Guadalajara
Mexico's second city and a passionate football hotbed. Guadalajara is the birthplace of mariachi, tequila, and charro culture. Estadio Akron hosts Group A matches with an intense Mexican atmosphere guaranteed.
2
Total Matches
49,850
Capacity
Open
Roof
Warm and dry
June Weather
Match Schedule - Estadio Akron
Group Stage
Getting to Guadalajara
Airports near Estadio Akron and how to get from each to the venue.
GDL - Miguel Hidalgo International
30 km / 30-50 minAuthorized airport taxi MX$400-600. No direct transit. Rideshare (Uber/DiDi) $15-25 USD.
Stadium
Estadio Akron
Full guide →Estadio Akron in Zapopan, Guadalajara is home to Chivas - the only top-flight Mexican club that exclusively fields Mexican players. Built into a hillside with its stands emerging from the earth, the stadium hosts 4 group stage matches in 2026, making Guadalajara the only WC venue without a knockout stage game. Mexico's second-largest city is a footballing heartland.
Capacity
48,071
Surface
Natural grass
Roof
Open
Opened
2010
Address
Av. Estadio 199, Tepeyac Casino, 45070 Zapopan, Jalisco, Mexico
Getting Around Guadalajara
Tren Ligero
Light rail network connecting central Guadalajara to Zapopan near the stadium
Macrobús BRT
Bus rapid transit along main corridors - frequent and inexpensive
Uber
Very affordable in Mexico - a cross-city Uber costs $5–$15 USD
Taxi
Official green taxis widely available - agree on price before getting in
To the Stadium
Tren Ligero (light rail) and BRT bus lines connect the city to Zapopan. Uber is widely available and very affordable compared to US cities.
Where to Stay in Guadalajara
Three price tiers across Guadalajara. Book early - World Cup tournament dates push prices 2-5x higher than normal.
Budget
$50-100Centro Histórico / Tlaquepaque
Authentic Mexican experience. Tlaquepaque is the artisan suburb with great food and walkability.
Mid
$100-180Providencia / Lafayette / Americana
Hip neighborhoods with the best new restaurants and coffee scene. Easy Uber to stadium.
Luxury
$220-450Andares (Hyatt Regency, Riu Plaza Guadalajara) / Demetria Hotel (Italia)
Andares is the upscale northern district with luxury hotels, mall, and dining. Demetria is a boutique luxury option in the city.
Chapultepec / Providencia
Most fashionable area, excellent restaurants, walkable and safe
Centro Histórico
Colonial architecture, mariachi bars, and cultural landmarks nearby
Zapopan (near stadium)
Walking distance to Estadio Akron - convenient for match days
Tlaquepaque
Artisan craft village atmosphere, boutique hotels, excellent food
Fan Zones & Where to Watch in Guadalajara
FIFA Fan Festival expected at Plaza de la Liberación or the Zona Minerva (Glorieta Minerva) - both central gathering spots. Tlaquepaque main plaza will likely host secondary viewings.
Official Fan Zones
- •Plaza de la Liberación (Centro Histórico) - expected primary site
- •Glorieta Minerva (Zona Minerva)
- •Plaza Tapatía
Football Pubs
- •Karne Garibaldi - cantina with TV, in Santa Tere
- •La Tequila - upscale Mexican restaurant chain with screens
- •El Buho - Lafayette, gastropub with multiple screens
- •La Mutualista - Centro, classic local bar
Where to Eat in Guadalajara
Birria de chivo
Guadalajara's signature slow-cooked goat stew served with tortillas
Torta ahogada
a sandwich drowned in spicy tomato sauce, the city's other iconic dish
Cantina La Fuente
legendary old-school cantina with local classics
Tequila (the town)
an hour from Guadalajara, visit Patrón or José Cuervo distilleries
Money, Tipping & Tax in Guadalajara
Currency
MXN ($ (peso))
Cards in restaurants, malls, hotels. Cash for street food, mercados, taxis. Carry 500-1000 pesos.
Tipping
10-15% at restaurants; 10 pesos per drink; round up Uber.
Tax notes
IVA 16% included in prices. Restaurant tips often suggested on bill - check before adding extra.
Language in Guadalajara
Primary language: Spanish. A few phrases that go a long way:
Hola, ¿cómo está?
Hello, how are you?
Por favor / Gracias
Please / Thank you
¿Cuánto cuesta?
How much does it cost?
La cuenta, por favor
The check, please
Una cerveza / un mezcal
A beer / a mezcal
What to Pack for Guadalajara
Warm and dry, 20–30 °C. Mild interior climate, less humid than Mexico's coast.
- ✓Light layers - June 65-85°F (18-29°C), some humidity
- ✓Rain jacket - rainy season starts in June
- ✓Comfortable walking shoes (Centro Histórico is walkable)
- ✓Sunscreen (5,100 ft elevation increases UV)
- ✓Sunglasses + hat
- ✓Stadium clear bag for Estadio Akron
Connectivity & Emergency Numbers
Phone & WiFi
Telcel best coverage. Buy SIM at Oxxo (~$10/week unlimited). Free WiFi in hotels, cafes, malls.
Emergency
911
Police, fire, medical
Is Guadalajara Safe? - Safety Notes for World Cup Visitors
Tourist areas (Centro Histórico, Lafayette, Providencia, Americana, Tlaquepaque) are safe day and night. Use Uber/DiDi rather than street taxis. Don't venture into peripheral neighborhoods at night. Watch your belongings in crowds.
Areas to avoid
- ×peripheral colonias (San Juan de Dios at night, parts of the eastern outskirts)
Quick Tips
Estadio Akron is in Zapopan, about 12 km from the city centre - plan transport in advance
Mexican Liga MX fans create extraordinary atmospheres - expect drums, flags, and noise
Try birria tacos and local tequila - this is the heartland of both
The historic centre and Tlaquepaque are gorgeous colonial neighbourhoods
Estadio Akron Facts
The only WC 2026 venue hosting group stage matches only - no knockout games
Home of Chivas, the only Liga MX club to field exclusively Mexican-nationality players
Built into the hillside - the ground level of one end is the top of the other end
Guadalajara is known as the birthplace of mariachi music and tequila
The stadium hosted the 2011 Pan American Games and 2018 FIFA Club World Cup
Guadalajara World Cup FAQ
How do I get from Guadalajara airport to Estadio Akron?+
Estadio Akron is in Zapopan, north of central Guadalajara. From the airport (south of the city), take an authorized airport taxi (MX$400-600) or Uber ($15-25 USD) - 40-60 min depending on traffic. No direct public transit. Plan extra time on match days.
Is Guadalajara safe for World Cup visitors?+
The tourist areas - Centro Histórico, Lafayette, Providencia, Americana, Tlaquepaque - are safe day and night. Use Uber or DiDi rather than street taxis. Don't venture into peripheral neighborhoods at night. Standard urban precautions apply.
What's the best food in Guadalajara?+
Birria - the city's signature dish, especially birria de res tacos with consommé for dipping. Try Birrieria las 9 Esquinas or Birrieria El Sope. Also tortas ahogadas (sandwiches drowned in tomato salsa) at El Famoso Tortas Toño. Karne Garibaldi for carne en su jugo.
Should I visit Tequila town from Guadalajara?+
Yes - it's a 60-min drive west and a fantastic day trip. The Jose Cuervo distillery and the Tequila Express train (premium ticketed experience) are popular. Plan a day around it before or after a match. Book ahead during the World Cup.
Where is Estadio Akron and what's it like?+
Estadio Akron is in Zapopan, just north of central Guadalajara. Capacity ~46,000, opened 2010. It's home to Chivas (Club Deportivo Guadalajara). Modern facilities, good sightlines, but transit options are limited - plan for Uber on match days.