18 May World Cup Matches in Guadalajara 2026: Teams, Dates and Star Players

Guadalajara is about to experience something that hasn’t happened since 1986. Four World Cup 2026 matches are coming to Estadio Akron — officially renamed Estadio Guadalajara by FIFA for the tournament — bringing teams from three continents, packed stadiums, and the kind of atmosphere this city does better than anywhere else. This will be the third time in history that Guadalajara hosts a World Cup. And this time, the stage is already set.

How Many World Cup Matches Will Be Played in Guadalajara

Estadio Akron will host four group stage matches. There are no knockout round games scheduled here, but the four matches on the calendar are among the most exciting in the entire tournament.

The groups involved are A, K, and H, with matches running from June 11 to June 26. Here’s the confirmed schedule:

• June 11 — South Korea vs. Czech Republic (Group A) — 8:00 PM
• June 18 — Mexico vs. South Korea (Group A) — 7:00 PM
• June 23 — Colombia vs. DR Congo (Group K) — time TBC
• June 26 — Uruguay vs. Spain (Group H) — 6:00 PM

Four matches. Three weeks. An entire city celebrating.

Mexico and the Teams You’ll See at Estadio Akron

El Tri Comes Back to Guadalajara

The June 18 match is the one the local crowd is most excited about. It will be the first time the Mexican national team plays a World Cup match at Estadio Akron. The opponent is South Korea — a team that has reached the knockout rounds in recent tournaments and should not be underestimated.

The Koreans bring Kang-in Lee from PSG and Heung-min Son (currently at Tottenham Hotspur) as their main threats. Son is a striker with a sharp goal-scoring instinct and experience in high-stakes matches. Lee is more explosive, capable of creating danger in tight spaces. Mexico will need to be sharp from the first whistle. On the Mexican side, the official squad announcement puts the spotlight on the defensive solidity of Edson Álvarez and the goal-scoring ability of Santiago Giménez, who arrives after a key season in European club football.

Colombia: Talent and Direct Football

Colombia arrives at the Akron on June 23. James Rodríguez returns to a World Cup with years of experience and his connection with Luis Díaz as one of the team’s main weapons. The Colombian side plays with high intensity, quick build-up play, and constant movement between the lines — a style that makes them dangerous even against more physical opponents. They’ll face a DR Congo team coming in with the ambition to pull off a surprise in Group K.

Spain vs. Uruguay: The Match That Closes the Group Stage

June 26 is the most anticipated of the four matches. Spain vs. Uruguay is one of the most attractive group stage clashes in the entire tournament.

Spain arrives as European champions with one of the most complete squads in the world. Their style is built on possession and quick transitions, with players like Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams creating danger from the flanks. Uruguay responds with a different kind of football. Marcelo Bielsa’s side has Federico Valverde (Real Madrid), Ronald Araújo (Barcelona) and Manuel Ugarte (Manchester United) as its backbone. Valverde is the engine: he arrives at this World Cup at his peak, capable of showing up anywhere on the pitch. Bielsa is known for his high-pressing, intense style — expect a physically demanding and tactically fascinating match.

Practical Information for Attending Matches at Estadio Akron

If you’re planning to go to any of the matches, here’s what you need to know:

• Location: Circuito JVC 2800, El Bajío, 45019, Zapopan, Jalisco, México. The stadium is not inside Guadalajara proper — it’s in Zapopan, a neighboring municipality within the greater metro area, about 20–25 minutes from the city center depending on traffic.
• Getting there: The FIFA organizing committee has launched an official shuttle service called Ride al Estadio, designed exclusively for ticket holders. Private vehicles will not be allowed near the stadium perimeter on match days — this is a mandatory security protocol for the event, so personal cars are simply not an option. The shuttle departs from 10 pick-up points across the metro area, including Auditorio Telmex, Expo Guadalajara, Zona Galerías, Plaza Patria and Zona Chapultepec, among others. The service costs 500 Mexican pesos (roughly $25 USD) per person and must be purchased separately from your match ticket at boletomovil.com/guadalajara-fwc-2026. Availability is limited, so book early. Uber and DiDi also operate in the city and can drop you at the designated last-mile walking zone.
• Weather: June in Guadalajara means warm afternoons (20–25°C / 68–77°F) with cooler evenings and some rain. Bring a light jacket for night matches.
• Arrive early: Plan to be at the stadium at least 2 to 3 hours before kickoff to avoid long lines at security checkpoints.

For more details on the full schedule, check out our guide to World Cup 2026 matches in Mexico.

Frequently Asked Questions About World Cup Matches in Guadalajara

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

Four matches, all at Estadio Akron during the group stage, between June 11 and June 26, 2026. No knockout round matches are scheduled in the city.

Will Mexico play in Guadalajara at the 2026 World Cup?

Yes. El Tri will play their second Group A match at Estadio Akron on June 18 against South Korea, at 7:00 PM local time.

Which teams will play at Estadio Akron?

South Korea, the Czech Republic, Mexico, Colombia, DR Congo, Uruguay and Spain.

What is the stadium called during the World Cup?

FIFA will officially name it Estadio Guadalajara for the tournament, though locals — and most of Mexico — know it as the Akron, home of Club Deportivo Guadalajara, better known as Chivas.

How much do tickets cost for matches in Guadalajara?

Estimated prices for group stage matches range from $60 to $482 USD. Premium VIP experiences run significantly higher. Tickets are sold exclusively through the official FIFA platform at fifa.com.

Guadalajara is ready to welcome the world. Four matches, world-class teams and the warmth of a city that knows how to throw a celebration. If you can grab a ticket, go. And if you can’t, the city will be buzzing either way. Save this guide, share it with anyone planning a visit, and keep checking gotoguadalajara.com for the latest updates.