The World Cup is coming to North and Central America this year, with matches across Canada, Mexico, and the United States. Here, we provide the ultimate guide to visiting Mexico during the 2026 World Cup, with key information on the host cities and venues, as well as travel tips for staying connected and saving money during your trip with a discounted travel eSIM plan for Mexico.
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To celebrate the World Cup, BetterRoaming is offering 20% off all mobile data plans for Mexico, Canada, and the USA – download yours now.
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Mexico City
With over 9 million residents, Mexico City is the largest host city of the 2026 World Cup. A true world city, Ciudad de México (or CDMX) was founded by the indigenous Mexica in the 14th century – today, the city’s architecture and culture reflect centuries of Mexican history and national identity.
Despite its staggering size, CDMX is relatively simple to navigate: most areas are well served by a metro line, while the historic centre remains largely walkable. Traffic can be notorious at peak times, and visitors on a tight schedule are recommended to use public transport where possible. Using a Mexico eSIM is a simple and cost-effective way to get online and get around Mexico City without having to rely on public Wi-Fi or paying roaming fees.
The Mexico City World Cup venue: Estadio Azteca
For soccer fans, El Coloso de Santa Úrsula needs no introduction. Despite last hosting a World Cup match in 1986, the Estadio Azteca is synonymous with the tournament: the skeletal concrete beams and sky-high seating instantly evoke legendary World Cup moments, from Maradona’s Hand of God goal to the joga bonito of 1970s Brazil. Despite being arguably the most iconic football stadium in the world, the Azteca will not host the final (that honor has been reserved for the MetLife American Football Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey). It will still be the site of several key fixtures during the 2026 World Cup, including the opening match.
Which World Cup matches will take place in Mexico City?
The Estadio Azteca will host 5 matches in total — 3 group games and 2 knockout matches. This includes the opening match of the tournament: on June 11, hosts Mexico will make their debut in what’s likely to be one of the most thrilling atmospheres of the tournament. Traditionally, the first game is preceded by an official opening ceremony.
Full Schedule for Mexico City World Cup Matches
June 11, 1pm: Group A — Opening ceremony, then Mexico vs. South Africa
June 24, 7pm: Group F — Czechia vs. Mexico
June 17, 8pm: Group K — Uzbekistan vs. Colombia
June 30, 7pm: Round of 32 — Group A winner vs. Group C/E/F/H/I 3rd place
July 5, 6pm: Round of 16 — tbc vs. tbc
World Cup eSIM plans
Monterrey
Mexico’s fastest-growing city is routinely ranked among the most liveable in the Americas, having established itself as a manufacturing and financial hub. While the city itself is heavily industrialized, the surrounding Nueva Leon region is renowned as one of Central America’s natural wonders, attracting hikers, divers, and mountaineers from around the world. From Monterrey city center, visitors can easily reach the Atlantic coast, the historic town of Santiago, and the waterfalls and caves of the Chipinque Ecological Park.
The Monterrey World Cup venue: Estadio BBVA
At just 10 years old, the Estadio BBVA is one of the youngest — and most expensive — venues in the World Cup. This is reflected in its high-tech facilities and sinuous silver silhouette, which provides its nickname, El Gigante del Acero, or the steel giant. If the action on the pitch doesn’t live up to the hype, the BBVA provides plenty more to look at: nestled in the foothills of the Sierra Madre range, the stadium is often cited as one of the most scenic grounds in world football, with mountain vistas competing with the match for spectators' attention.
Which World Cup matches will take place in Monterrey?
Monterrey will host 4 matches of the 2026 World Cup. These include 3 group-stage games and a Round of 32 knockout match on June 29.
Full Schedule for Monterrey World Cup Matches
June 17, 8pm: Group F — Sweden vs. Tunisia
June 20, 10pm: Group F — Tunisia vs. Japan
June 24, 7pm: Group A — South Africa vs. South Korea
June 29, 7pm: Round of 32 — Group F winner vs. Group C runner-up
Guadalajara
Guadalajara is a major tourist destination, home to many of Mexico’s most visited historic sites. Founded by Spanish conquistadors in the 16th century, the city center is densely packed with neoclassical, colonial, and Renaissance architecture, including the Hospicio Cabañas. Smaller and more compact than CDMX or Monterrey, Guadalajara’s historic street plan and recently refurbished subway system make it one of the easiest cities in Mexico to navigate without a car. Using a Mexico eSIM makes it easy to get online, access Maps, and find recommendations for local gems. Its lengthy history is reflected in its central role in Mexican tradition: the wider Guadalajara region is the birthplace of Mexican culture and cuisine staples, from Mariachi music to tequila.
The Guadalajara World Cup venue: Estadio Akron
Better known by its former title Estadio Chivas, the 49,000-seat Akron is home to one of Spain’s most supported clubs, Chivas Guadalajara. Home fans will be hopeful that their team can replicate the success of the boys' U17 side, who played at the Akron when Mexico hosted and won the youth World Cup. The stadium is best known for its charming exterior: the pitch and stands are ensconced in a massive, grass-covered crater, creating the overall impression of a cloud-covered volcano emerging from the city outskirts.
As the Estadio Akron is a suburban stadium, located in the neighbouring town of Zapopan, ticket-holders are recommended to plan their matchday well ahead of time – the station is served by several public bus routes, as well as the Mi Macro Periférico Bus Rapid Transit.
Which World Cup matches will take place in Guadalajara?
The Estadio Akron will host 4 group games this summer, kicking off with South Korea vs. Czechia on June 11, and finishing with the hotly anticipated Uruguay vs. Spain on June 26.
Full Schedule for Guadalajara World Cup Matches
June 11, 8pm: Group A — South Korea vs. Czechia
June 18, 7pm: Group F — Mexico vs. South Korea
June 23, 8pm: Group K — Colombia vs. DR Congo
June 26, 6pm: Group H — Uruguay vs. Spain
Getting online in Mexico with a travel eSIM
From hailing a taxi to viewing a match ticket, mobile internet is an essential tool for visiting Mexico. However, using a domestic carrier abroad often incurs steep roaming fees, while getting a mobile signal in the midst of World Cup crowds can be unreliable at best.
Avoid roaming fees and enjoy fast, low-cost, and reliable mobile internet this summer with a BetterRoaming eSIM plan for Mexico.
To celebrate the World Cup, BetterRoaming is offering 20% off all mobile data plans for Canada, Mexico, and the USA – download your eSIM today.
20% off all USA, Mexico, and Canada eSIM plans
To celebrate the World Cup, BetterRoaming is offering 20% off all mobile data plans for Mexico, Canada, and the USA – download yours now.
Enter the code GAME-MEX20 during checkout to receive 20% off your Mexico plan!
World Cup eSIM plans
An eSIM plan allows you to get online with a local network – these can be downloaded in seconds, for a single one-time price: no subscriptions, no hidden fees, and no plastic SIM cards. From checking Maps to sharing your photos of the match, a Mexico eSIM plan is an essential travel companion. Download yours ahead of time at betterroaming.com, and use it to get online the second you arrive in Mexico.
