The state of Jalisco (Mexico) ready to welcome the world as FIFA World Cup 2026 countdown reaches 142 days.
Guadalajara (Jalisco’s capital city) set to host four matches, including Mexico vs South Korea, as tourism, transport and fan experiences take centre stage.
With 142 days to go until the FIFA World Cup 2026 kicks off, the Mexican state of Jalisco is finalising preparations to welcome visitors from across the globe, reinforcing its position as one of the tournament’s most culturally rich and visitor-ready host destinations.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 will be staged for the first time across three countries: Mexico, the United States and Canada,bringing together 16 host cities united by football. Guadalajara, the capital of Jalisco, will play a pivotal role in the tournament, hosting four group-stage matches at the Estadio Guadalajara, including one of the opening-day fixtures and a headline match featuring the Mexico national team against South Korea on 18 June 2026.
A key World Cup city
Guadalajara will host:
Thursday 11 June 2026 – World Cup Match 2 (opening day)
Thursday 18 June 2026 – Match 28, Mexico vs South Korea
Tuesday 23 June 2026 – Match 48
Friday 26 June 2026 – Match 66
This will mark Jalisco’s third time hosting a FIFA World Cup, following iconic tournaments in 1970 and 1986, when the state became part of football history during the era of Pelé and the legendary Brazilian side.
Tourism capacity ready for global demand
Jalisco’s tourism industry has confirmed it is fully prepared for the expected surge in international visitors, including football fans travelling from Europe and the UK.
The state offers:
– 2,736 accommodation establishments
– More than 82,000 hotel rooms
– Over 46,000 food and beverage venues, including 25,000 restaurants in key tourism zones
– Two international airports
– 12 Pueblos Mágicos
– Two major beach destinations: Puerto Vallarta and Costalegre
Air connectivity is a cornerstone of the state’s readiness. Guadalajara International Airport operates 61 direct routes (31 domestic and 30 international), while Puerto Vallarta International Airport offers 55 routes, 41 of them international. Following investments exceeding MXN 21 billion, both airports are undergoing major upgrades to ensure world-class facilities ahead of the tournament.
Fan Festival and cultural showcase
Beyond the matches, Guadalajara’s historic city centre will host the FIFA Fan Festival™ in Plaza de la Liberación, expected to attract around three million visitors over 39 days.
Fans can expect:
Live match screenings
Cultural performances and concerts
Interactive fan activations
A diverse food and drink offering
Experiences highlighting Jalisco’s traditions, music and gastronomy
Jalisco stands out as the most Mexican host destination of the FIFA World Cup 2026, as it is the birthplace of tequila, mariachi and charrería — the three most internationally recognised symbols of Mexico. These traditions, all originating in Jalisco and recognised by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, represent the essence of Mexican identity and project the country’s culture, history and spirit to the world.
Beach destinations such as Puerto Vallarta and Costalegre, alongside Jalisco’s 12 Pueblos Mágicos, will complement the city experience, positioning the state as a multi-destination hub for football fans exploring Mexico before and after matches.
Official support and international spotlight
Following the official World Cup draw in Washington DC, attended by international leaders and FIFA President Gianni Infantino, Governor Pablo Lemus Navarro highlighted Jalisco’s ambition to be “the most Mexican host city” of the tournament, combining football with culture, hospitality and organisation.
FIFA has confirmed the participation of 48 national teams at the 2026 tournament, the largest World Cup in history, underlining the global scale of the event and the opportunity for host regions like Jalisco to reach new international audiences.