GO2CUP
LAST MINUTE GUIDE TO WATCH THE OPENING AND THE 3 GAMES IN MEXICO
Everything a Kansas City fan needs to catch El Tri's opening match — flights, transit, pyramids, and safety.
Free Travel Guide
MCI → MEX
June 2026
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The opening match at Estadio Azteca is Mexico's official home opener. Don't wait until the last second to secure your spot in history.
El Tri Match Schedule
11
Jun
Mexico vs. South Africa
Estadio Azteca, Mexico City · ~2:00 PM CT (Opening / Home Match)
18
Jun
Mexico vs. South Korea
Estadio Akron, Guadalajara (Away Day Trip)
24
Jun
Czechia vs. Mexico
Estadio Azteca, Mexico City · Final Group Stage Match (Home)
Getting There: MCI → Mexico City
Direct Flights
American Airlines flies nonstop from Kansas City (MCI) to Mexico City Benito Juárez (MEX) in roughly 3 hrs 30 min. Prices spike on match weekends — book as early as possible.
Best Travel Dates
Arrive June 9 or 10 to settle in before the June 11 opener. Stay through June 25 to catch all three group-stage matches without a rush departure.
At the Airport
Land at AICM Terminal 1 or 2. Use the authorized taxi booths inside arrivals or open Uber before stepping outside — never accept unsolicited ride offers inside the terminal.
Where to Stay
Roma Norte
Trendy, walkable, packed with incredible restaurants and nightlife. Excellent metro access to the rest of the city.
Condesa
Beautiful tree-lined streets, very safe, peaceful bohemian vibe. Located right next door to Reforma.
Polanco
Upscale, elite security, located right near Chapultepec Park. The absolute best option for luxury stays.
🏨 Book before it's gone: Last-minute rooms in Roma Norte, Condesa, and Polanco are filling up fast. Search both cities filtered to your World Cup dates.
Getting to Estadio Azteca
- Step 1 · Metro Line 2 (Blue): Board at your nearest central station and ride south all the way to the terminal station, Tasqueña.
- Step 2 · Tren Ligero Transfer: Follow the signs at Tasqueña to connect directly to the Tren Ligero (Light Rail) and ride it down to the dedicated Estadio Azteca stop.
- Total Travel Time: Plan for 45–75 minutes from central CDMX.
Match Day Pro-Tips: Buy an Integrated Mobility Card at any metro station ahead of time. On match days, leave 3–4 hours early. Extra FIFA shuttles will run throughout the city. If you get stuck, ride-sharing apps like Uber or DiDi are always your best premium backups.
Full Trip Itinerary
- June 9–10: Arrive in Mexico City · Rest up, check into your hotel, explore Roma/Condesa, and eat authentic street tacos.
- June 11 · MATCH DAY (Mexico vs. South Africa): Leave early for the stadium · Soak up the massive Estadio Azteca Fan Zone atmosphere before kickoff.
- June 12–16: Embark on a Teotihuacan day trip (sunrise hot air balloon!) · Visit the Zócalo Fan Festival · Take in the historic city sights.
- June 17–19: Head to Guadalajara for Mexico vs. South Korea · Take a quick 1-hour domestic flight or a comfortable ~5 hour express bus.
- June 23–25 · Final Group Match: Return to CDMX for Czechia vs. Mexico at Azteca · Celebrate at the final Fan Festivals · Fly home to Kansas City.
Teotihuacan Day Trip
🎈 Bucket List Moment: Hot Air Balloon at Sunrise
Pickup is usually around 4:00–5:00 AM. Experience a breathtaking flight over the ancient pyramids at dawn, followed by an optional walking visit to the archaeological site. Costs average $150–$270 including transportation and breakfast. Spots fill up weeks out — secure yours now.
Hours & Entry
Open 9 AM – 5 PM. Entry is roughly ~$4–5 USD. Arrive precisely at opening to completely beat the massive tour groups.
Best Way to Go
Book a fully guided tour with hotel pickup ($50–$120) or catch a highly affordable public bus directly from Autobuses del Norte station.
Pyramid Climbing Note
Full summits of the Pyramid of the Sun are restricted. However, lower platforms and base steps remain open for incredible perspective photos.
What to Pack
Sturdy walking shoes, high-SPF sunscreen, 2 Liters of water, and a light rain jacket (June marks the start of the local rainy season).
Staying Safe in Mexico City
Stick to tourist safe zones: Roma, Condesa, Polanco, Reforma, Zócalo.
Use Uber or DiDi apps only — never hail unmarked street taxis.
Lock your physical passport in the hotel safe; keep main valuables hidden while walking.
Travel in groups or pairs, especially around packed match days.
CDMX is high altitude — hydrate constantly and pace your alcohol intake.
Emergency contact number is 911. Register your trip with the US STEP program.
Download the official CDMX safety app and save Google Maps offline.
World Cup local security presence will be exceptionally high — great for handling crowds.
Packing Checklist
Passport + Match Tickets
Integrated Mobility Card
Comfortable Walking Shoes
Sunscreen + Rain Jacket
Premium Travel Insurance
Cash (Pesos) + Credit Card
Portable Phone Charger
Offline Maps Downloaded