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Flights to Mexico City for the World Cup

Book flights to Mexico City for the 2026 World Cup

Mexico City, Mexico

Book flights to Mexico City for the 2026 World Cup

Mexico City is calling for the 2026 World Cup and the energy is already building. From packed stadiums to buzzing plazas, it's set to be one of the most exciting places to watch the tournament unfold.

Flights will fill up fast as fans from around the world head in. Book your trip early with Alternative Airlines and split the cost into manageable payments - no need to pay it all upfront.

Search easily, compare flights from hundreds of airlines and book in minutes. We’ll handle the flights, so you can focus on the football.

A view of Mexico City's skyline from Chapultepec Park

World Cup match schedule in Mexico City

Mexico City is front and centre for the 2026 World Cup, with Estadio Azteca hosting the tournament’s opening match and more high-stakes fixtures throughout the group and knockout stages. Here’s what’s on the cards:


Group stage matches:

  • 11 June – Match 1 (Group A - Mexico’s first game)
  • 17 June – Match 24 (Group K)
  • 24 June – Match 53 (Group A - Mexico’s third game)

Knockout stage matches:

  • 30 June - Match 79 (Round of 32)
  • 5 July - Match 92 (Round of 16)

Please note that these match dates might change - keep an eye on this page closer to kick-off for more accurate information.

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Closest airports to Estadio Azteca

Estadio Azteca will host some of the biggest matches of the 2026 World Cup, including Mexico’s opening game. If you're planning to fly in, here are the closest airports to help you land right where the action is:


Mexico City International Airport 🛬

Also known as Benito Juárez International, this is the main airport for Mexico City and the closest to Estadio Azteca. You’ll find a wide range of international and domestic flights here, including options from Aeroméxico, Volaris, Viva Aerobus, American Airlines, Delta and United.

🕒 It’s around 30 minutes to the stadium by car, depending on traffic.


Felipe Ángeles International Airport 🛬

Located in Zumpango, this is the newer airport serving the Mexico City area. It’s further out but still a solid option, especially for domestic routes. Airlines like Viva Aerobus, Volaris and Aeroméxico operate here.

🕒 Travel time to Estadio Azteca is roughly 1 hour by car. Give yourself extra time if you're heading in on a matchday.


Toluca International Airport 🛬

Toluca is smaller and mainly serves low-cost carriers, but it’s still within reach. You’ll usually find flights with Volaris and Viva Aerobus here.

🕒 Expect a 90-minute drive to the stadium. Not the closest, but could be a good alternative if other airports are booked up.

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Flight options to Mexico City for the 2026 World Cup

Flying in for the opening match or catching all three Mexico group-stage games? Mexico City is set to be one of the busiest World Cup spots and getting there is easier than you might think. With multiple flight options and two major airports, you’ve got plenty of ways to touch down right where the action starts.


Direct flights ✈️

Benito Juárez International Airport handles direct flights from cities across North, Central and South America, plus key routes from Europe and Asia. Flying non-stop means you skip the stopovers and arrive ready for matchday.


Connecting flights 🔄

Can’t find a direct route? No problem. Mexico City is a major hub, so connecting through places like Dallas, Houston or Miami is simple. Domestic connections from cities like Monterrey and Guadalajara also run regularly if you're mixing matches across Mexico.


Multi-city flights 🏙️

Chasing the World Cup across borders? Fly into Mexico City, catch a game at Estadio Azteca, then head to another host city like LA, Dallas or Toronto. Use our multi-city search tool to build a custom travel plan that works around your matchdays.

Aeromexico plane

Top airlines flying to Mexico City for the World Cup

Getting to Mexico City for the World Cup should be as easy as enjoying the matches. These three airlines make travel simple, with great routes, solid punctuality and comfort that takes the edge off a long journey.


Aeroméxico

As Mexico’s flagship airline, Aeroméxico brings you straight to the action with direct flights into Mexico City from dozens of major cities. Their local expertise and smooth connections make navigating arrival formalities easier, especially during a busy tournament period.


United Airlines

With regular flights from key hubs like Houston, Chicago and Los Angeles, United is a dependable choice for fans flying in from the US. Add to that strong on-time records and well-connected routes, and you’ve got a solid option for a high-stakes travel window.


Volaris

For travellers keeping an eye on cost without giving up reliability, Volaris offers affordable direct flights from across Mexico and the US. It’s a go-to for flexible schedules and no-fuss service, ideal if you're planning group travel or need to keep plans open.

Mexico City, Mexico

Getting to Estadio Azteca

Flying into Mexico City puts you right near the action. Benito Juárez International Airport is the main gateway, and from there, it’s easy to reach Estadio Azteca by road or rail. Just allow time for the city’s famously busy traffic.


Taxis and ride-shares 🚕

You’ll find official taxis and ride-share options like Uber and Didi just outside the terminal. Travel time to the stadium can take anywhere from 45 minutes to over an hour, depending on traffic. It’s a solid option if you’ve got heavy bags or prefer direct routes.


Metro and light rail 🚄

Mexico City’s Metro is cheap, quick and runs regularly. From the airport, take Line 5 and transfer to Line 2. Get off at Tasqueña and hop on the Tren Ligero (Light Rail) straight to Estadio Azteca station. It’s a great option if you're travelling light and don’t mind crowds.


Local buses 🚌

Several public bus routes also serve the area, including RTP and Metrobus lines. They’re wallet-friendly and popular with locals heading to the game, but expect longer travel times.


Tips for match day 💡

Traffic builds fast on game days so plan for delays. Leave early, keep some pesos handy for public transport and download offline maps - mobile signal isn’t guaranteed everywhere. If you're travelling in a group, some hotels and tour providers offer private transfers to and from the stadium.

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Fly to Mexico City for the World Cup and pay later

Split the cost of your flight 💸

Book your flights to Mexico City now and spread the cost over time with Buy Now Pay Later options like Afterpay, Klarna, Zip, Kueski Pay and more. No need to pay everything upfront - just choose the plan that works for you and secure your trip today.


Flexible ways to pay 🔄

Pay in 4. Pay in 6. Pay in your own time. Our Buy Now Pay Later partners give you the freedom to plan around your budget, whether you’re flying solo or with a full crew. There’s no hidden fees - just clear, simple options that keep things easy.


Secure your booking with support you can count on 🤝

Get instant confirmation, add flight protection and fly with confidence. If you’ve got questions, our dedicated Customer Service team is here to help. We make it simple to get to the stadium, with flexible payments and real people backing you up.

Can I make changes to my booking?

Flexible flights to Mexico City for the World Cup

Mexico City’s hosting the opening match and three group-stage fixtures, so it's no surprise flights will fill fast. But with kick-off times and ticket details still shifting, flexibility matters more than ever.

Look out for fares that let you change dates without big penalties. Many airlines now offer vouchers or fee-free rebooking if plans change. Add travel protection at checkout for that extra layer of backup.

With hundreds of airlines to choose from, it’s easy to find flights that fit around the fixtures. Our filters help you spot flexible fares in seconds, and our pay-later options let you spread the cost while you sort the rest.

Matchday might be fixed, but your travel doesn’t have to be. Get ahead early and keep your plans open.

Excited for the World Cup in Mexico City?

Your World Cup journey to Mexico City starts here. Quick search, flexible fares and over 600 airlines to choose from.

Flying in for match day or adding more stops to your trip? Build a travel plan that works for you and pay your way with simple, stress-free options.

Where to stay in Mexico City for the World Cup

Mexico City will be centre stage for the World Cup in 2026, with Estadio Azteca hosting some of the tournament’s biggest moments. Picking the right place to stay can help you enjoy the matches and the city with less stress.


Centro Histórico ⛪

Stay close to the city’s major landmarks, buzzing street food spots and easy transport links. You’ll be near the action and surrounded by culture at every turn.


Condesa and Roma 🌳

Perfect for laid-back afternoons and lively evenings. These neighbouring districts offer leafy streets, indie cafes and a local vibe that’s great between matches.


Coyoacán 🏡

Further from the noise but full of charm. A peaceful spot with markets, museums and local taquerías, all still within reach of the stadium.


Things to do in Mexico City Between Matches

Matchday or not, there’s plenty to keep you busy. Here's how to make the most of your downtime:

  • Walk the canals of Xochimilco - Float along in a colourful boat and soak up the sounds, snacks and local atmosphere.
  • Take in the views from Torre Latinoamericana - Head to the top for a 360° look at the city skyline.
  • Visit the Frida Kahlo Museum - Explore Casa Azul, the artist’s iconic former home, in the heart of Coyoacán.

💡Want more local tips and travel hacks? Our Mexico City guide has you covered.

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Entry requirements for Mexico

If you're planning to fly into Mexico City for the World Cup, you’ll need the right documents to get past the border. Most travellers must have a valid passport, and depending on your nationality, a visa might be required too.

Many countries don’t need a visa for stays under 180 days, but it's worth checking in advance. Your passport should be valid for the length of your stay - some nationalities may need extra validity, so don’t leave it last minute.

The Mexican government’s official site or your local embassy can guide you through the latest rules. If a visa is needed, give yourself time to apply and get approved before you travel.

With the right documents in hand, you’ll breeze through the airport and straight into the matchday buzz.

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Explore more flights to Mexico for the World Cup

Looking to explore more options? We've created a guide that covers travel to Mexico for the World Cup. Whether you’re flying to Mexico City or other host cities, you’ll find all the tools you need to compare flights, choose flexible payments and book with confidence. Plan your trip your way and get ready to enjoy every moment of the World Cup excitement!

FAQs

When should I book my flight to Mexico City for the World Cup?

Mexico City will be one of the busiest host cities during the 2026 World Cup, with the tournament opener and three group-stage games all taking place at Estadio Azteca. That means demand for flights will climb quickly.

To get the best fares and flight times, aim to book at least 3 to 6 months in advance. Prices tend to rise as matchday gets closer and availability won’t last long.

If you’re planning ahead but not ready to pay it all in one go, you can lock in your flights now and spread the cost over time. No need to wait or risk missing out on the best options.

Planning early means more choice, less stress and one less thing to worry about before kickoff.

Which airport should I fly into for matches in Mexico City?

Most international flights to Mexico City arrive at Benito Juárez International Airport. It’s the city’s main airport and one of the busiest in Latin America, offering direct connections from major hubs across the globe.

Located just east of the city centre, MEX is around a 30-minute drive from Estadio Azteca, depending on traffic. Metro and airport buses also link the terminals with key neighbourhoods, giving you a few ways to travel on matchdays.

Flights will be in high demand with the World Cup kicking off at Estadio Azteca on 11 June. Booking early gives you more flight options and better prices, especially if you’re using flexible payment options with Alternative Airlines.

Are there direct flights to Mexico City from my country?

Mexico City is one of Latin America’s biggest aviation hubs, with direct flights from major cities across the US, Canada, Europe and beyond. Its main airport, Benito Juárez International, handles millions of passengers each year and connects with most major airlines.

If you're flying from a smaller airport, you may need to connect through a nearby hub, like Houston, Dallas or Miami. But getting to Mexico City is straightforward, thanks to frequent routes and strong airline coverage.

Use the search form at the top of the page to see what’s available from your location. You can filter for direct flights or compare the fastest connecting options. Either way, we’ll help you get to the action in time for kick-off.

Can I book my flights now and pay later?

Yes - you can book your flights to Mexico City for the 2026 World Cup today and pay later. With over 40 flexible ways to pay, including pay-in-instalments and pay-later options, you’re in full control of how and when you pay.

Thanks to our trusted payment partners, you can secure the best flight options now, without needing to cover the full cost upfront. That means less stress, better prices and more time to focus on planning your trip.

Mexico City is hosting some of the tournament’s biggest early matches, including the very first kick-off at Estadio Azteca. Booking early means you won’t miss out. Pick your flights, choose how you want to pay and get ready for football at its finest.

How do I get to Estadio Azteca from Mexico City?

Estadio Azteca sits in the south of Mexico City, in the Coyoacán area. It’s one of the most iconic stadiums in the world and well connected by public transport.

The Metro is your cheapest option. Line 2 takes you to Tasqueña station, where you can switch to the light rail (Tren Ligero) heading to Estadio Azteca station. The stadium is a short walk from there.

Taxis and ride-hailing apps like Uber are widely available too, but travel times can jump on match days, especially near kick-off.

If you’re driving, be ready for traffic and restricted parking. Taking the Metro or light rail is often quicker and less stressful.

Is public transport reliable in Mexico City during the World Cup?

Mexico City’s Metro, Metrobús and trolleybus systems cover a lot of ground, with connections to key areas including Estadio Azteca. Public transport is generally affordable and well-used by locals, but during the World Cup, crowds will be heavier than usual, especially on matchdays.

The city often boosts services during major events, with more staff and extra trains helping fans get to the stadiums. Even so, packed carriages and occasional delays are likely. Give yourself extra time, especially if you're travelling close to kick-off.

Choosing flights that fit your match schedule can help you stay in control of your trip. When you book with Alternative Airlines, you can pay later or split the cost, making planning that bit easier.