10 Jun Guadalajara and the FIFA World Cup: A City That Has Hosted Three Editions (1970, 1986, and 2026)

Few cities in the world have hosted matches in three different FIFA World Cup editions. Guadalajara is one of them. Ever since Estadio Jalisco opened its doors to international soccer in 1970, Mexico’s second-largest city has become a stage the world has never forgotten. And now, in 2026, that story is being written again, this time at Estadio Guadalajara, with four group-stage matches that will put the city back in the global spotlight.

Mexico 1970: The World Cup Where Pelé Made Guadalajara His Stage

Estadio Jalisco had only been inaugurated ten years earlier, in January 1960. To prepare for the World Cup, it underwent a major expansion: three levels of seating were added around the entire perimeter, along with a roof over all sections, bringing capacity to over 70,000 fans for the biggest matches.

Group 3 was based in Guadalajara, and what a group it was: Brazil, England, Romania, and Czechoslovakia. The Brazilian squad, with Pelé, Jairzinho, Tostao, and Rivelino, produced some of the most iconic moments in soccer history right here at Jalisco. The Brazil vs. England match on June 7 is widely regarded as one of the greatest games ever played, even though it ended 1-0 for Brazil. Gordon Banks’ save from a Pelé header in that same game is considered by many specialists one of the finest stops in the history of the sport.

But the afternoon that truly made the stadium shake was the semifinal on June 17: Brazil thrashed Uruguay 3-1, with Pelé pulling the strings and Jairzinho scoring in every single match of the tournament. The crowd at Jalisco adopted that Brazilian team as their own. In total, 8 matches were played at the stadium during the 1970 World Cup, including the quarterfinals and that memorable semifinal.

A Tournament Full of Firsts

Mexico 1970 was the first World Cup broadcast in color television worldwide. It was also the first edition to allow substitutions, and the tournament where yellow and red cards were introduced to the game. Guadalajara was there for all of it.

Mexico 1986: Jalisco Shines Again, and France Breaks Brazilian Hearts

Sixteen years later, Mexico hosted the World Cup for a second time. The tournament had expanded to 24 teams and a longer schedule. Across the Guadalajara area, nine matches were played, split between Estadio Jalisco and Estadio Tres de Marzo, in the neighboring municipality of Zapopan.

Group D was based at Jalisco: Brazil, Spain, Algeria, and Northern Ireland played their group-stage games in Guadalajara. The Brazilians returned to the city where they were already legends. And the stadium delivered: the atmosphere at every match was that of a crowd that knew exactly how to receive world-class soccer.

The most dramatic moment came on June 21. Brazil faced France in the quarterfinals, in what many fans and commentators remember as another “Match of the Century.” Careca scored for Brazil, Platini equalized for France, and the game went to penalties. Sócrates and Júlio César both missed their kicks. The Jalisco, which had been roaring for 90 minutes, fell silent. France moved on. Brazil went home.

Four days later, on June 25, Estadio Jalisco hosted what would be its last World Cup match until 2026: the semifinal between West Germany and France. The Germans won 2-0, with goals from Brehme and Völler. And that was how the 1986 chapter closed in Guadalajara, with a semifinal and the lingering feeling that this city deserved even more.

Brazil’s Jalisco Connection

In both tournaments, Estadio Jalisco served as Brazil’s home ground. The Brazilians played in Guadalajara in 1970 and again in 1986, and the local crowd welcomed them with such warmth that more than one journalist described them as playing on home turf. It makes a certain kind of sense: the Jalisco atmosphere and attacking, joyful soccer have always been a natural fit.

Practical Guide to the 2026 World Cup in Guadalajara

The 2026 venue is not Estadio Jalisco, but Estadio Guadalajara, the official FIFA name for what locals and soccer fans know as Estadio Akron, home of Club Deportivo Guadalajara (the Chivas), located in Zapopan. Built in 2010, the stadium received an investment of over 750 million Mexican pesos in upgrades for the World Cup: a new lighting system, a hybrid pitch with state-of-the-art drainage, hospitality areas built with local materials including tezontle stone and Jalisco timber, and a full renovation of the press and executive suites.

Guadalajara will host four group-stage matches:

• June 11: Republic of Korea vs. Czech Republic
• June 18: Mexico vs. Republic of Korea (the most anticipated match for local fans)
• June 23: Colombia vs. Democratic Republic of Congo
• June 26: an additional Group H match

Getting to the stadium is easiest by public transit or rideshare apps. Parking exists but fills up fast on match days. Plan to arrive at least two hours early to get through security. June in Guadalajara means warm afternoons (77 to 86°F / 25 to 30°C) and mild evenings with occasional rain. A light jacket is a good idea for night matches.

If you are planning to combine the World Cup with a broader trip, check our complete Guadalajara travel guide and our section on things to do in the city to make the most of your time here.

Frequently Asked Questions About the World Cup in Guadalajara

How many World Cup editions has Guadalajara hosted?

Guadalajara has hosted matches in three World Cup editions: Mexico 1970, Mexico 1986, and the 2026 FIFA World Cup. In 1970 and 1986, the venue was Estadio Jalisco; in 2026, it is Estadio Guadalajara (Akron), in Zapopan.

Which matches were played in Guadalajara at the 1970 World Cup?

Estadio Jalisco hosted 8 matches: six group-stage games (featuring Brazil, England, Romania, and Czechoslovakia), the quarterfinal Brazil vs. Peru (4-2), and the semifinal Brazil vs. Uruguay (3-1). Brazil was the undisputed star of the Jalisco stage that summer.

What happened in Guadalajara during the 1986 World Cup?

Guadalajara hosted 9 matches in total, between Estadio Jalisco and Estadio Tres de Marzo. The most memorable was the Brazil vs. France quarterfinal, a game that ended in a penalty shootout and eliminated the tournament favorite. Jalisco also hosted the West Germany vs. France semifinal (2-0).

How many matches will be played in Guadalajara at the 2026 World Cup?

Four group-stage matches will be held at Estadio Guadalajara (Akron) between June 11 and June 26. The highlight for local fans is Mexico vs. South Korea, scheduled for June 18.

A host city for three World Cup editions. More than half a century of international soccer. Guadalajara did not end up in this history by chance: it earned its place by knowing how to welcome the world. The same city that watched Pelé own the Jalisco in 1970 and held its breath when Sócrates stepped up to take his penalty in 1986 is now getting its streets, restaurants, and stadiums ready for the next chapter. If you have a chance to be here on June 18, do not overthink it. Save this guide and start planning.