Guadalajara is not just a city watching the 2026 World Cup on a screen: it is one of Mexico’s three official host cities. Estadio Akron hosts four group-stage matches, including one of Mexico’s, and the whole city is in World Cup mode from June 11 to July 19. If you are here and want to make the most of it, this guide tells you exactly where to watch every match, from the free FIFA Fan Fest in the historic center to the best sports bars in the metro area. You will find addresses, prices, hours and tips so you do not miss a single goal.
World Cup events are spread across the historic center, Zapopan, the Centro Cultural Universitario and Estadio Akron. That is why many visitors choose a car rental in Guadalajara to move freely between the different venues and activities.
🗓️ Key dates: FIFA World Cup 2026 · June 11 to July 19 · Guadalajara is an official host city · 4 matches at Estadio Akron · Mexico plays South Korea on June 18
Free Places to Watch the World Cup in Guadalajara
Guadalajara has a big advantage over other cities: as an official host, it has more free viewing spaces than during any previous World Cup. From the FIFA Fan Fest to universities and public squares, there are options for every taste and every part of the city.
1. FIFA Fan Fest: Plaza de la Liberación (Historic Center)
Guadalajara’s official FIFA Fan Festival is the heart of the World Cup in the city. It is set in Plaza de la Liberación, the square in front of Teatro Degollado, between Guadalajara Cathedral and the Government Palace, and it also extends along Paseo Fray Antonio Alcalde and the Rotonda de los Jaliscienses Ilustres.
With capacity for up to 60,000 people a day, the Fan Fest runs for all 39 days of the tournament and shows all 104 matches on giant screens. Beyond the broadcasts, there are live concerts, activations by official FIFA sponsors, local food and official merchandise. It is the most complete World Cup experience in the city, and it is completely free.
Plaza de la Liberación is one of the most iconic spaces in Guadalajara’s historic center, surrounded by 19th-century colonial architecture. Watching a Mexico match there with 60,000 people is an experience you will hardly find anywhere else in the world.
ℹ️ Practical info: Plaza de la Liberación, Guadalajara historic center · Free · June 11 – July 19, 2026 · Every day · All matches · Capacity: 60,000 people · Getting there: Light Rail (Tren Ligero), Catedral station (Line 1) · Arrive 2 hours early for Mexico matches
2. “Vibra Jalisco” Fan Zone: Auditorio Benito Juárez (Zapopan)
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If you are staying in Zapopan, the Vibra Jalisco Fan Zone at Auditorio Benito Juárez is the perfect alternative to the downtown Fan Fest. This space, set up especially for the World Cup, combines live broadcasts with a full lineup of more than 35 free concerts during the tournament.
Auditorio Benito Juárez is one of the most important venues in the metro area, in an easy-to-reach part of Zapopan. The concept is similar to the downtown Fan Fest, but with a more local, family atmosphere, and it is usually less crowded, which can be a plus for high-demand matches such as Mexico’s.
ℹ️ Practical info: Auditorio Benito Juárez, Zapopan · Free · June 11 – July 19, 2026 · Every day · Getting there: Macrobus Line 2 or Uber from downtown (approx. 15 min, approx. MXN $80-100) · Includes concerts and food
3. Fut Fest UDG: Pantalla Bicentenario (CCU)
The University of Guadalajara is hosting its own World Cup event, the Fut Fest UDG, at the Centro Cultural Universitario on Periférico Norte. The main attraction is the Pantalla Bicentenario, one of the largest outdoor screens in Jalisco, which will show every match of the tournament.
Fut Fest goes beyond soccer, with outdoor movies, cultural activities, live music, food stands and activities for the whole family. It is an especially good option if you are traveling with kids or want a calmer, more cultural experience than the huge downtown Fan Fest.
ℹ️ Practical info: Centro Cultural Universitario, Periférico Norte 2093, Guadalajara · Free · June 11 – July 19, 2026 · Getting there: Macrobus Line 1 (CCU station) or Uber (approx. MXN $60-80 from downtown) · Includes movies, culture and food
4. Fiesta del Fútbol: Plaza de las Américas (Zapopan)
In front of the well-known Basilica of Zapopan, Plaza de las Américas becomes another free World Cup hub throughout the tournament. It is open from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. every match day, with broadcasts, family activities, food and local products from Jalisco artisans.
ℹ️ Practical info: Plaza de las Américas, in front of the Basilica of Zapopan · Free · June 11 – July 19, 2026 · 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. daily · Getting there: Light Rail Line 1 to Periférico, then Macrobus, or Uber (approx. MXN $70 from downtown)
5. Guadalajara Beer Festival World Cup Edition (Casa Rosa Luis Barragán)
If you want to combine soccer with craft beer and local food in a unique setting, the Guadalajara Beer Festival World Cup edition is for you. This special event takes place at Casa Rosa Luis Barragán on selected dates: June 11 and 18, June 24 and July 19, matching Mexico’s matches at the Akron and the World Cup Final.
ℹ️ Practical info: Casa Rosa Luis Barragán, Guadalajara · From MXN $200 · Dates: June 11, June 18, June 24, July 19 · Selected matches only (mainly Mexico) · Craft beer, food and family activities
The Best Sports Bars to Watch the World Cup in Guadalajara
The Fan Fests are great for the big-crowd experience, but if you would rather watch the World Cup in a smaller setting, with good food, a beer in hand and a reserved seat, Guadalajara’s sports bars are your best bet.
6. York Pub: Guadalajara’s English Pub
York Pub is the favorite sports bar for European soccer fans in Guadalajara. Inspired by traditional English pubs, it shows all the major sporting events on multiple screens, and the atmosphere gets electric at every big match. Its menu of craft and imported beers, along with fish & chips, wings and pizza, makes it a complete option.
York Pub has several locations in the metro area: Avenida Chapultepec (Colonia Americana), Ladrón de Guevara, Tlaquepaque, Plaza del Sol and downtown Zapopan.
ℹ️ Practical info: Main location: Av. Chapultepec, Colonia Americana · Other locations in Tlaquepaque, Plaza del Sol and Zapopan · Average spend: MXN $150-300 · Hours: 2:00 p.m. – 2:00 a.m. · WhatsApp reservations recommended for Mexico matches
7. Rush Sports Bar (Zapopan)
Rush Sports Bar is one of the most complete sports bars in the metro area. It covers all the big events: soccer, NBA, NFL, UFC, baseball and the 2026 World Cup. Its screens and large-format projections are among the best in the city, and the kitchen serves American food.
ℹ️ Practical info: Av. Santa Margarita 3398, Col. Los Girasoles, Zapopan · Average spend: MXN $150-250 · Getting there: Uber from downtown (approx. MXN $120-150, approx. 20 min) · Shows every World Cup match
8. SkyGamers Sports Bar (Av. Vallarta)
SkyGamers Sports Bar stands out for its large-scale projections, ideal for watching the match on a huge screen in the heart of the city. Full menu: nachos, ribs, burgers and pizza. It is on Avenida Vallarta and easy to reach from anywhere.
ℹ️ Practical info: Av. Vallarta 874 (between Camarena and Escorza), downtown area · Average spend: MXN $100-200 · Getting there: Light Rail, Mexicaltzingo station, or about a 15-minute walk from the historic center
9. Mestizo GDL (Providencia)
Mestizo GDL is the go-to sports bar in Colonia Providencia. Its Food, Sports & Drinks concept covers every sport and takes reservations. Ideal if you are staying in the northern part of the city.
ℹ️ Practical info: Calle Ontawa 1581, Colonia Providencia, Guadalajara · Average spend: MXN $150-250 · WhatsApp reservations recommended
10. California Wings and Beer
California Wings and Beer pairs sports broadcasts with wings and house craft beers. With two locations in Guadalajara, it is a popular spot for groups of friends during big matches.
ℹ️ Practical info: Location 1: Av. Guadalupe 1130 Local 3, Jardín de San Ignacio · Location 2: Av. Manuel Acuña 3184, Col. Monraz · Average spend: MXN $120-200 · Specialty: wings and craft beer
11. Alboa: Soccer and Bowling
Alboa offers something different: a sports bar with a giant screen plus bowling for after the match. Located in the Landmark shopping center (Av. Patria), it is ideal for groups who want to turn the World Cup into a full night out.
ℹ️ Practical info: Landmark shopping center, Patria 188, units P9-P10, Guadalajara · Estimated spend: MXN $200-400 (includes bowling) · Ideal for groups and families
Estadio Akron: Watching the World Cup Live
Estadio Akron, renamed Estadio Guadalajara for the tournament, hosts four group-stage matches of the 2026 World Cup. If you have tickets, watching a World Cup match in the stadium is hard to beat. The venue holds more than 45,000 spectators, and FIFA runs special transportation from several points in the city on match days.
⚽ Estadio Akron schedule, 2026 World Cup:
• June 11, 8:00 p.m.: South Korea vs Czech Republic
• June 18, 7:00 p.m.: Mexico vs South Korea ⬅️
• June 23, 8:00 p.m.: Colombia vs DR Congo
• June 26, 6:00 p.m.: Uruguay vs Spain
Tips for the World Cup in Guadalajara
Get to the Fan Fest early. For Mexico matches at Plaza de la Liberación, plan to arrive at least 2 hours before kickoff. The space holds 60,000 people, but it fills up fast.
Use public transportation. The Light Rail (Tren Ligero) and the Macrobus are your best options. For the downtown Fan Fest, use Catedral station (Line 1). Avoid driving: parking downtown during the World Cup is very difficult.
If you would rather avoid transfers and parking hassles, private transfers are a comfortable way to get between the airport, your hotel, the Fan Fest and the city’s different World Cup zones.
Book a table at the bar. For Mexico matches, sports bars fill up hours in advance. York Pub, Mestizo GDL and Rush Sports Bar take reservations, so use them.
What to bring to the Fan Fest: comfortable clothes, sunscreen, water, cash for food and an official photo ID. Outside alcoholic drinks and large backpacks are not allowed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Guadalajara FIFA Fan Fest free?
Yes. The FIFA Fan Fest at Plaza de la Liberación is completely free and open to the public all 39 days of the tournament (June 11 to July 19, 2026). No advance registration is required.
When does Mexico play at Estadio Akron?
Mexico plays at Estadio Akron on June 18, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. against South Korea, in Group A. It is the most anticipated World Cup match in Guadalajara.
How do I get to the Fan Fest at Plaza de la Liberación?
The easiest way is the Light Rail (Line 1), getting off at Catedral station. From there it is a few minutes’ walk to Plaza de la Liberación. You can also take Macrobus Line 1 or 2.
Which World Cup matches are played at Estadio Akron?
The Akron hosts four matches: South Korea vs Czech Republic (June 11), Mexico vs South Korea (June 18), Colombia vs DR Congo (June 23) and Uruguay vs Spain (June 26), all in the group stage.
Can bars in Guadalajara legally show the World Cup?
Yes, as long as they have the proper signal. Businesses can show the World Cup as part of their regular activity as long as they do not charge a specific cover for the event. The sports bars in this guide show the matches legally.
Guadalajara: A Great City for the 2026 World Cup
Few cities in the world offer what Guadalajara has this summer: it is an official World Cup host city, with a free Fan Fest for 60,000 people, a network of sports bars among the best in the country and a first-rate cultural and food scene. Whether you are visiting or live here, watching the World Cup in Guadalajara is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
If you want to keep exploring the city while you enjoy the World Cup, see our guide to things to do in Guadalajara and the most beautiful places in the city to round out your trip.
🏆 Ready for the World Cup in Guadalajara? Save this guide, book a table at your favorite bar and get to the Fan Fest early. ¡Arriba el Tri! (Go Mexico!)
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