Mexico City
The legendary Estadio Azteca - the only stadium to host two World Cup finals - opens the 2026 tournament on June 11 with Mexico vs South Africa. Mexico City is one of the world's great cities: extraordinary food, world-class museums, and 700 years of history.
4
Total Matches
87,523
Capacity
Open
Roof
Mild with afternoon rains
June Weather
Match Schedule - Estadio Azteca
Group Stage
Knockout Rounds
Getting to Mexico City
Airports near Estadio Azteca and how to get from each to the venue.
MEX - Benito Juárez International
20 km / 30-60 minMain international airport. Authorized airport taxi to Estadio Azteca area MX$300-500 (~$15-25 USD), or Metro Line 5 + Line 2 (1+ hour). Avoid unmarked taxis.
AIFA - Felipe Ángeles International
65 km / 60-120 minNewer northern airport. Suburban train + Metro is possible but long. Rideshare $35-65 USD.
TLC - Toluca International
75 km / 70-100 minSmaller airport. Bus or rideshare.
Stadium
Estadio Azteca
Full guide →Estadio Azteca is the most legendary stadium in World Cup history. It hosted the 1970 Final (Brazil 4–1 Italy) and the 1986 Final (Argentina 3–2 West Germany), and was the stage for both Maradona's infamous 'Hand of God' goal and his breathtaking 'Goal of the Century' against England in 1986. In 2026 it becomes the first stadium ever to host matches at three separate World Cups, and hosts the Opening Match on June 11.
Capacity
87,500
Surface
Hybrid grass
Roof
Open
Opened
1966
Address
Calzada de Tlalpan 3465, Santa Úrsula Coapa, Coyoacán, 04650 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico
Getting Around Mexico City
Metro + Tren Ligero
Metro Line 2 to Tasqueña, then tram direct to Azteca - cheapest and often fastest
Metrobús BRT
Bus rapid transit network across the city - quick and affordable
Uber
Widely used and very affordable in Mexico City - preferred over street taxis for safety
Ecobici
City bike-share system - great for exploring Condesa, Roma, and Polanco
To the Stadium
Take Metro Line 2 to Tasqueña, then Tren Ligero tram to Estadio Azteca station. Total from the city centre is about 45 minutes. Very affordable.
Where to Stay in Mexico City
Three price tiers across Mexico City. Book early - World Cup tournament dates push prices 2-5x higher than normal.
Budget
$60-110Coyoacán / Roma Sur / Del Valle
Authentic neighborhoods with great food and culture. Coyoacán is the closest budget area to Estadio Azteca.
Mid
$120-220Roma Norte / Condesa / Polanco
The hippest neighborhoods. Best food and nightlife. Metro/Uber to the stadium 30-50 min.
Luxury
$280-700+Polanco (Four Seasons, St. Regis) / Reforma (Camino Real, Sofitel)
Polanco is Mexico City's Beverly Hills. Four Seasons, St. Regis, Las Alcobas. World-class hotels at half NYC prices.
Condesa
Tree-lined streets, Art Deco buildings, great café scene - most European-feeling area
Roma Norte
Hip and young, best restaurants and mezcal bars, walkable and safe
Polanco
Upscale area with luxury hotels, Chapultepec Park, and high-end dining
Coyoacán
Frida Kahlo museum neighbourhood, bohemian markets, quieter pace
Fan Zones & Where to Watch in Mexico City
FIFA Fan Festival expected at the Zócalo (Mexico City's massive central plaza) - one of the largest urban squares in the world. Capable of holding hundreds of thousands. Mexico City hosts the Opening Match so this site will be massive on June 11.
Official Fan Zones
- •Zócalo (Plaza de la Constitución) - expected primary fan festival
- •Monumento a la Revolución plaza
- •Reforma + Ángel de la Independencia avenue
Football Pubs
- •Pinche Gringo BBQ - Narvarte, English-speaking and football-friendly
- •La Botica - Roma Norte, mezcalería with screens
- •El Centenario - Condesa, classic cantina with World Cup atmosphere
- •Salón Tenampa - Plaza Garibaldi, mariachi venue with screens for Mexico matches (intense atmosphere)
Where to Eat in Mexico City
Pujol
ranked among the world's 10 best restaurants, mole madre is legendary (book months ahead)
El Huequito
legendary tacos al pastor since 1959 in the Centro
Contramar
essential seafood tostadas and grilled whole fish in Colonia Roma
Mercado de San Juan
gourmet market with international and traditional Mexican food
Money, Tipping & Tax in Mexico City
Currency
MXN ($ (peso))
Cards accepted at most restaurants, hotels, malls. Many small shops, taquerías, and street stalls are cash-only. Carry 500-1000 pesos in cash. ATMs in bank lobbies are safest.
Tipping
10-15% at restaurants (sometimes added as servicio); 10 pesos per drink at bars; 10-20 pesos for rideshare; 5-10 pesos to gas station attendants and bag-pack at supermarkets. Round up taxis.
Tax notes
IVA (sales tax) 16% included in displayed prices. Restaurants sometimes add 'propina sugerida' 10-15% - check if it's already on the bill before tipping again.
Language in Mexico City
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
¿Habla inglés?
Do you speak English?
¿Dónde está el baño?
Where is the bathroom?
¡Salud!
Cheers!
What to Pack for Mexico City
Mild with afternoon rains, 14–24 °C. Altitude (2,240 m) makes it cooler than expected.
- ✓Layers - June daytime 70-78°F (21-26°C), evenings cool to 55°F (13°C)
- ✓Rain jacket - daily afternoon thunderstorms (rainy season)
- ✓Comfortable walking shoes
- ✓Sunscreen (high altitude UV - 7,350 ft / 2,240 m)
- ✓Allergy meds if you're sensitive (high pollution days)
- ✓Stadium clear bag for Estadio Azteca
Connectivity & Emergency Numbers
Phone & WiFi
Telcel and AT&T have best coverage. Buy a Telcel SIM at the airport or Oxxo (~$10 for 7 days unlimited). Free WiFi in most hotels, cafes, malls. Metro stations have varying signal.
Emergency
911
Police, fire, medical
Is Mexico City Safe? - Safety Notes for World Cup Visitors
Tourist areas (Roma, Condesa, Polanco, Coyoacán, Centro Histórico, San Ángel) are safe day and night. Avoid Tepito and Iztapalapa unless you have local guide. Use Uber/DiDi instead of street taxis. Petty theft on the Metro is common - keep phone secure. Don't flash expensive watches/jewelry.
Areas to avoid
- ×Tepito
- ×parts of Iztapalapa
- ×Doctores at night
- ×Buenos Aires
Quick Tips
Altitude is 2,240 m - allow 1–2 days to acclimatise before exerting yourself on match day
Metro Line 2 runs to Tasqueña, then take the tren ligero to Estadio Azteca station
Roma Norte and Condesa are the best bases for food, nightlife, and café culture
Book tickets to the Museo Nacional de Antropología - one of the world's great museums
Estadio Azteca Facts
The only stadium in history to host three separate FIFA World Cups (1970, 1986, 2026)
Site of the 'Hand of God' AND 'Goal of the Century' - both scored by Maradona vs England, June 22, 1986
Hosted two World Cup Finals - 1970 and 1986
Reopened March 28, 2026 after a 665-day major renovation including a new roof with solar panels
Hosts the Opening Match of WC 2026: Mexico vs South Africa on June 11
Mexico City World Cup FAQ
How do I get from Mexico City airport (MEX) to Estadio Azteca?+
Take an authorized airport taxi (booked at the kiosk inside the terminal) for MX$300-500 / $15-25 USD - safest option for tourists. Or Metro Line 5 to La Raza, transfer to Line 2 to Tasqueña, then Tren Ligero to Estadio Azteca - cheap (~$1) but takes 60-90 min with luggage.
Is Mexico City safe for World Cup visitors?+
The major tourist neighborhoods (Roma, Condesa, Polanco, Coyoacán, Centro Histórico) are safe day and night. Use Uber or DiDi instead of street taxis. Don't display expensive items. Be alert in crowds and on the Metro. Avoid Tepito and Iztapalapa unless with a guide.
What is the altitude in Mexico City and will it affect me?+
Mexico City sits at 7,350 ft (2,240 m). Many visitors experience mild altitude effects - headache, shortness of breath, faster fatigue - for the first 2-3 days. Hydrate aggressively, avoid heavy alcohol on arrival, and don't push hard physical activity for the first day. Players will feel it during matches.
Can I drink the tap water in Mexico City?+
No - drink bottled or filtered water. Most restaurants serve filtered water (agua purificada). Brush your teeth with bottled water if you're sensitive. Most hotels provide free bottled water in rooms. Ice in good restaurants is made from filtered water and is safe.
How much should I tip in Mexico City?+
10-15% at restaurants (more if service is excellent). Often a 'propina sugerida' is added to the bill - check before tipping again. 10 pesos to bartenders per drink. 5-10 pesos to gas station attendants and supermarket baggers. Uber tips are optional but appreciated.
Where is the World Cup Opening Match?+
The 2026 FIFA World Cup Opening Match is at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City on June 11, 2026 - host nation Mexico vs South Africa. Azteca is the only stadium to have hosted three World Cups (1970, 1986, 2026).