The State of Jalisco is ready to welcome the world as the countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup reaches 142 days | News
The state of Jalisco (Mexico) ready to welcome the world as the 2026 FIFA World Cup countdown reaches 142 days.
Guadalajara (the capital of Jalisco) will host four matches, including Mexico against South Korea, focusing on tourism, transport and fan experiences.
With 142 days to go until the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the Mexican state of Jalisco is finalizing preparations to welcome visitors from around the world, cementing its position as one of the tournament’s most culturally rich and visitor-friendly host destinations.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is being staged for the first time in three countries: Mexico, the United States and Canada, bringing together sixteen host cities united by football. Guadalajara, the capital of Jalisco, will play a central role in the tournament, hosting four group stage matches at the Estadio Guadalajara, including one of the opening matches and a main match featuring the Mexican national team against South Korea on June 18, 2026.
An important World Cup city
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 will be the third time that Jalisco has hosted 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 team.
Tourism capacity ready for global demand
Jalisco’s tourism sector has confirmed that it is fully prepared for the expected wave of international visitors, including football fans traveling from Europe and Great Britain.
The state offers:
– 2,736 accommodation establishments
– More than 82,000 hotel rooms
– More than 46,000 food and beverage outlets, including 25,000 restaurants in key tourist zones
– Two international airports
– 12 Pueblos Mágicos
– Two major beach destinations: Puerto Vallarta and Costalegre
Air connectivity is a cornerstone of the state’s preparedness. Guadalajara International Airport operates 61 direct routes (31 domestic and 30 international), while Puerto Vallarta International Airport offers 55 routes, 41 of which are international. Following investments of more than MXN21 billion, both airports are undergoing major upgrades to ensure world-class facilities ahead of the tournament.
Fan festival and cultural showcase
In addition to the matches, Guadalajara’s historic city center will host the FIFA Fan Festival™ at Plaza de la Liberación, which is expected to attract around three million visitors over 39 days.
Fans can expect the following:
Live match screenings
Cultural performances and concerts
Interactive fan activations
A diverse range of food and drinks
Experiences that highlight the traditions, music and gastronomy of Jalisco
Jalisco stands out as the most Mexican host destination of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as it is the birthplace of tequila, mariachi and charrería – the three most internationally recognized symbols of Mexico. These traditions, all native to Jalisco and recognized by UNESCO as the 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, in addition to Jalisco’s 12 Pueblos Mágicos, will complement the city experience and position the state as a multi-destination hub for soccer fans exploring Mexico before and after the matches.
Official support and international spotlight
After 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 organization.
FIFA has confirmed the participation of 48 national teams in the 2026 tournament, the biggest World Cup in history. This underlines the global scale of the event and the opportunity for host regions such as Jalisco to reach new international audiences.
