Mexico will be a partial host of the 2026 World Cup. From June 11 to July 19, 104 matches will be played across Canada, the United States, and Mexican soil. With nerves already on edge and the opening ceremony just around the corner, the big question for Mexican fans is: How many matches will actually be played on Mexican soil?
Mexico will host a not insignificant 13 games; a number that, while it might initially seem low compared to the other host countries, representing 12.5% of the total, will be balanced by enormous historical significance: Mexico will kick off the tournament.
These home matches will be exclusively for the Group Stage and a couple of Round of 32 and Round of 16 matches. After those rounds, the rest of the tournament will continue in North America.
The renovated Azteca Stadium will not only be the logistical heart of the tournament, but also the main home of the Mexican National Team during the Group Stage and the stadium hosting the most knockout matches. The schedule in the capital is as follows:
June 11 (1:00 PM): Mexico vs. South Africa (This also includes the opening ceremony featuring Hispanic talent).
June 17 (8:00 PM): Uzbekistan vs. Colombia
June 24 (7:00 PM): Czech Republic vs. Mexico
June 30 (6:00 PM): Round of 32
July 5 (3:00 PM): Round of 16 (The decisive match in the Mexican capital).
Guadalajara: The Clash of Giants (Estadio Akron)
The home of Chivas will host one of the most exciting Group Stage schedules of the tournament. In addition to hosting the vital second match of the Mexican National Team, the Pearl of the West will dress up on June 26 to host what promises to be one of the best matches of the tournament: the international clash between Uruguay and Spain.
Source: gq
