Mexico City is impossible to wrap your head around. One of the most populated cities in the world, as it has been for centuries, you could explore for a lifetime and keep discovering new corners.
If you’re in town for a match, you’ll still be able to feel some of that magic, especially at perhaps the most imposing stadium in the region, and you don’t have to hunt too hard to find incredible meals.
Here is our guide to Mexico City:
What games are in Mexico City?
Mexico City will host five matches during the World Cup, including the opening match between Mexico and South Africa.
- June 11: Mexico vs. South Africa
- June 17: Uzbekistan vs. Colombia
- June 24: Czechia vs. Mexico
- June 30: Round of 32
- July 5: Round of 16
If Mexico wins its group, it would play the Round of 32 match in Mexico City and have the chance to advance to the Round of 16 game in Mexico City as well.
Where are the games in Mexico City being played?
Mexico’s matches are being played at the famous Estadio Azteca in the Santa Úrsula neighborhood in the south of Mexico City. The stadium, now also known as the Estadio Banorte for sponsorship reasons, though it will be called Mexico City Stadium during the World Cup, underwent major renovations ahead of this summer’s tournament
The monumental stadium served as the host of the World Cup final 1970 and 1986. This time around, it will seat 83,000, far from the all-time record of 119,853 fans for soccer set in 1968.
How to get around in Mexico City
The Metro can get crowded, but that’s because it is by far the most affordable and simple way to get around town. The Azteca is on a light rail stop, transferring from Tasqueña and following the crowd of people in jerseys to the correct line.
There are also robust Bus Rapid Transit options in the very walkable city center. Taxis and Ubers are abundant, though traffic is always an issue — even when there isn’t a major event in town. The city government has asked companies to allow employees to work from home on matchdays, but long car rides seem guaranteed.
