At a Glance
- Location
- Mexico City, CDMX
- Country
- Mexico
- Metro Population
- 22 million
- Total Matches
- 5 matches
- Match Period
- -
- Primary Stadium
- Estadio Azteca
- Recommended Stay
- 4-5 days minimum
- Daily Budget
- $50-120 USD per person
- Best Time to Visit
- Last Updated
Best Time
Ideal Stay
4-5 days minimum
Daily Budget
$50-120 USD per person
Walkability
5/10 - City is HUGE, use Metro/Uber
Transit
9/10 - Extensive Metro (195 stations, $0.25/ride) but crowded
Safety
7/10 - Tourist areas safe, avoid Centro at night and sketchy neighborhoods
About Mexico City
Estadio Azteca in Mexico City will host 5 FIFA World Cup 2026 matches from June 11 to July 5, 2026, including MEXICO'S OPENING MATCH vs South Africa on June 11. The 87,523-seat stadium is the ONLY stadium in the world to host TWO World Cup finals (1970 & 1986) - where Diego Maradona scored the legendary 'Hand of God' goal and 'Goal of the Century' in 1986. Mexico City is one of the largest cities in the world (22 million metro population) at 7,349 feet elevation.
City Character
Mexico City is a sprawling metropolis defined by three things: ancient history (Aztec ruins and colonial architecture), world-class food (tacos, mole, mezcal), and chaotic energy (traffic, crowds, street vendors). The city combines UNESCO World Heritage sites (Zócalo, Teotihuacan) with modern sophistication (Polanco luxury shopping, Roma Norte restaurants). Neighborhoods like La Condesa and Roma Norte offer tree-lined streets, Art Deco buildings, and cafe culture. The historic Zócalo features the Metropolitan Cathedral and National Palace with Diego Rivera murals. Just 30 miles north, Teotihuacan's ancient pyramids stand as testaments to pre-Columbian civilization.
Stadium Location
Estadio Azteca is 9 miles from downtown in southern CDMX. Metro Line 2 (Blue) to Tasqueña + Tren Ligero (Light Rail) to Estadio Azteca station takes 75 minutes and costs less than $0.50 USD. Uber/Didi takes 60-90 minutes normally ($8-15 USD) but can surge to $20-30 on match days. LEAVE 3-4 HOURS EARLY on match days due to traffic gridlock. Post-match Metro will be PACKED (30-45 min waits).
Critical Info
ALTITUDE WARNING: Mexico City is at 7,349 feet (2,240 meters) - you WILL feel short of breath. Hydrate constantly (3-4 liters/day), avoid alcohol firs...
Where to Stay
Mexico City has 800+ hotels (80,000+ rooms) with affordable pricing. Expect 30-50% surge during World Cup, especially June 11 Mexico opening match. La Condesa ($60-150 USD per night) is best for first-timers: tree-lined streets, Art Deco buildings, cafe culture, 75 min to stadium. Roma Norte ($70-180 USD) has best food scene (Pujol, Contramar, Rosetta) and is walkable to Condesa. Polanco ($120-350 USD) is most expensive but safest with luxury hotels near Chapultepec Park. Centro Histórico ($40-120 USD) is cheapest with colonial charm but can feel chaotic. Coyoacán ($50-140 USD) has Frida Kahlo Museum and is closer to stadium (30-40 min). Book 5-6 months ahead for June 11.
Estadio Azteca
Mexico City, CDMX
FIFA: Estadio Azteca
87,523
Capacity
5
Matches
9mi
From Downtown
1966
Opened
Transport
Metro Line 2 + Tren Ligero (75 min, $0.50) or Uber/Didi (60-90 min, $8-30)
Open-air stadium - no roof coverage
Economic Impact
$500 million USD to Mexico City economy, tourism boost for CDMX
Get Involved
2,500 volunteers volunteers needed!
Mexico City 2026 FIFA World Cup Host Committee
Legendary Estadio Azteca meets ancient pyramids in Latin America's largest city
Top Highlights
Unique Experiences
- ★Watch Mexico's opening match at legendary Estadio Azteca where Maradona scored '
- ★Walk the 'Avenue of the Dead' at Teotihuacan (climbing pyramids now banned for p
- ★Eat tacos al pastor (invented in CDMX) at El Huequito or El Vilsito ($1-2 per ta
- ★Experience Lucha Libre wrestling at Arena México ($10-25 tickets, Tuesday/Friday
- ★Explore Zócalo - one of world's largest plazas with Metropolitan Cathedral and N
Perfect For
Mexico soccer fans (opening match June 11)
History enthusiasts (Teotihuacan, Aztec ruins, colonial architecture)
Foodies (world-class tacos, street food, fine dining)
Budget travelers (very affordable)
This City Might Not Be For You If...
Match Schedule
5 matches • Group Stage, Round of 32, Round of 16
🇲🇽 Mexico vs 🇿🇦 South Africa
Thursday, June 11, 2026
3:00 PM ET
🇺🇿 Uzbekistan vs 🇨🇴 Colombia
Wednesday, June 17, 2026
10:00 PM ET
UEFA Play-off D vs Mexico
Wednesday, June 24, 2026
9:00 PM ET
TBD vs TBD
Tuesday, June 30, 2026
9:00 PM ET
TBD vs TBD
Sunday, July 5, 2026
8:00 PM ET
Stadium Quick Tips
Weather During World Cup
Summer rainy season (June-July) • 52-75°F (11-24°C)
Average High
75°F
(24°C)
Average Low
52°F
(11°C)
Rainy Days
15-17 days/month
per month
Humidity
76%
Moderate humidity, increases during afternoon rain
What to Expect
Mexico City in June-July is RAINY SEASON with average temperatures of 52-75°F (11-24°C). Expect afternoon thunderstorms EVERY DAY—usually between 2-4 PM with heavy downpours for 1-2 hours, then clearing. Mornings are typically sunny and warm. Evenings are cool (bring a light jacket). CRITICAL ALTITUDE WARNING: Mexico City is at 7,349 feet (2,240 meters) above sea level - higher than Denver. You WILL feel short of breath, especially climbing stairs or walking uphill. Hydrate constantly (drink 3-4 liters of water/day). Avoid alcohol first 24 hours. Take it easy first day (no strenuous activity). Mild symptoms (headache, fatigue, dizziness, nausea) are common. If severe symptoms persist, see a doctor.
Daylight Hours
13-14 hours daylight • 6:00-6:15 AM - 8:15-8:30 PM
Humidity Pattern
Moderate humidity, increases during afternoon rain
Packing Essentials
- Rain jacket and umbrella (afternoon storms GUARANTEED)
- Layers (mornings warm, evenings cool)
- Sunscreen SPF 50+ (sun is STRONG at high altitude)
- Sunglasses and hat
- Comfortable walking shoes with good support
- Large water bottle (1-liter minimum - hydrate constantly for altitude)
- Power bank (10,000+ mAh)
- Small bills in pesos
- Altitude sickness medication (acetazolamide/Diamox - consult doctor)
Plan Your Visit
Everything you need for an unforgettable World Cup experience
Getting Around
Transport options
Metro to Tasqueña → Tren Ligero to Estadio Azteca
$0.30 (5 MXN) total - Metro + Tren Ligero integrated. Saves $24-50 vs Uber!
Uber / Didi (Mexico's Uber)
$12-25 normal from Roma/Condesa/Centro, $25-50 surge. $15-25 from Polanco normal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I get altitude sickness in Mexico City?
MAYBE. Mexico City is at 7,349 feet (2,240 meters) - higher than Denver. Most people feel SHORT OF BREATH, especially climbing stairs or walking uphill. Mild symptoms (headache, fatigue, dizziness, na...
Read more →How do I get to Estadio Azteca from downtown?
Option 1 (Metro + Light Rail): Metro Line 2 (Blue) to Tasqueña station + Tren Ligero (Light Rail) to Estadio Azteca station (75 min total, less than $0.50 USD). Need 'Tarjeta de Movilidad Integrada' c...
Read more →Can I still climb the Teotihuacan pyramids?
NO. Climbing the Pyramid of the Sun and Pyramid of the Moon has been permanently BANNED since the pandemic to preserve the structures. You can walk the 'Avenue of the Dead' and view from the base, whi...
Read more →Is Mexico City safe for tourists?
YES, if you stay in tourist neighborhoods (Condesa, Roma Norte, Polanco, Coyoacán). These areas are VERY safe (similar to any major US city). Avoid Centro Histórico at night, sketchy neighborhoods (Te...
Read more →Is the tap water safe to drink?
NO. Do NOT drink tap water in Mexico City. Buy bottled water (5-10 MXN / $0.25-0.50 at OXXO or 7-Eleven convenience stores). Restaurants serve purified water and ice made from purified water (usually ...
Read more →What is Mexico's June 11 opening match?
Mexico plays South Africa on June 11, 2026 at Estadio Azteca - Mexico's OPENING MATCH of the tournament. The entire city will be ELECTRIC with celebrations. Expect sold-out stadium (87,523 capacity), ...
Read more →Do I need to speak Spanish?
It helps, but not required in tourist areas (Condesa, Roma Norte, Polanco). Most hotels and upscale restaurants have English-speaking staff. Uber app translates automatically. Outside tourist areas, S...
Read more →How expensive is Mexico City?
Very affordable by US/Europe standards. Metro $0.25/ride, Light Rail $0.15/ride. Street tacos $1-3. Mid-range sit-down meals $10-20. Uber/Didi $8-15 most trips. Hotels $60-150/night in Condesa/Roma (W...
Read more →What's the weather like during World Cup dates?
June-July is RAINY SEASON. Expect afternoon thunderstorms EVERY DAY (usually 2-4 PM with heavy downpours for 1-2 hours, then clearing). Mornings are sunny and warm. Temperature: 52-75°F (11-24°C). Bri...
Read more →Should I stay in Condesa, Roma Norte, or Polanco?
Depends on priorities. Condesa ($60-150/night): Most popular for tourists, tree-lined streets, Art Deco buildings, great cafes, safe, 75 min to stadium. Best for first-timers. Roma Norte ($70-180/nigh...
Read more →Do I need a car in Mexico City?
NO for city exploring. Traffic is NIGHTMARISH (worst in Latin America), parking expensive ($15-30/day), and driving culture aggressive. Use Metro ($0.25/ride) or Uber/Didi ($8-15 most trips). Only ren...
Read more →What food must I try in Mexico City?
Essential CDMX foods: (1) Tacos al pastor - pork tacos with pineapple invented in CDMX (El Huequito, El Vilsito, $1-2 per taco), (2) Quesadillas - cheese-filled tortillas at street stands ($1-3), (3) ...
Read more →+ 3 more questions answered