The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to make history, and Mexico is right at the heart of it. With the tournament spread across the USA, Canada and Mexico, and 48 teams battling it out, it’s shaping up to be the biggest football event the world’s ever seen.
Heading to Mexico to catch the action live? Whether you’re flying in from abroad or hopping between cities to follow your team, we’re here to help you plan it all.
Our guide covers everything you need - from finding the best airports for each match, to entry rules, travel tips and flexible ways to pay. If you’re getting ready to book flights to Mexico for the 2026 World Cup, you’re exactly where you need to be.
Mexico’s ready to make history again. As one of three host nations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, it’s opening its arms to fans in three incredible cities: Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey. Expect a summer of world-class football, electric crowds and moments you’ll never forget.
The football party kicks off right here. Estadio Azteca will host the tournament’s opening match and more. Here’s the schedule:
Estadio Azteca isn’t just a stadium - it’s football legend. The only venue in the world to host two previous World Cup finals (1970 and 1986), it’s a place where history is made. Expect roaring crowds, buzzing streets and a sea of green jerseys filling the city with energy.
Take a stroll through the historic Zócalo, climb the ancient pyramids of Teotihuacán, or dive into a plate of street tacos that’ll seriously ruin you for any others.
Guadalajara’s Estadio Akron is where passion meets the pitch. This modern stadium will host Mexico’s crucial group stage match and more. Here’s what’s coming up:
With space for almost 50,000 fans, Estadio Akron is no stranger to big moments. It’s the proud home of C.D. Guadalajara (Chivas), one of Mexico’s most legendary teams. Opened in 2010 and packed with next-level facilities, it’s built for matches that matter.
Wander the colourful, art-filled streets of Tlaquepaque, sip tequila right where it’s born, or catch a live mariachi performance in the city where it all began. Fancy some shopping? Head to Mercado Libertad - one of Latin America’s largest indoor markets - and dive into the true spirit of Jalisco.
Modern, massive, and built to impress, Monterrey’s Estadio BBVA is ready to bring the heat. With its sleek design, mountain backdrop and roaring crowds, it's the perfect stage for unforgettable World Cup moments. Here’s what’s lined up so far:
Nicknamed "El Gigante de Acero" (The Steel Giant), this state-of-the-art stadium is one of the jewels of Mexican football. Home to C.F. Monterrey, it’s packed with world-class facilities, incredible acoustics and that electric knockout-stage atmosphere you don’t want to miss.
Lace up for a hike up the iconic Cerro de la Silla and soak up those city views. Take a stroll along the stunning Santa Lucia riverwalk, packed with fountains, art and cafes. And when hunger hits, dig into Monterrey’s famous cabrito (roast goat) - a local favourite that's been fuelling football fans for generations.
Three cities. One unforgettable football party. With Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey all easy to reach through major airports, getting to the heart of the action has never been simpler. Keep reading to plan your trip!
Flying into Mexico for the World Cup? You’ve got plenty of easy options. Direct flights from Europe, Asia, the Americas and the Middle East land every day in Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey.
Big names like Aeroméxico and American Airlines will get you there from cities like London, Paris, Tokyo, Miami and Buenos Aires.
Can’t find a direct flight? No worries - connecting through major hubs like Dallas, Houston or Panama City is simple. Mexico’s airports are well-connected, making it easy to hop between the host cities if you’re following the action.
Want to see it all? A multi-city flight lets you land in one host city and fly home from another. Perfect if you’re starting in Mexico City, catching a match in Guadalajara and finishing up in Monterrey. It usually costs less than booking two one-way tickets, and saves you from going back on yourself.
Plan it your way with our multi-city search tool and pay how you like with over 20 flexible payment options, including Klarna, Sezzle and Affirm.
Mexico City (MEX), Guadalajara (GDL) and Monterrey (MTY) will be key entry points for fans travelling to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. With strong international and domestic connections, getting to the matches will be simple, wherever you're flying from.
Here are some of the main airlines flying into Mexico's host cities:
When you book with us, you can easily compare flights from over 600 airlines and choose from more than 40 flexible ways to pay, including Klarna and Affirm.
For the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Mexico will host matches in Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey. Each city has well-connected airports with a mix of international and domestic flights, making it easy for fans travelling from across the globe.
Located around 10 km from Estadio Azteca, MEX is Mexico’s largest and busiest airport. It offers direct flights from major cities like New York, Los Angeles, Madrid, Paris and Tokyo. Key airlines flying into MEX include Aeromexico, American Airlines, United, Lufthansa, Air France and Emirates. Metro, airport buses and taxis provide easy access to the city and stadiums.
Situated about 45 km from Mexico City, NLU is a growing hub mainly serving domestic and regional international flights. Airlines operating here include Aeromexico, Volaris and Viva Aerobus, with services to cities like Monterrey, Cancun and Houston. Ground transport includes shuttle buses, taxis and car hire options.
Around 60 km west of Mexico City, TLC focuses mainly on low-cost domestic and select US routes. Volaris and Viva Aerobus are the main airlines, offering connections to cities like Tijuana, Cancun and Dallas. Private shuttles and taxis connect travellers to central Mexico City.
Located about 20 km from Estadio Akron, GDL offers strong connectivity across the US and Latin America. Direct flights operate to and from Los Angeles, Houston, Chicago and San Francisco. Airlines include Aeromexico, Volaris, American Airlines, United Airlines and Alaska Airlines. Quick access to the city centre is available via taxi and rideshare services.
Situated around 30 km from Estadio BBVA, MTY is a major hub for northern Mexico. Popular routes include flights from Houston, Dallas, Miami and Mexico City. Main airlines flying here are Viva Aerobus, Volaris, Aeromexico, American Airlines and United Airlines. Taxis, shuttle services and rental cars are available for easy access into Monterrey.
Primarily handling private and regional flights, NTR is about 20 km from downtown Monterrey. It's mainly used for charter flights and smaller domestic services, including regional links with Aerus from places like Laredo, Texas.
With Mexico set to host matches in Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey, demand for flights is expected to climb quickly. Here’s how to plan smart, avoid the stress and stay ahead:
Wherever the World Cup takes you, we’re here to keep your journey simple and stress-free.
Once you’ve landed in Mexico, getting between host cities is straightforward and gives you a chance to see more of the country. With Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey hosting matches, you’ll have a few travel options depending on your schedule and budget.
Domestic flights are the fastest way to travel between cities. Airlines like Aeromexico, Volaris and Viva Aerobus offer regular services between Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey, with plenty of low-cost options to help you save on fares.
If you're planning to arrive in one city and leave from another, booking a multi-city flight is a smart move. It cuts out unnecessary travel, saves time and can often be cheaper than buying two separate tickets. You can build your route with us in just a few clicks and choose from 40+ flexible ways to pay.
For match days in the city, public transport and rideshares will make getting around easy.
Rideshare apps like Uber and DiDi are widely available in all three cities and are a convenient option for trips to and from stadiums, hotels or airports.
The 2026 World Cup in Mexico isn’t just about the football - it’s a chance to experience vibrant cities, world-famous food and an atmosphere you won’t find anywhere else. Before the excitement kicks off, here are a few important things to keep in mind.
Visitors to Mexico may or may not need a visa, depending on your nationality.
Unexpected issues can happen, whether it’s a lost bag, a missed connection or a matchday emergency. Travel insurance can help cover:
You can also add Cancellation Protection when you book with us, giving you the flexibility to cancel for emergency reasons and get your money back.
Take time to experience more of Mexico’s host cities:
Find and book your flights with ease. Compare tickets from over 600 airlines, filter by your favourites and spread the cost with 40+ flexible payment options, including pay later, monthly instalments and interest-free plans.
Flying into Mexico City, Guadalajara or Monterrey? We’ll help you put together a travel plan that works for your journey and your budget.
We’re super proud of our Trustpilot rating, but don’t just take it from us. See why millions of others love booking their flights through Alternative Airlines
For the 2026 FIFA World Cup, it’s smart to book your flight to Mexico between July and October 2025. This is when airlines typically release their cheapest seats for travel in June and July 2026.
Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey will be in high demand, especially around big matches like the Opening Game on 11 June and Mexico’s group stage games on 11, 18 and 24 June.
If you leave it too late (early 2026), flights will likely be more expensive and limited. Booking early not only saves you money but also gives you better options for flight times, connections and airlines.
Plus, if you’re planning to visit more than one host city, early booking makes it easier to find multi-city deals. With us, you can even spread the cost with 40+ flexible ways to pay, including monthly instalments and pay-in-30-days options.
Yes, you can. At Alternative Airlines, we make it easy to spread the cost of your trip to Mexico for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. When you book with us, you can choose from over 40 flexible payment options, including monthly instalments, pay-in-3, and interest-free plans.
We partner with trusted names like Klarna, Affirm, Afterpay and PayPal Credit to give you the flexibility to pay the way that suits you best. Whether you’re flying into Mexico City, Guadalajara or Monterrey, you can reserve flights now and manage the payments later.
Simply select your preferred instalment option at checkout - it’s fast, secure and designed to make booking your World Cup journey that little bit easier. Use our ‘Payment Plan’ filter when searching to find the best options for your trip.
If you're heading to Mexico for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, visa requirements depend on your nationality. Travellers from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and most of Europe don’t need a visa for short stays. Instead, you’ll complete a Tourist Card (FMM), usually provided by your airline or available at the airport on arrival.
If you’re from a country that does require a visa, you’ll need to arrange it before you travel, through a Mexican embassy or consulate. Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the day you arrive.
Entry requirements can change, so it’s always best to check the latest guidance before your trip. The official Mexican immigration website or your nearest embassy will have up-to-date information to help you plan with confidence.
Mexico will host FIFA World Cup 2026 matches in three cities: Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey.
Mexico is co-hosting the tournament with the United States and Canada, staging a total of 13 matches. Planning to follow the action? We make it easy with flexible payment options and flights to all three cities.
Yes, you can. For the Mexico World Cup, it’s a smart way to travel. This type of trip is called an open-jaw ticket, and it’s perfect if you’re planning to catch matches in different cities like Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey without having to double back. For example, you could fly into Mexico City for the opening match, head to Guadalajara for group games, and then fly home from Monterrey after a knockout match.
When booking, just select “multi-city” on our search page and enter your arrival and departure cities. You can mix and match flights from over 600 airlines and build a route that fits your World Cup plans.
So yes, you can fly in where the excitement starts and fly out when your football journey wraps up.
Yes, there are frequent domestic flights between Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey - the three Mexican host cities for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Flying is by far the quickest and easiest way to move between them, with flight times usually under two hours.
Aeromexico, Volaris and Viva Aerobus all offer regular services between the cities, with plenty of options throughout the day. If you’re planning to catch matches in more than one city, booking a multi-city trip is a great choice, and you can spread the cost with over 40 flexible ways to pay, including Klarna, Afterpay and Affirm.
💡Quick tip: Airports will be busier than usual during the tournament. Give yourself extra time for check-in and security, and double-check your baggage allowance when flying between cities.
Yes, flight prices are likely to increase as the 2026 FIFA World Cup gets closer. With matches in Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey, demand for flights will pick up, especially around big games. As seats sell out, airlines typically raise prices, and direct flights into host cities are likely to go first.
Booking early is the best way to secure better fares. With Alternative Airlines, you can secure your flights now and spread the cost over time with 40+ flexible payment options, including Klarna, Affirm and Afterpay.
If you’re planning to travel between Mexico’s host cities, it’s smart to book your domestic flights early too. Demand will only get higher as the tournament schedule fills up.
Flight prices may rise, but booking early and choosing a flexible way to pay can help you stay in control of your travel plans.
Yes, Mexico is preparing to safely welcome visitors from around the world for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Mexican government, FIFA and local authorities are putting extra measures in place to keep stadiums, airports and tourist areas secure during the tournament.
Mexico’s major cities (Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey) already host millions of international visitors every year. Most trips are trouble-free, but, as with any destination, it's important to stay aware of your surroundings and take basic safety precautions.
Travel advisories can vary depending on where you’re travelling from, so it’s a good idea to check your local guidance before you go.
💡Top tips:
With a little planning, you’ll be free to enjoy the football, explore the cities, and make the most of your Mexico World Cup experience.
