Stadium Guide
Estadio Azteca (Mexico City)
Quick Introduction
Set on the southern edge of Mexico City in Coyoacán, Estadio Azteca—branded “Estadio Ciudad de México” for World Cup 26™—sits above a sea of neighborhoods and volcanic hills, with Calzada de Tlalpan carrying waves of fans toward its iconic bowl. Expect a festival mood: the tournament’s curtain-raiser on June 11, 2026, plus more group and knockout dates mean drumlines, flags, and a full-voice crowd. The venue is open-air with partial canopy coverage; evenings are mild at altitude, and the sound carries. Concourses are straightforward, with multiple entry gates circling the stadium.
Match dates in Mexico City
- June 11, 2026 — Opening Match at Estadio Ciudad de México (Estadio Azteca).
- June 17, 2026 — Group Stage match.
- June 24, 2026 — Group Stage match.
- June 30, 2026 — Round of 32 match.
- July 5, 2026 — Round of 16 match.
Estadio Azteca (Mexico City)
Stadium Overview
Walking up from the Tren Ligero, the first thing you notice is the hum: vendors calling, bass from the pregame show, and that first glimpse of the sweeping roofline. Inside, the seating bowl rises steeply; sightlines are clean from most levels, and you feel on top of the pitch. Circulation is simple—rings of concourses, clear section numbers, and frequent ramps. Food skews classic stadium fare with local touches (expect plenty of snacks once inside; outside food and drink are not allowed). Sound builds in waves; when a chant starts behind a goal, it rolls through the upper tiers and settles over midfield.
Two practical moves: arrive early to clear security and find your bearings—the gates and parking open hours ahead—and bring a light layer for breezy evenings. If you’re using transit, ride Metro Line 2 to Tasqueña and transfer to the Tren Ligero for the short hop to Estadio Azteca station; crowds flow easily along signed routes from there.
Open-air stadium with partial canopy coverage in the Coyoacán borough of Mexico City, south of the center along Calzada de Tlalpan. The venue’s published standard capacity is 83,264. FIFA and city authorities have confirmed the stadium will stage the opening match and a total of five World Cup 26™ games; any tournament-specific seating configuration will be communicated by organizers closer to the event.
Three primary seating tiers with steep rake for clear views; hybrid-grass pitch at FIFA regulation size (105m x 68m); partial cantilevered roof/canopy over laterals; and named premium areas (Palcos, Asientos Club, Palcos Plus). The venue is renowned for its acoustics—the bowl traps and amplifies crowd noise. Conditions tip: the stadium operator notes designated seating categories and handicap seats by level; expect shade to vary by time of day under the canopy.
- Concessions & water: Outside food and beverages are not permitted inside the venue; alcohol from outside is prohibited. (Bring payment methods accepted at point of sale inside; the operator does not publish a “cashless-only” policy.)
- Merch & payments: On-site sales points operate on event days; accepted payment types are per individual vendor. (No official blanket list is published.)
- Facilities: Three first-aid stations operate during events (Level 1 Tunnel 16; Level 2 Access 23; Level 3 Access 50). Venue safety is supported by city Auxiliary Police, private security, and a control room.
- Accessibility: The stadium is described as an inclusive venue with access ramps and special seating; “Handicap Seats” are mapped in the seating guide.
FIFA will publish event-specific bag and screening rules for World Cup 26™; all tickets are mobile-only via the FIFA World Cup 26™ App. The stadium’s current prohibited list includes outside food/drink, bottles, umbrellas, strollers, lasers, fireworks, weapons, and similar items. Plan to travel light; if you must bring a bag, expect inspection and follow tournament guidance once issued. Smoking and vaping are not permitted inside the venue.
Expect standard security screening at gates and follow posted signage and staff directions. The venue bans outside food/drink, weapons, bottles, fireworks, drones, umbrellas, and other listed items; smoking and vaping are prohibited within the facilities. Re-entry is not detailed by the operator—assume no re-entry unless tournament guidance states otherwise. All tickets for World Cup 26™ are mobile-only, delivered to smartphones via the FIFA World Cup 26™ App.
Review the stadium’s prohibited items before you go; pack light and keep hands free for mobile ticketing. Gates and on-site parking open hours before events—arrive early to clear security and explore concourses. Mexico City evenings in June are mild but breezy at altitude; a light layer is smart. Supporter section details and flag/banners will be governed by FIFA’s event policy—follow in-stadium instructions and the code of conduct.
Estadio Azteca (Mexico City)
Transportation Guide
Metro/Rail
Ride Metro Line 2 to Tasqueña, then transfer to the city-operated Tren Ligero southbound to Estadio Azteca station. Both services are part of Mexico City’s integrated public transport network.
Bus
City-operated buses (RTP) serve corridors around Calzada de Tlalpan; the stadium operator directs fans to official RTP routes on event pages. Confirm service adjustments on the provider’s site before traveling.
Airport
From Mexico City International Airport (AICM), Metrobús serves both terminals and connects to the city network. From Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA), official airport buses connect to several city points. Check operator pages for current stops and service times.
Estadio Azteca (Mexico City)
Parking Guide
On-site parking at Estadio Azteca is operated by the venue and opens four hours before events. Published event-day rates (subject to change) indicate MXN 120 for cars/motorcycles, MXN 360 for minibuses, and MXN 480 for buses. Enter via signed gates; keep your parking ticket and follow staff direction for circulation around Circuito Azteca, Calzada de Tlalpan, and Periférico approaches. Accessible (“Handicap”) seating locations are mapped; arrive early to secure proximity parking and allow extra time for assisted entry if needed.
Given heavy demand and road closures on major matchdays, the stadium and city encourage using public transport—Metro Line 2 to Tasqueña and the Tren Ligero to Estadio Azteca—or official bus services referenced by the venue. Always check the stadium’s “Game Day” page before traveling for any updated access maps, gate assignments, or temporary traffic measures.