“FIFA World Cup 2026 in Mexico: Dates, Host Cities, and How to Plan Your Trip”

Posted on November 5, 2025 by Cancun Airport Transfers ®

When Does the FIFA World Cup 2026 Start? Everything You Need to Know

The countdown has officially begun! The FIFA World Cup 2026 will start on June 11, 2026, and for the first time ever it will be hosted by three countries: Mexico, the United States, and Canada. Even more exciting: the opening match is scheduled to take place at the legendary Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, making Mexico the first country in history to host World Cup games in three different editions (1970, 1986, and now 2026).
If you’re planning to travel to Mexico to attend the World Cup, this guide gives you the essential info: start date, host cities, how many matches will be played in Mexico, travel tips, estimated costs, and how to move around safely and comfortably.

FIFA World Cup 2026: When and Where It Will Take Place

The tournament will run from June 11 to mid-July 2026. Because the 2026 World Cup will have 48 teams instead of 32, the calendar will be slightly longer and more matches will be played across North America.

Here is the basic timeline:

June 11, 2026: Opening match at Estadio Azteca, Mexico City.
June 2026: Group stage games across Mexico, USA, and Canada.
Late June – early July 2026: Knockout stage.
July 2026: Final in the United States (FIFA will confirm exact venue closer to the date).

Because the opening match is in Mexico, it’s expected that many international fans will fly directly to Mexico City International Airport or through Cancún (a major international gateway) and then connect to the host cities.

2026 World Cup Locations

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be spread across three countries and multiple cities. This means fans can experience different cultures, climates, and stadiums in the same tournament.

Host Cities in Mexico

Mexico City – Estadio Azteca
Guadalajara – Estadio Akron
Monterrey – Estadio BBVA

These three cities have top-level stadiums, hotel infrastructure, and good connectivity with major Mexican airports.

Host Cities in the United States (selected)

(For context, many matches will be held in the U.S. too.)

New York / New Jersey
Los Angeles
Miami
Dallas
Atlanta
Houston
San Francisco Bay Area
Boston
Philadelphia
Kansas City

Host Cities in Canada

Toronto
Vancouver

Because there are so many venues, planning your internal transportation will be key — especially if you want to start your trip in Mexico and later hop to the U.S. for knockout matches.

Mexico 2026 World Cup: Which Matches and How Many Will Be Played Here?

FIFA plans for Mexico to host around 10 games during the tournament, mostly in the group stage and possibly some early knockout matches. The highlight, of course, is the opening match at Estadio Azteca.

What to expect in Mexico:

Mexico City: Opening match and several group-stage games.
Guadalajara: Group-stage matches, big fan culture, great food.
Monterrey: Modern stadium, strong infrastructure, possible group-stage games.

Because the number of teams has expanded, fans coming to Mexico will have the chance to watch several matches without needing to move to another country — a big plus if you want to combine soccer with tourism (Mayan ruins, beaches, cenotes, colonial cities, etc.).

Start Planning Your Trip to Mexico to Experience the World Cup!

Demand for flights, hotels, and transportation will increase as we get closer to June 2026. If you already know you want to be here for the opening game or early fixtures, start planning now. Here are some tips:

Book flights early: Mexico City, Cancún, and Guadalajara will receive a big flow of international fans.
Reserve your hotel or vacation rental: Host cities will have special rates and packages for the tournament.
Arrange airport transfers in advance: To avoid taxi lines and inflated prices, booking a private transfer is the safest option — especially if you’re landing late or traveling in a group.
Consider flying into Cancún: It’s one of the easiest international gateways to Mexico and from there you can connect to Mexico City or other cities — plus you can enjoy the Caribbean before or after the match.

Book your private airport transfer in Mexico

Private, safe, and on time — perfect for World Cup travelers, families, and VIPs.

How Much Does It Cost to Attend the 2026 World Cup in Mexico?

Costs will vary depending on the match, the city, and how early you book, but here’s a rough idea:

Match tickets: FIFA will release official categories, with opening match and Mexico national team games being the most expensive.
Flights: International flights to Mexico City or Cancún can range widely depending on your country; booking 6–9 months in advance is recommended.
Hotels: Expect special-event pricing in 2026, especially near stadiums.
Local transportation: Budget for safe airport transfers, in-city rides, or private vans if you’re traveling as a group.

Travel agencies and transportation companies in Mexico will likely offer World Cup packages that include airport pick-up, hotel drop-off, and game-day transfers, which is ideal if you don’t want to deal with taxis or public transport during a massive event.