As a full-time resident of Guadalajara, Mexico the past 3 years, I’ve gained deep knowledge of the best places to eat (from street food to fine dining) and stay, top spots to watch live sports, how to safely get around, and how to have a fun time here. Below are my essential travel tips for visitors to the 2026 World Cup in Guadalajara.
While I don’t normally write about sports on Live Well Mexico, it’s a really big deal for Mexico to co-host the 2026 World Cup with the U.S. and Canada. The games in Mexico will be held in its three largest cities – Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey.
Now, let’s get to it.
When are the 2026 World Cup Games in Guadalajara?
There are four World Cup games scheduled for Guadalajara in 2026. They are all group stage games and will be played on June 11, 18, 23, and 26.
For historical context, the last time Guadalajara hosted FIFA World Cup games was 30 years ago in 1986, with previous hosting duties in 1970. After such a long hiatus, I think sports fans could not find a better spot to catch the action than in this vibrant, classically Mexican, futbol-crazed city. And if you’re Iranian, visiting Mexico may be the only way you can watch your team play in person.
This article won’t explain how to buy World Cup tickets. If you want to learn about that Kafkaesque process, sign up on FIFA’s website for the latest information on ticket package availability and visit this page to see where all the games are being played.
Where the Games in Guadalajara Will Be Played
The sports venue for the 2026 World Cup games in Guadalajara is Estadio Akron (sometimes referred to by FIFA as Estadio Guadalajara, but no one here calls it that). This stadium is the home of Guadalajara’s beloved Chivas (the goats!) futbol club, and is located on the metro’s west side in the adjacent municipality of Zapopan.
Estadio Akron’s capacity is 49,850, making it one of the more “intimate” stadiums to take in a World Cup game. For comparison, Mexico City’s Estadio Azteca has a capacity of 87,523, and Monterrey’s Estadio BBVA holds 53,500.
Getting to Guadalajara
Planes, buses, and private cars are your best options for reaching Guadalajara.
Most international visitors fly into the city’s only airport, known locally as Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla International Airport (GDL). Guadalajara currently has non-stop service from 24 U.S. cities, 2 Canadian cities (Toronto and Vancouver), and one European city (Madrid).
Due to all the changes recently at GDL, I wrote another article in May with all the details, which you can read about here.
There are many private bus companies offering service in and out of Guadalajara. Depending on where you’re coming from, they may use one of two long-distance bus stations.
Estacion de Autobuses Guadalajara. Located in Tlaquepaque on the southeast side of Guadalajara, this main station is about 20-25 minutes from the international airport and 20 minutes from the Centro. The companies at this station serve all major cities south and east of Guadalajara, most notably Mexico City, Leon, Queretaro, and Morelia.
Estacion de Autobuses Zapopan. This modern station on the city’s west side is popular with travelers coming and going from Puerto Vallarta on Jalisco’s coast. The trip takes around 4 hours, with the route largely following a safe and modern toll highway.
A useful website to check long-distance bus routes and rates, as well as buy tickets, is Rome2Rio.
Local Transportation to Estadio Akron, and Getting Around Guadalajara
Estadio Akron isn’t within walking distance of any hotels, so understanding local transportation options is a must if you want to attend World Cup games in Guadalajara.
While there is now a respectable light rail network, we still have no rail line on Guadalajara’s west side, where the stadium is located. This means you’ll have to catch a bus, an Uber, a taxi, or a shuttle to reach Estadio Akron.
If you visit as a couple or small group, your best option to reach Estadio Akron is to take an Uber (or two), as they’re plentiful, convenient, and cheap in Guadalajara. The same app that you use in the U.S. will also work in Mexico. The only caveat with Uber is that they use dynamic pricing, so fares increase at times of peak demand. (but it will still cost far less than rides in the U.S.)
Taxis are less predictable and reliable, in my experience. Plus, as most drivers don’t speak English, it will be somewhat tricky if you lack basic Spanish skills. On the other hand, if you can speak some Spanish, they’re a good plan B when you cannot book an Uber.
Didi is another affordable ride-share service in Guadalajara that some expats swear by, while others have difficulties using a foreign credit card on their app. I’m not a Didi rider, so I can’t share any personal insights.
Public buses are another good option for getting around town as service is frequent and dirt cheap (about $0.50 USD per ride). But I suspect most foreign visitors will avoid taking one to Estadio Akron.
T-01, T-02, and C-02 bus lines go nearest to the stadium, but the trip can take up to 90 minutes from Centro, including 30 minutes of walking. Also, public buses are often packed, so getting on can be tricky.
But if you’re game for a “local” experience, I say go for it. Because bus routes and schedules aren’t printed at stops, it’s best to download the Moovit app or visit this web page to plan your trip.
A “World Cup shuttle” running between the stadium and Guadalajara Centro is rumored to be in the works, but as of this writing has not been confirmed. I’ll update this article as more information becomes available.
For those considering a rental car, I’d skip it. Major roads in and around Guadalajara are very congested with cars, motorcycles, taxis, trucks, food carts, and bikes at popular times, with many skill-challenged drivers who possess even less common sense.
Having a car accident in Mexico is a big deal — expats can end up in jail if they cause serious injuries. Unless you’re planning to attend the World Cup with your Mexican lawyer, this is one risk you can do without. Even if you arrive here with a rental car, I suggest returning it in Guadalajara or leaving it parked until you are ready to go.
Best Places to Watch World Cup Games in Guadalajara
We’d been living in Guadalajara for only a few months when the 2022 World Cup was on. Although we were pretty green in our new neighborhood, we had little difficulty finding places to watch the games, because Mexico is such a futbol-crazed country.
Even restaurants that don’t normally show live sports will set up a few big-screen TVs during the World Cup so that their customers can enjoy the action. But their setup may not be ideal.
Since then, we’ve discovered the best spots around town to watch big games. We enjoyed the Euro Cup and Copa America in some of the venues listed below. Below is a list of our favorite spots to catch the World Cup games not being played in Guadalajara.
Fan Fest. This planned outdoor gathering space will enable locals and visitors alike to enjoy the World Cup drama together in Guadalajara’s Centro Historico. It will be located in Plaza de la Liberación between the Guadajara Cathedral and Teatro Degollado. It’s effectively the city’s “town square.”
We don’t expect the city to charge a fee to watch the games at Guadalajara’s Fan Fest venue, but FIFA has yet to confirm it. I’ll update this article as more information becomes available.
Skygamers Sports Bar. This is the top sports bar in downtown Guadalajara, with plenty of seating and tons of screens. If there is a major sporting event happening, they’ll have it on – as long as it’s popular with the masses. Come early, as it gets very crowded.
Gallo Cervecero. Another sports bar with tons of screens to ensure you never miss a play. The menu is heavy on burgers, fried chicken, wings, and tacos, with a full bar, micheladas, and very cheap beer. A solid, inexpensive option for those staying in Colonia Americana.
Twin Peaks. Located inside a shopping mall (Midtown Providencia), Twin Peaks offers a more stylish atmosphere than the options above, with tons of screens, ensuring you an unobstructed view of the action. Their menu is in English and features American diner classics. The bar carries a wide variety of draft beers and tequila, with daily specials.
Botanero Veintiuno. A casual neighborhood sports bar on the other side of Providencia overlooking the pretty Parque Italia. Plenty of high-top tables with screens in every direction. A good spot for beers and Mexican snacks while you watch the game, with top-shelf tequilas as well if you have cause to celebrate.
La Vitola. About 15 minutes north of the Centro, this casual spot next to the Guadalajara Country Club features a spacious, dog-friendly patio and indoor dining with plenty of tables. Snack on pizzas, tacos, and burgers, with a big selection of tequila. It’s a short walk from the Circunvalación Country Linea 3 light rail stop, which connects to downtown Guadalajara, or via a short Uber ride from Providencia.
Lupe’s BBQ. Not a sports bar, but a restaurant in the upscale Punto Sao Paolo shopping area (Providencia), with an outdoor patio and large screens always showing the “big game” everyone wants to see. Not safe for vegetarians, they serve huge portions of brisket, ribs, etc., with a wide selection of beers. After the game, enjoy this happening nightlife zone with fashionable Tapatios (as locals are called).
Where to stay in Guadalajara
There are no hotels within walking distance of Estadio Akron. And even if there were, it’s not an ideal spot to base yourself due to the general lack of amenities nearby.
Below, I’ve assembled a small list of hotels that, for the most part, involve relatively short travel times to the stadium, while also providing visitors with plentiful options for dining, nightlife, and cultural outings when not watching games.
Budget ($60 USD or less per night)
Hotel Plaza Diana. A casual but highly rated small hotel with a pool in the Minerva neighborhood. It’s a very safe area in close walking distance to many excellent cafes and restaurants, and about 25 minutes from Estadio Akron.
Casa Bonita. This charming, friendly, and plant-filled small hotel in Providencia with a restaurant that operates from Weds-Sun for breakfast and lunch. Around 30 minutes to Estadio Akron.
Capital O Suites Chapultepec. A clean and simple budget option with AC for those who want to be right in the middle of Guadalajara’s nightlife zone and a short distance from top cultural attractions.
Mid-range ($80 – $150 USD per night)
Staybridge Suites on Av. Mexico. An easy 20-25 minute Uber ride to Estadio Akron. They do a great breakfast and are convenient to lots of dining and drinking options. Plus, with a kitchenette in your room, you can stock up for times when you don’t feel like going out.
Palpatio Hotel. A smaller hotel in Guadalajara Centro. Guests rave about the ambience, service, great food at its on-site restaurant, convenient location, and cleanliness. The downside to this location is that travel time to Estadio Akron is closer to 45 minutes.
Hotel Riu. A large modern hotel with a fantastic roof deck and restaurant. The Riu is also well located to walk to countless dining and drinking spots in the Chapalita neighborhood, and about 25 minutes by car to Estadio Akron.
Luxury ($200+ USD per night)
Hotel Quinta Real on Av. Mexico. Gorgeous grounds, elegant ambiance, top-notch service, and centrally located. It feels like staying in a historic hacienda, right in the center of the city. In a short walking distance of many excellent restaurants and the Soriana Tower grocery store. About 25-30 minutes to Estadio Akron.
JW Marriott Hotel, Mar Baltico at Av. Americas, Country Club. Super elegant, modern, and popular with business travelers and professional tennis players. It’s a short walk to many excellent restaurants in Providencia, with easy access to transportation. Plan on it taking about 30 minutes to reach Estadio Akron.
GDL Airport:
Hilton Garden. Brand new and located inside the airport terminal. It doesn’t get more convenient than this if you have a late or early morning flight from Guadalajara.
Where to eat in Guadalajara
Guadalajara is a phenomenal dining town at all price points. While you’re here, you should enjoy the best that Mexico has to offer… Below are several can’t-miss options.
Budget Dining
There are taquerias galore in Guadalajara, plus copious amounts of quality street food too plentiful to cover here. Below are a few of my favorites.
TOMATE Taqueria. There is no better spot for a quick meal of tacos and cheap beer before or after a game. Decent selection of classic larger plates as well. Crowds build as the night progresses. Open until midnight. This place also has a big screen to show live futbol games and replays.
Taqueria Mexico. Classic tacos (carne asada, al pastor) with all the fiery condiments you can imagine, paired with cheap beer in a festive atmosphere. It’s considered one of Guadalajara’s best. Not vegetarian-friendly. Open until 11 PM.
Café palReal. Famous for its fantastic coffee (they roast their own) and delicious brunches, this stylish café has built a huge following. Try the chilaquiles, omlettes, and pancito sandwiches.
Parque Expiatorio Sunday Night Food Market. This night market is a Mexican street food mecca that’s a great spot to feast on tacos, tamales, tlayudas, churros, jericalla, and other local snacks. There are even stalls serving tasty vegan food, a rarity in Jalisco. Sundays only from 7 PM til late in front of the most stunning neo-Gothic church in Guadalajara.
Mid-range Dining
Casa Dolores. In the heart of Av. Chapultepec but a cut above the rest when it comes to food and atmosphere. Enjoy classic Mexican dishes on their stylish plant-filled terrace.
El Sacromonte. Traditional Mexican and Spanish classics are served with creative flair in an inviting atmosphere with a live piano player. Top dishes include the duck, chicken mole, steak arachera, ceviche, flan, and free-flowing margaritas. It’s a favorite spot for Mexican families and expats hosting visitors.
Quelite. A top-rated spot in the heart of Colonia Americana for elevated, modern, and delicious Mexican cooking. Tasting menu or a la carte, with the offering constantly changing.
High-end Dining
There are a handful of Michelin-caliber restaurants in Guadalajara. These are not those, but if that’s your thing, I wrote about four of them here. The following are still worthy of a trip for elevated dining on Mexican food in relaxed yet stylish settings.
La Tequila. I love this spot on Av. Mexico, because it’s always busy with Mexican families celebrating something. This is a great option for its HUGE selection of Mexico’s finest tequilas, refined takes on classic Jaliscan dishes, and some of the best moles you can eat in Guadalajara.
Tikuun Comedor Local. Their innovative and ever-changing menu uses only the freshest, high-quality ingredients. Dine in a cool and sophisticated atmosphere in this popular spot with foodie locals and expats. And if you need a break from tequila, they have an excellent wine list.
Practical Tips for Guadalajara
- Pack for warm and occasionally wet weather. June is typically pleasant in Guadalajara, with daytime temperatures in the mid-to-high 80s and overnight lows in the 60s. This month also marks the start of the rainy season, with late afternoon/evening thunderstorms a regular occurrence. But it’s not a big deal, as the storms generally last around 30 minutes, and then the sun returns.
- Carry pesos in your pocket at all times. While credit cards are widely accepted in Guadalajara, Mexico is still a heavily cash-based economy. You will need cash to ride public transportation, take taxis, buy street food, and shop at many small stores. If this is your first time here, be sure to check out my post on how to safely get cash from a Mexican ATM.
- Don’t walk alone at night, and avoid using your cellphone while on the street. Petty theft is common in central Guadalajara around Av. Chapultepec. Oblivious expats glued to their screens have been relieved of their phones by thieves on motorbikes.
- Buy a SIM or eSIM card for your phone if you use a plan that doesn’t cover Mexico. AT&T is an easy and inexpensive option (that I use). This post contains more details on getting a Mexican cell phone.
3 Fun Things To Do When Not Watching the Games
Stroll around Guadalajara’s Centro Historico. Essential stops include Guadalajara’s famous Cathedral, Teatro Degollado, and the stunning Orozco murals of Hospicio Cabañas. For a cold refreshment, check out the historic Cantina La Fuente.
Tour Colonia Americana, a neighborhood known for its gorgeous tree-lined streets, mid-century art deco buildings, and car-free Via RecreActiva every Sunday from 8 am – 2 pm.
For those seeking more culture, be sure to pay a visit to the Casa ITESO Clavigero or the MUSA art museum. For your downtime, this neighborhood is chock-full of cool cafes and some of Mexico’s best cocktail bars, not to mention hidden speakeasies.
Take a day trip to Tequila. Mexico’s famous adult beverage was born in a town of the same name, just 45 minutes west of Guadalajara. Either hire an Uber or join the locals taking the Jose Cuervo train.
This lively and charming little town, surrounded by agave fields, is an easy day trip from Guadalajara. Make appointments in advance to taste at the most coveted tequila producers like Fortaleza and Cascahuin. While there, don’t miss the exceptional Juan Beckmann Gallardo Cultural Center.
Basics about Guadalajara, Mexico
Location: Guadalajara is located in the Central Highlands of Mexico in the western state of Jalisco. It’s the birthplace of mariachi music and tequila, but is also known as the Silicon Valley of Mexico due to the large presence of tech companies and top universities.
Population: As Mexico’s second-largest city, there are roughly 5 million people in the Guadalajara metropolitan area.
Language: Spanish
Currency: The Mexican peso. To check current exchange rates, use this tool.
Time zone: Guadalajara is on Central Time, but in summertime it’s on Mountain Time (because it doesn’t observe daylight savings). If that’s confusing, you can always check Guadalajara’s current time here.
Visa requirements: No visa is required to visit Mexico for U.S., Canadian, or EU passport holders. The number of days you receive on your FMM (tourist permit) can vary at Mexican Customs’ discretion, but is most often synced with the number of days you plan to stay in Mexico. Tourist stays cannot exceed 180 consecutive days.
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