on Earth.

Getting There

By Air

Benito Juarez International (MEX) - huge hub with connections from everywhere.

Located just 5km from city center!

From MEX Airport

  • • Metro - 5 pesos (~$0.30!) to city
  • • Metrobus - Line 4 to downtown
  • • Uber - $10-15 to Centro/Roma
  • • Official Taxi - Fixed rates from airport

Getting to Estadio Azteca

Metro (Best Option)

Take Line 2 (Blue) to Tasquena, then the Tren Ligero (Light Rail) to Estadio Azteca station. Direct to stadium gates!

Uber/Taxi

Easy option but expect heavy traffic on match days. Stadium is in Coyoacan, south of the city center.

Official Shuttles

FIFA will run special shuttle services from major hotels and tourist areas.

Where to Stay

Trendy

Roma / Condesa

Hipster neighborhoods with beautiful parks, cafes, restaurants. Art Deco buildings.

From $80/night

Historic

Centro Historico

Zocalo, Palacio Nacional, ancient ruins. UNESCO World Heritage site.

From $60/night

Upscale

Polanco

Luxury hotels, fine dining, Museo Soumaya. More upscale area.

From $150/night

Stadium Area

Coyoacan

Near Azteca, charming colonial neighborhood, Frida Kahlo Museum.

From $70/night

Must-See Attractions

Teotihuacan

Ancient pyramids of the Sun and Moon. Day trip essential!

Museo Nacional

World's best collection of Mesoamerican artifacts.

Frida Kahlo Museum

Casa Azul - the artist's colorful home in Coyoacan.

Zocalo

One of world's largest squares. Cathedral, Aztec ruins.

Xochimilco

Floating gardens, colorful trajinera boats, mariachi.

Chapultepec Castle

Royal palace in massive urban park.

Food & Drink

World's Best Food City

Street Food Essentials

  • • Tacos al pastor - Spit-roasted pork, pineapple
  • • Tacos de canasta - Basket tacos
  • • Quesadillas - With huitlacoche, flor de calabaza
  • • Elotes/Esquites - Street corn
  • • Churros - With chocolate

Markets & Restaurants

  • • Mercado Roma (gourmet food hall)
  • • Mercado San Juan (exotic ingredients)
  • • Contramar (seafood institution)
  • • Pujol (world's best restaurants)
  • • El Huequito (original al pastor)

Match Day Tips

  • • Take Metro to the stadium - It's efficient and avoids traffic
  • • Learn "MEXICO!" chant - Join 87,000 fans!
  • • Altitude awareness - CDMX is 7,350ft (2,240m) - stay hydrated
  • • Cash is king - Many places don't take cards
  • • Book Teotihuacan early for the experience of a lifetime
  • • Try mezcal - Not tequila, the smoky cousin!

Cost Guide

Street tacos (5)$3-5
Nice restaurant$30-60
Metro ride$0.30
Uber (cross-city)$8-15
Daily budget$50-120

Quick Facts

Weather: Mild, 65-75°F (rainy season)

Currency: Mexican Peso (MXN)

Language: Spanish

Time Zone: CST (UTC-6)

Altitude: 7,350 ft (2,240m)

Tipping: 10-15%

Opening Match!

Mexico vs TBD - June 11, 2026

Estadio Azteca hosts the first match of World Cup 2026!

View all Azteca matches →

Other Mexico Cities