The state of Jalisco (Mexico) able to welcome the world because the 2026 FIFA World Cup countdown reaches 142 days.
Guadalajara (the capital of Jalisco) will host 4 matches, together with Mexico in opposition to South Korea, specializing in tourism, transport and fan experiences.
With 142 days to go till the beginning of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the Mexican state of Jalisco is finalizing preparations to welcome guests from around the globe, cementing its place as one of many match’s most culturally wealthy and visitor-friendly host locations.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is being staged for the primary time in three nations: Mexico, the USA and Canada, bringing collectively sixteen host cities united by soccer. Guadalajara, the capital of Jalisco, will play a central function within the match, internet hosting 4 group stage matches on the Estadio Guadalajara, together with one of many opening matches and a fundamental match that includes the Mexican nationwide staff in opposition to South Korea on June 18, 2026.
An vital World Cup metropolis
Guadalajara will host:
Thursday June 11, 2026 – World Cup Match 2 (opening day)
Thursday, June 18, 2026 – Match 28, Mexico vs South Korea
Tuesday June 23, 2026 – Match 48
Friday June 26, 2026 – Match 66
This would be the third time that Jalisco has hosted a FIFA World Cup, following iconic tournaments in 1970 and 1986, when the state turned a part of soccer historical past through the period of Pelé and the legendary Brazilian staff.
Tourism capability prepared for international demand
Jalisco’s tourism sector has confirmed that it’s absolutely ready for the anticipated wave of worldwide guests, together with soccer followers touring from Europe and Nice Britain.
The state gives:
– 2,736 lodging institutions
– Greater than 82,000 resort rooms
– Greater than 46,000 meals and beverage retailers, together with 25,000 eating places in key vacationer zones
– Two worldwide airports
– 12 Pueblos Mágicos
– Two main seaside locations: Puerto Vallarta and Costalegre
Air connectivity is a cornerstone of the state’s preparedness. Guadalajara Worldwide Airport operates 61 direct routes (31 home and 30 worldwide), whereas Puerto Vallarta Worldwide Airport gives 55 routes, 41 of that are worldwide. Following investments of greater than MXN21 billion, each airports are present process main upgrades to make sure world-class amenities forward of the match.
Fan pageant and cultural showcase
Along with the matches, Guadalajara’s historic metropolis heart will host the FIFA Fan Pageant™ at Plaza de la Liberación, which is anticipated to draw round three million guests over 39 days.
Followers can count on the next:
Stay match screenings
Cultural performances and live shows
Interactive fan activations
A various vary of meals and drinks
Experiences that spotlight the traditions, music and gastronomy of Jalisco
Jalisco stands out as probably the most Mexican host vacation spot of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as it’s the birthplace of tequila, mariachi and charrería – the three most internationally acknowledged symbols of Mexico. These traditions, all native to Jalisco and acknowledged by UNESCO because the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, symbolize the essence of Mexican identification and mission the nation’s tradition, historical past and spirit to the world.
Seashore locations akin to Puerto Vallarta and Costalegre, along with Jalisco’s 12 Pueblos Mágicos, will complement the town expertise and place the state as a multi-destination hub for soccer followers exploring Mexico earlier than and after the matches.
Official help and worldwide highlight
After the official World Cup attract Washington DC, attended by worldwide leaders and FIFA President Gianni Infantino, Governor Pablo Lemus Navarro highlighted Jalisco’s ambition to be “probably the most Mexican host metropolis” of the match, combining soccer with tradition, hospitality and group.
FIFA has confirmed the participation of 48 nationwide groups within the 2026 match, the most important World Cup in historical past. This underlines the worldwide scale of the occasion and the chance for host areas akin to Jalisco to succeed in new worldwide audiences.